PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Anzhor Azhiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Suliman Kane (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Azhiev
vs
Kane

177 cm
31
144 lbs
14 - 45 - 0

180 cm
29
140 lbs
7 - 12 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 45 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Anzhor Azhiev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Suliman Kane!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Arvi Lind and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Azhiev with a lazy takedown attempt
and Kane counters with a nice body shot.
Kane throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Azhiev gets cracked there but stands up to it.

Kane gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Kane has picked Azhiev up - he's going for a ride! Kane dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Kane is controlling the pace.
It looks like Kane might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Azhiev looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kane is taking a breather. Azhiev says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Azhiev looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Azhiev makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Azhiev.
Kane wants to pass the guard but Azhiev is keeping the position.

Kane gets to his feet - Azhiev follows without any prompting.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Azhiev.
Kane throws a series of punches but Azhiev moves out of range.

Kane shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Azhiev is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kane pulls his head out easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Azhiev looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Kane stands up and beckons Azhiev to join him on the feet.
Azhiev shoots for a takedown but Kane saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Despite the aggression on Kane's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anzhor Azhiev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Azhiev is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kane sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Kane closes the distance and pushes Azhiev back into the cage.
Azhiev tries to pull guard but Kane holds him up against the cage and eventually Azhiev drops back down to his feet.
Azhiev tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kane smiles and moves away.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Kane.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Azhiev is trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kane is working to tighten his grip on Azhiev's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Azhiev has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Kane is really squeezing tight and eventually Azhiev passes out! Kane breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Suliman Kane!
Anzhor Azhiev was interviewed post fight and said 'I still want that title shot. Im the most experienced fighter here and everyday wants to see me smash the champ so lets do it whenever he starts ducking me.'.