PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Soto Rojas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zaurbek Tabolov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Soto Rojas has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Rojas
vs
Tabolov

181 cm
26
161 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

171 cm
19
166 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Soto Rojas!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Zaurbek Tabolov!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, James Atkins and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rojas takes one on the button.
Rojas looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A right-left combo lands from Rojas.
Rojas getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

Tabolov is rocked!
Tabolov throws a jab but it's blocked by Rojas.

Oh, that's a big right hand from Rojas and Tabolov goes tumbling to the canvas! Rojas follows him to the ground and looks to finish from half guard.
Tabolov is still in real trouble! Can Rojas finish him?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Tabolov trying to control here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tabolov is trying is best to control the position here.
Tabolov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rojas. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Rojas looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Rojas wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tabolov keeps working.

Rojas wants to work for an arm triangle but Tabolov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Rojas is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Tabolov sees it coming and defends easily.
Tabolov seems to have recovered his senses.
Rojas wants to control but Tabolov is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rojas is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Tabolov is looking to improve his position.
Tabolov wants to control the action here but instead Rojas manages to pass to full mount!

Rojas goes for an armbar but Tabolov turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Tabolov.
Rojas is trying to control the position but Tabolov postures up.

Rojas working for a triangle but Tabolov defends it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tabolov throwing strikes from guard but Rojas blocks nicely.

Rojas pushes a forearm under Tabolov's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Tabolov is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Soto Rojas!
Soto Rojas retains his lightweight title!
A victorious Soto Rojas thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.