PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rolf Eriksson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Xyaire Howard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Eriksson
vs
Howard

200 cm
25
220 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

192 cm
23
200 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rolf Eriksson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Xyaire Howard!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Arvi Lind and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Eriksson throws an overhand right that lands on Howard's shoulder, as Howard tries to avoid the shot.

Howard closes the distance and pushes Eriksson back into the cage.

Howard manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Howard is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Eriksson trying to control the position from guard on top but Howard is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Howard looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Howard can do anything to dispel that myth.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Eriksson works over Howard with some ground and pound from guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Howard holds on and takes a little breather.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Eriksson trying to control the position from guard on top but Howard is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Howard is adopting a defensive guard.
Howard keeping moving, preventing Eriksson from controlling successfully.
Howard wants to stand up but Eriksson is controlling him.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Eriksson wants to control from the top but Howard keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Eriksson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Howard circles away.
Eriksson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Howard tries to avoid it but Eriksson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Howard to the ground. Howard escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Eriksson fails to land with a series of punches.

Howard changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Eriksson looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Eriksson gets back to half guard.
Eriksson wants to control but Howard is keeping busy.
Howard prevents Eriksson from improving his position.
Eriksson gets back to full guard.
Howard is looking to stand up but Eriksson won't let him.

Eriksson looking to try and escape his hips here, looking for a submission. It looks like he's going for a triangle but Howard is defending well. Eriksson quickly switches to an armbar and extends the arm! Howard has no choice but to tap, to a very quick submission! Wow, that was lightning fast! Eriksson celebrates on the cage, with the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rolf Eriksson!