PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Hector Barbosa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anzhor Azhiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Barbosa
vs
Azhiev

165 cm
34
148 lbs
23 - 11 - 2

177 cm
34
144 lbs
18 - 50 - 0

Great wrestler
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

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 23 - 11 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Hector Barbosa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 50 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Anzhor Azhiev!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Johanna Lukiainen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Azhiev shoots in but no luck this time.
Barbosa changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Barbosa misses with a two punch combination.
Azhiev shoots in for a takedown but Barbosa shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Barbosa changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Azhiev fails to land the takedown.
Hector Barbosa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Anzhor Azhiev.
Azhiev shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Barbosa as he avoids it easily.
Azhiev tries for a takedown but Barbosa sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Azhiev shoots for a double leg takedown but Barbosa sprawls well. He's pushed Azhiev's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Azhiev shoots in for a double leg but Barbosa sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Azhiev darts in looking for a takedown but Barbosa gets double underhooks and turns Azhiev into the cage.

Barbosa drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Barbosa scores with a couple of short elbows.
Barbosa taking a breather here.
Barbosa has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Check out the look on Barbosa's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Barbosa lands some shots froms side control.
Azhiev tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Barbosa wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Barbosa happy to just control the position for now.
Barbosa connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Azhiev some visible discomfort.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Azhiev tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Barbosa connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Azhiev some visible discomfort.
Barbosa landing strikes.
Barbosa scores with a couple of short elbows.

Azhiev is rocked!

Barbosa has hold of Azhiev's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Azhiev seems comfortable defending it but Barbosa has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Azhiev is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Azhiev is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Barbosa couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Hector Barbosa!
An out of breath Hector Barbosa thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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.'.