PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Russell Northrop (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Levan Kvirkvelia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Northrop comes into the arena with Alive And Kicking blaring out of the sound system. 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.

Northrop
vs
Kvirkvelia

180 cm
25
175 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

173 cm
23
175 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Humanoid Nutrition (160Q for 160$)
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Russell Northrop!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Levan Kvirkvelia!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kvirkvelia on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Northrop smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Kvirkvelia goes for a double leg but Northrop avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Northrop continues to drive forward.
Kvirkvelia moves out of range as Northrop strikes.
Kvirkvelia throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Russell Northrop seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Northrop lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Nice shot lands for Northrop.
Kvirkvelia steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Northrop.
Northrop blocks a jab.
Northrop looks to land a right hand but Kvirkvelia moved out of range.
Kvirkvelia slips a jab from Northrop.
Kvirkvelia takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Northrop misses with a straight right.
Kvirkvelia slips a jab from Northrop.
Kvirkvelia has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Northrop throws an overhand right that lands on Kvirkvelia's shoulder, as Kvirkvelia tries to avoid the shot.
Northrop misses with a looping left.
Kvirkvelia cracks Northrop with an open hand slap.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Northrop throws a shot from downtown. Kvirkvelia moves away and avoids it.
Kvirkvelia only half commits to the counter leg kick.
We've been hearing reports that Northrop has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Kvirkvelia throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Northrop checks the leg kick.
Kvirkvelia bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
The crowd cheers as Northrop lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kvirkvelia doesn't seem phased though.
Northrop jabbing away but nothing is landing.
And Kvirkvelia responds with a good body kick, but Northrop manages to step out the way in time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kvirkvelia pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Northrop throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kvirkvelia steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
A jab from Northrop misses.
Russell Northrop is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Kvirkvelia changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Northrop looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Northrop regains half guard.
Northrop is looking for a sweep. Kvirkvelia is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Northrop is pressing down on Kvirkvelia's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Northrop is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Northrop is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Kvirkvelia trying to control the position from guard on top but Northrop is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Northrop is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kvirkvelia defends well.

Kvirkvelia got a little sloppy there for a moment and Northrop has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Kvirkvelia has managed to get both his arms back between Northrop's legs - danger averted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Northrop looking for a sweep. Not yet Northrop, not yet.
Kvirkvelia advances to half guard.

Northrop looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Kvirkvelia looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Kvirkvelia trying to control from half guard but Northrop is working away.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Kvirkvelia wants to pass the guard but Northrop is defending well.
Northrop is pressing down on Kvirkvelia's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kvirkvelia looking to pass the guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Northrop is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Kvirkvelia rolls with it to try and escape but Northrop cranks on the arm and Kvirkvelia is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Russell Northrop!
Russell Northrop decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.