PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Affe Vanhanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vanhanen is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Medieval pagan music - Runestones. 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.

Nurmagomedov
vs
Vanhanen

177 cm
21
156 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

178 cm
29
168 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

MayheM sportswear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Affe Vanhanen!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nurmagomedov connects with a jab.
Nurmagomedov closes this distance looking for a takedown but Vanhanen circles away.
Vanhanen throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Nurmagomedov counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Vanhanen wants to stall.
Nurmagomedov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Vanhanen after a bit of a struggle.
Our sources have told us that Nurmagomedov has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Vanhanen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Vanhanen lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Vanhanen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nurmagomedov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Vanhanen is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khabib Nurmagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vanhanen lands with a left to the head.
Vanhanen is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Nurmagomedov is defending well.
Vanhanen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A nice left hand lands by Vanhanen.
Nurmagomedov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Vanhanen gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Vanhanen has a couple of punches blocked by Nurmagomedov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanhanen gets underhooks to prevent Nurmagomedov's takedown attempt.

Vanhanen breaks from the clinch.
Vanhanen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Vanhanen throws an off balance right hand

and Nurmagomedov counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Nurmagomedov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Nurmagomedov prevents Vanhanen from improving his position.
Vanhanen is trying to maintain the position but Nurmagomedov is very close to passing his half guard.
Nurmagomedov wants to control but Vanhanen is keeping him busy.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Vanhanen can do anything to dispel that myth.
Vanhanen tries to roll over but Nurmagomedov keeps him under control.
Nurmagomedov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Nurmagomedov wants to take a breather but Vanhanen is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Nurmagomedov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Vanhanen has managed to free his arm - good work.

Nurmagomedov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Vanhanen doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Vanhanen is just riding it out for now. Nurmagomedov eventually gives up the hold.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vanhanen taking some punishment here, with Nurmagomedov in his half guard.
Nurmagomedov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanhanen wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Nurmagomedov working over Vanhanen with some ground and pound. Vanhanen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Vanhanen trying to control from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov prevents Vanhanen from standing back up.
Ground and pound from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Nurmagomedov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Vanhanen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Nurmagomedov is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Vanhanen is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Vanhanen avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov content to control rather than advance.

Nurmagomedov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Vanhanen has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Nurmagomedov is working for a kimura but Vanhanen is defending it quite comfortably.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vanhanen avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nurmagomedov.
Vanhanen trying to control from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Vanhanen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Nurmagomedov is working away from the top position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khabib Nurmagomedov dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Vanhanen slaps away a takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Nurmagomedov defending well as Vanhanen loads up on a big left hand.

Nurmagomedov drives through with a takedown into Vanhanen's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Nurmagomedov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Nurmagomedov is pushing down on Vanhanen's leg trying to pass to half guard. Vanhanen is fighting to maintain full guard but Nurmagomedov has managed to sneak the leg through.

Nurmagomedov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Vanhanen is just riding it out for now. Nurmagomedov eventually gives up the hold.
Nurmagomedov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Nurmagomedov wants to pass the guard but Vanhanen is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the action but Vanhanen is working from the bottom.
Vanhanen looks like he's trying to stand up.
Vanhanen trying to control but Nurmagomedov postures up.

Nurmagomedov has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Vanhanen defend it? Nurmagomedov steps over the head and cranks it - Vanhanen is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Nurmagomedov!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Khabib Nurmagomedov!
A victorious Khabib Nurmagomedov thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.