PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Andrey Eremeev (ranked 1087 p4p, 122 weight class) and Riza Rakija (ranked 1778 p4p, 188 weight class). Rakija has chosen Rakija as his entrance music. 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.

Eremeev
vs
Rakija

189 cm
29
165 lbs
16 - 12 - 0

174 cm
32
167 lbs
14 - 12 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

RAGS of a RONIN

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 16 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Andrey Eremeev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Riza Rakija!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Anni Minnemäki and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rakija lands with a straight right. Eremeev didn't see that one coming.
Eremeev throws the left hand but Rakija avoids the punch easily.

Rakija gets a double leg takedown into Eremeev's guard.
Rakija not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Rakija stopping the sweep attempt from Eremeev.
Rakija looking to pass the guard.
Rakija advances position into side control!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Eremeev 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.
Rakija trying to control the action but Eremeev is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Eremeev is trying to improve his position.

Rakija tries for a kimura but Eremeev is defending well.

Rakija has hold of Eremeev's arm here. He's working for an Americana. It looks like he might have it! Eremeev tries to escape but he's just digging himself in deeper - Rakija cranks the arm and Eremeev screams in pain! The ref makes a decision and ends the fight before the tap - no complains from Eremeev, who is just happy to have his arm attached to his body.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Riza Rakija!
An out of breath Riza Rakija thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.