PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Don Smolensky (ranked 6095 p4p, 473 weight class) and Rahib Nagibov (ranked 25047 p4p, 0 weight class). Rahib Nagibov is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Smolensky
vs
Nagibov

165 cm
25
153 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

176 cm
25
145 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Don Smolensky!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rahib Nagibov!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Nard Betker and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nagibov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Smolensky tries to avoid it but Nagibov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Smolensky to the ground. Smolensky escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Smolensky appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Nagibov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nagibov misses with a combination

and Smolensky decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Nagibov's guard.
Smolensky throwing strikes from guard but Nagibov blocks nicely.
Nagibov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Smolensky forces his way into half guard.
Nagibov taking some punishment here, with Smolensky in his half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Smolensky is looking for a kimura but Nagibov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Smolensky to get the leverage.

Smolensky is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Smolensky stands up from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nagibov tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Smolensky counters with a takedown into side control.
Nagibov wants to get back to his feet but Smolensky is dominant here and he's now got Nagibov's back!

Smolensky is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Nagibov has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Smolensky looking for the rear naked choke. And he's got it! Nagibov taps!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Don Smolensky!