PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Artur Azaryan (ranked 4436 p4p, 0 weight class) and Liber Alderich (ranked 2640 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Azaryan might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Notorious BIG - Mo Money Mo Problems. Alderich has chosen Till I collapse as his entrance music. Liber Alderich is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Azaryan
vs
Alderich

185 cm
24
176 lbs
3 - 4 - 1

180 cm
31
183 lbs
17 - 11 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Very quick

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

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 3 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Artur Azaryan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Liber Alderich!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Gwen Towbar and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Alderich darts in looking for a takedown but Azaryan gets double underhooks and turns Alderich into the cage.

Alderich closes the distance and clinches.
Alderich avoiding damage as Azaryan throws knees to the body.
Azaryan trying to land knees to the body.
Alderich lands a right hand that snaps the head of Azaryan backwards.
Azaryan is working Alderich over against the cage.
Azaryan trying to land knees to the body.
Alderich scores with a shoulder strike.
Azaryan unloads a knee to the mid-section.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Alderich has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Alderich changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Azaryan fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Alderich wants to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Alderich moves into range and clinches up with Azaryan.
Alderich blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Alderich breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Alderich instigates a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Azaryan with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Alderich lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Azaryan backwards.
Alderich on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Alderich lands an uppercut.
Azaryan is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Alderich is defending well for now.
Azaryan looking to slow down the pace here.

Alderich breaks from the clinch.

Alderich closes the distance and pushes Azaryan back into the cage.
Azaryan is looking for a takedown.
Azaryan is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Azaryan trying to control the position but instead, Alderich has worked for underhooks and has pushed Azaryan into the cage.

Alderich gets control of Azaryan's arms and successfully pulls guard. Alderich will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Azaryan has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Alderich is proving hard to escape from.
Alderich wants to stand up but Azaryan is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Alderich looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Azaryan has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Alderich is proving hard to escape from.

Azaryan decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Alderich, up you get!
Alderich throws a nice looking combination but Azaryan bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Azaryan throwing a counter right hand but Alderich manages to avoid it.
A head kick misses from Alderich.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Azaryan pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Azaryan blocks the body kick.
Azaryan checks a low kick from Alderich.
Azaryan feinted there with a counter leg kick.
A combination from Alderich does no damage.
Azaryan connects with a looping right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alderich misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Azaryan thows a left - swing and a miss!
Alderich tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Alderich darts in trying to clinch
and Azaryan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Alderich tries a head kick but it misses.
An attempted straight right counter from Azaryan misses the target.

Azaryan tries to keep at a distance but Alderich has taken the fight into the clinch.
Azaryan misses with a knee to the head.
Alderich jumps guard but Azaryan turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Artur Azaryan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Liber Alderich.
Azaryan looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Alderich scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Alderich has Azaryan pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Azaryan manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Alderich tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Azaryan smiles and moves away.
Azaryan lands a nice looking body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Azaryan misses with a straight left.
Alderich throws a head kick that misses.
Azaryan swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Azaryan blocks a head kick by Alderich.
Azaryan throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Alderich moves in looking to clinch but Azaryan pushes him off.
Azaryan throws a jab when Alderich was well out of range.
Jab from Alderich.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Alderich moves to clinch but Azaryan breaks away
and Azaryan cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Alderich checks a low kick from Azaryan.
Azaryan scores with a leg kick.

Alderich closes the distance and pushes Azaryan back into the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Liber Alderich dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Alderich throws a right and a left that Azaryan avoids nicely.

Alderich clinches with his opponent.
A short left from Alderich.
A shot in the inside from Azaryan.
Alderich wants a takedown.
Alderich tries to score a body lock takedown but Azaryan shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Alderich goes for a takedown attempt but Azaryan pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Artur Azaryan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Liber Alderich.
Alderich looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Alderich just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromAzaryan.
A solid leg kick lands there for Azaryan.
Azaryan steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Alderich.
Alderich just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromAzaryan.
A low kick from Alderich is predictable there
and Azaryan counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Alderich fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Azaryan, pushing him back against the cage.
Azaryan trying to control the position but instead, Alderich has worked for underhooks and has pushed Azaryan into the cage.
Alderich lands a shoulder strike.
Alderich tries to score a body lock takedown but Azaryan shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Azaryan prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Azaryan escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Azaryan gets tackled into the cage by Alderich. Alderich maintains the clinch.

Azaryan breaks from the clinch.
Alderich pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A head kick misses from Alderich.
As Alderich backs away, Azaryan returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Azaryan scores with a nice strike.
Azaryan swings widly with a right hand
and Alderich counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Alderich has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Alderich misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Alderich has closed the distance and engaged Azaryan in a clinch.
Azaryan prevents the takedown attempt.
Alderich misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Azaryan wants to get back to striking at distance but Alderich won't allow it.
Alderich scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Alderich's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Azaryan lands with a short head shot on the inside.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Azaryan tries to land knees in the clinch but Alderich avoids the damage to the body.
Azaryan throws a head punch that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Alderich jumps guard.
Alderich controls Azaryan momentarily but Azaryan frees himself.
Azaryan trying to stand up but can't free himself from Alderich's guard.
Azaryan wants to stand and escape but instead Alderich has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Alderich wants to stand but Azaryan has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Alderich stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Azaryan swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Alderich is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Azaryan is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Azaryan has escaped and now he's on top!

Alderich pulls Azaryan in close to his closed guard and prevents Azaryan from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Alderich wants to sweep but no luck.
Alderich has a closed guard, preventing Azaryan from standing up.
Alderich lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Azaryan 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.
Alderich stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Azaryan swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Azaryan has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Alderich can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Azaryan looking for a sweep. Not yet Azaryan, not yet.

Alderich drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Azaryan manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Alderich has Azaryan in his guard.

Azaryan stands and steps away. Alderich gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Alderich tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Azaryan throws a head kick that half lands.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Liber Alderich will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Alderich throws a head kick but Azaryan moves out of range.
Alderich with a lazy takedown attempt
and Azaryan counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Azaryan looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Azaryan keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Azaryan swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Alderich tries to clinch
and Azaryan counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Alderich misses with a jab, cross combination.
Alderich tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Artur Azaryan is winning the standup battle so far.
Alderich throws an off balance right hand
and Azaryan counters with a slapping leg kick.
Alderich swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Azaryan cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Alderich tries to clinch up
and Azaryan cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Alderich misses with a lunging right hand
and Azaryan counters with a thumping low kick.
Some wild striking there from Alderich.
Azaryan seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A combination from Alderich does no damage.
Alderich doesn't manage to clinch there - Azaryan circles away.
Azaryan is looking for a counter combo.

Alderich closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Alderich tries to pull guard but Azaryan won't allow it.
Alderich lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Alderich scores with a shoulder strike.
Azaryan has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Alderich avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Azaryan stops a takedown attempt from Alderich.
Artur Azaryan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Liber Alderich.
Alderich takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Azaryan using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Alderich being controlled against the cage.
Alderich lands with a light punch inside.
Alderich jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Azaryan walks away with a smile on his face. Alderich gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Liber Alderich seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Alderich wants to clinch
and Azaryan counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Alderich darts in and clinches Azaryan up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Azaryan gets underhooks to prevent Alderich's takedown attempt.
Alderich working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Alderich successfully pulls guard.
Alderich bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Azaryan's guard.

Alderich drops back, looking for a kneebar! Azaryan looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Azaryan looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Azaryan!

Alderich is trying to improve his position.

Azaryan decides to stand up, so the ref orders Alderich to his feet.
Alderich tries a low kick but Azaryan avoids it.
Alderich throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Alderich throws a leg kick but Azaryan checks it.
Alderich tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Azaryan counters with a straight right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Azaryan feints and then cracks Alderich's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Alderich down.
Alderich moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Azaryan fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Alderich instigates a clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Alderich.
Liber Alderich seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Alderich changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Azaryan fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Azaryan loads up on a big right hand but Alderich slips the punch.
Alderich moves to clinch but Azaryan breaks away
and Alderich takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Alderich swings widly with a right hand
and Azaryan counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Alderich throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Azaryan's head.
Azaryan moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Alderich lands with a hook. Azaryan tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Artur Azaryan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alderich tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Azaryan is looking to counter with head kicks.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Alderich fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Azaryan, pushing him back against the cage.
Alderich keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Azaryan's efforts to push away.
Alderich working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Alderich jumps guard but Azaryan stands there with Alderich around his waist. Alderich gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Azaryan throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Alderich blocks it with crossed arms.
Alderich tries for a takedown but Azaryan manages to get underhooks.
Alderich avoiding damage as Azaryan throws knees to the body.
Azaryan working Alderich over with knees to the body.
Alderich is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Azaryan tries to throw a body punch but Alderich avoids it by throwing Azaryan back against the cage.
Alderich keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Azaryan's efforts to push away.
Azaryan is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Alderich is defending well for now.
Alderich misses with a punch on the inside.

Alderich pulls guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Liber Alderich.
I've got Alderich winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 28:29
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 28:30
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Liber Alderich!
Liber Alderich was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
The defeated Artur Azaryan had this to say: 'I have no idea... I mean, I'm 1-4. You can have all the talent in the world but unless you know how apply it, it means nothing. Congratulations to my opponent. I need to take a long break and think hard about my career in the game.'.