PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Denis Burlaka (ranked 4700 p4p, 3163 weight class) and Lorenzo Smashotti (ranked 492 p4p, 387 weight class). 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.

Burlaka
vs
Smashotti

178 cm
22
169
1 - 1 - 0

174 cm
21
165
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Fast

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Denis Burlaka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Lorenzo Smashotti!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Burlaka circles away from the clinch attempt.
Smashotti swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Smashotti wants to clinch.
A quick step to the side and Burlaka tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.

Smashotti closes the distance and pushes Burlaka back into the cage.

Smashotti breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Smashotti finds it's way through Burlaka's defenses.
Smashotti moves in looking to clinch but Burlaka pushes him off.
Burlaka changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Smashotti forces Burlaka back against the cage and clinches.
Burlaka is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Smashotti pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Burlaka drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Smashotti breaks the clinch.
Smashotti swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Lorenzo Smashotti is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Smashotti is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Smashotti tries to clinch up.
Burlaka seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Smashotti looks to land a combination but Burlaka avoids it well.
Burlaka steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Smashotti.
Burlaka tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Smashotti manages to circle out of the way.
Smashotti closes the distance but Burlaka moves to the side

so Burlaka counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Smashotti can do anything to dispel that myth.
Burlaka working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Smashotti's head.
Burlaka working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Burlaka pushes down on Smashotti's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Burlaka winds up and cracks Smashotti with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Burlaka lands a nice short elbow.
Smashotti has hold of Burlaka's hands but Burlaka slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smashotti is trying to stand up here but Burlaka is controlling him well.
Burlaka looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Ground and pound from Burlaka.
Smashotti has hold of Burlaka's hands but Burlaka slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

Smashotti is rocked!
Burlaka scores with a big shot! Smashotti's head bounced off the canvas with a huge thud! More strikes land and the referee has jumped in to save Smashotti! He was hurt real bad - good stoppage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Denis Burlaka!
Denis Burlaka spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.