PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Alex The (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikola Veljanovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nikola Veljanovski has the eye of the tiger tonight.

The
vs
Veljanovski

190 cm
27
260 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

182 cm
28
222 lbs
24 - 14 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Very quick

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alex The!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nikola Veljanovski!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Arvi Lind and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Veljanovski has closed the distance and engaged The in a clinch.
Veljanovski is defending well against a takedown attempt.
The wants a takedown.
Veljanovski tries to break free but The pushes him back against the cage.

The gets control of Veljanovski's arms and successfully pulls guard. The will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

The is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

The looking for a guillotine here but Veljanovski defends easily.
The utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Veljanovski trying to control but The is working from the bottom.
Veljanovski working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Veljanovski working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of The's head.
Veljanovski trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Veljanovski really doesn't want to stay on the ground with The. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The keeping moving, preventing Veljanovski from controlling successfully.
Veljanovski passes easily into side control. Nice work.
The is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Veljanovski off and has taken his back!

The is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Veljanovski knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Veljanovski for a finish.
You can see the frustration on Veljanovski's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Veljanovski is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
The punches Veljanovski on the ear.
The has the hooks in. Veljanovski is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Veljanovski covering up well under a barage of strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The working for a choke but Veljanovski is defending well.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Veljanovski trying to control the hands but The breaks the grip.
The keeps control of the position as Veljanovski tries to break free.
Veljanovski trying to control the hands but The won't let him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Veljanovski trying to get back to his feet but The is in full control for now.

Veljanovski is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if The gets his way!

The is working for the choke. It looks like he might have got it... has he...? Yes! Veljanovski is tapping out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Alex The!