PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Tatu Kurri (ranked 569 p4p, 82 weight class) and Green Cross (ranked 1962 p4p, 249 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kurri
vs
Cross

184 cm
20
176 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

180 cm
23
170 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tatu Kurri!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Green Cross!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Valeri Chadov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kurri throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Cross was covering up waiting for the punch and Kurri finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Kurri is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

Kurri is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Kurri has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Cross being controlled here, momentarily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kurri is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kurri with a nice head shot there.
Kurri content to stall in guard here.
Cross working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kurri.
Kurri is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Kurri pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cross is keeping the position for now.
Kurri is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Kurri wants to pass the guard but Cross is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Kurri controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Kurri stands and throws Cross's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Kurri trying to control the position but Cross is working away.
Kurri misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

Kurri looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Kurri creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Cross sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kurri takes a little break here. Cross wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Kurri working the body and head with strikes.

Kurri has worked his way into a potential kimura here. Cross is trying to get out of the position but his squirming has just got him deeper into trouble. Kurri yanks on the arm and Cross is forced to tap due to a very painful looking submission! Nice work by Kurri.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Tatu Kurri!
Tatu Kurri retains his welterweight title!
Our winner, Tatu Kurri, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.