PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Stroganov (ranked 5141 p4p, 474 weight class) and Reima Poika (ranked 2288 p4p, 262 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.

Stroganov
vs
Poika

175 cm
19
165 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

168 cm
19
165 lbs
3 - 0 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Intelligent

Urban Fighter

Kato
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Alexander Stroganov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Reima Poika!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, George Francis and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Stroganov feints and as Poika raises his hands in defense, Stroganov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Stroganov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Poika is proving hard to escape from.
Stroganov distracts Poika with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Poika bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Stroganov's guard.

Poika drops back looking for a leg! Stroganov is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Stroganov manages to kick Poika off! Poika jumps back into Stroganov's guard.

Poika 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.
Poika trying to control but Stroganov is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stroganov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stroganov keeping full guard, as Poika tries to pass.

Poika drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Poika jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Stroganov keeping moving, preventing Poika from controlling successfully.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Poika working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Poika passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Poika working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stroganov tries to escape but Poika is in control.
Poika controlling the position.

Poika tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Poika tries to advance to mount but Stroganov denies him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Poika wants to control but Stroganov is keeping him busy.
Stroganov bucks up and tries to throw Poika off but instead Poika has got his back!

Poika has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Stroganov! Can he survive? No! He's out! Poika gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Reima Poika!
Reima Poika is the new lightweight champion!