Pictured: Lee Hammond (blue, Ireland) vs. Abbas Khan (red, Pakistan) The Republic of Ireland’s Lee Hammond advanced to the final 16 of the Men’s Lightweight tournament at the 2016 IMMAF European Open Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. The 20-year-old SBG Ireland product faced off against Pakistan’s Abbas Khan in the 155lb division’s opening round, at Prague’s Arena of Sparta. With his reputation as a submission specialist, Hammond dragged Khan into his world early on during the first round; controlling his opposition on the ground and securing the full mount position from where he reigned down with strikes. The Irish favourite appeared to have momentum on his side, but the tables turned in the second round when Khan rallied to keep the bout standing and summoned his boxing roots. Pakistan’s sole representative in Prague forced Hammond against the fence, breaking away to throw fierce combinations. Khan’s pressuiring approach remained effective, resulting in an uncomfortable three minutes for Hammond who survived several dangerous moments but remained unstunned. Representing Bahrain based stable KHK MMA, Khan raced to start strong for the final round, but Hammond regained his full composure to secure control on the ground once again and see out a Unanimous Decision points victory. Despite a memorable appearance from the presumed underdog, Khan is now eliminated with Hammond advancing to meet the Czech Republic’s Jakub Podpěra on Wednesday, November 23. Competing on home soil, Podpěra advanced via Bye to the final 16. Click HERE for the full list of Day 1 results. Full list of scheduled bouts available at MyNextMatch.com. By IMMAF.org lead writer and website manager, Jorden Curran]]>