PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alexei Odintsov (ranked 5470 p4p, 0 weight class) and Najmeddine Mohammed Al Haddad (ranked 4048 p4p, 0 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.

Odintsov
vs
Mohammed Al Haddad

180 cm
25
157 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
25
157 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Self confident

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Alexei Odintsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Najmeddine Mohammed Al Haddad!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, Joseph Jones and Jorge Garcia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Haddad doesn't manage to clinch there - Odintsov circles away.
Al Haddad closes this distance looking for a takedown but Odintsov circles away.

Odintsov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Al Haddad prevents the takedown attempt.

Odintsov successfully pulls guard.

Odintsov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Odintsov controlling Al Haddad's posture.

Odintsov has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Al Haddad off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Haddad fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Odintsov avoids it really well and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Odintsov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Al Haddad as he avoids it easily.
Odintsov shoots in looking for a takedown. Al Haddad tries to sprawl out of it but Odintsov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Al Haddad manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexei Odintsov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Al Haddad tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Odintsov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Odintsov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Al Haddad is looking to break free of the clinch but Odintsov has double underhooks.
Odintsov is leaning against Al Haddad and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

Odintsov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Al Haddad uses from the top position.
Odintsov pulls Al Haddad in close to prevent any damage.

Odintsov has his foot on Al Haddad's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Al Haddad works his way back into a safe position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Haddad postures up.

Odintsov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Odintsov is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Al Haddad trying to control the position from guard on top but Odintsov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Haddad tries a head kick but it misses.
Najmeddine Mohammed Al Haddad seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A punch combination from Al Haddad misses.
Al Haddad blocks a head kick by Odintsov.
Al Haddad throws a nice head kick!
Odintsov scores with a leg kick.
Al Haddad looks for a takedown but Odintsov sprawls well.
Al Haddad looks winded!
Odintsov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Al Haddad sprawls well. Al Haddad wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Odintsov gets slowly back to his feet.
Al Haddad is looking to clinch but Odintsov is avoiding it.
Odintsov has a takedown stuffed.
Al Haddad has his takedown stuffed
and Odintsov counters with a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Haddad throws a hook to the side of Odintsov's head but Odintsov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Odintsov looks for the body kick but Al Haddad saw that one coming.
Odintsov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Al Haddad defends it nicely.
Al Haddad moves in looking to clinch but Odintsov pushes him off.
Nice takedown defense from Odintsov. No joy for Al Haddad on that attempt.
Al Haddad shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Odintsov as he avoids it easily.
Odintsov fails with a takedown attempt.

Odintsov clinches up with Al Haddad and pushes him back against the cage.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Al Haddad gets underhooks to prevent Odintsov's takedown attempt.
Odintsov tries for a takedown but Al Haddad manages to get underhooks.
Odintsov content to slow the pace in the clinch.

Odintsov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Al Haddad uses from the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexei Odintsov dominated that round.
That's time! Odintsov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Al Haddad, right into the meat.
Odintsov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Al Haddad sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Al Haddad is looking to clinch but Odintsov is avoiding it.

Odintsov clinches up with Al Haddad and pushes him back against the cage.
Al Haddad is working for takedown but Odintsov is calmly controlling the position for now.

Odintsov decides to pull guard.

Odintsov pushes Al Haddad off and gets back to his feet.
Odintsov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Al Haddad can do to turn this around?
Al Haddad shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.

Odintsov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Al Haddad on his heels. He'll look to pass Al Haddad's guard now, I'm sure.
Al Haddad is looking to stand back up but Odintsov counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Al Haddad.

This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Odintsov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Odintsov sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Al Haddad is breathing heavily.

Odintsov stands up out of the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Haddad connects with a right hand. Odintsov shakes it off.
Al Haddad shoots for a takedown but Odintsov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Odintsov closes the distance and clinches.
Al Haddad is trying to break the clinch but Odintsov has him pressed against the cage.

Odintsov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Odintsov keeps the fight on the outside.
Nice sprawl there from Al Haddad as Odintsov shoots in.
Odintsov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Al Haddad swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexei Odintsov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice sprawl there from Odintsov as Al Haddad shoots in.
Odintsov throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Al Haddad misses with a wild combination.
Al Haddad displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Odintsov.
Odintsov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Al Haddad pinned against the cage. Al Haddad gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horrible takedown attempt by Al Haddad or perhaps it was just good defense by Odintsov, which made it look bad.
Odintsov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Al Haddad but Al Haddad pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Odintsov shoots for a double leg takedown but Al Haddad sprawls well. He's pushed Odintsov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Al Haddad tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Al Haddad scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Odintsov doesn't seem bothered though.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A punch combination from Al Haddad misses.
Al Haddad tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Al Haddad leaves Odintsov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Odintsov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Al Haddad is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Odintsov is defending well.
Odintsov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Al Haddad pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Odintsov keeps control of Al Haddad as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Al Haddad is trying to stall.

Odintsov pulls Al Haddad into guard.
Odintsov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Al Haddad is one step ahead there.
Odintsov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Odintsov has his foot on Al Haddad's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Al Haddad works his way back into a safe position though.
Al Haddad takes a decent strike to the side of the head.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Odintsov holds on and takes a little breather.
Odintsov is trying to keep Al Haddad in close.
Odintsov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Al Haddad's guard.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexei Odintsov dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Al Haddad.
Al Haddad shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Odintsov sprawls well. Odintsov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Al Haddad gets slowly back to his feet.

Odintsov closes the distance and clinches.

Odintsov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Alexei Odintsov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Al Haddad fails with the takedown.
Alexei Odintsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Najmeddine Mohammed Al Haddad.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Odintsov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Al Haddad avoids it really well and circles away.

Odintsov clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Odintsov is working for takedown but Al Haddad is calmly controlling the position for now.
Al Haddad takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Al Haddad tries to stall but Odintsov uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Odintsov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Al Haddad's efforts to push away.

Odintsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Odintsov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Nice sprawl there from Al Haddad as Odintsov shoots in.
Al Haddad misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Haddad wants to clinch up but Odintsov keeps it at a distance.
Odintsov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Al Haddad defends well and Odintsov ends up having to push Al Haddad into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Odintsov moves into range and clinches up with Al Haddad.
Al Haddad fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Odintsov misses with a punch to the body.
Odintsov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Al Haddad after a bit of a struggle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Haddad is looking to control Odintsov's arms but Odintsov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Al Haddad has his back to the cage.
Al Haddad is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Odintsov is keeping busy.
Odintsov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Al Haddad is defending well.
Al Haddad fails to pull guard.
Odintsov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Al Haddad wants to get back to striking at distance but Odintsov won't allow it.
Al Haddad is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Odintsov to keep the fight standing.
Odintsov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Al Haddad is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Al Haddad wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Odintsov gets underhooks to prevent Al Haddad's takedown attempt.
Odintsov tries for a takedown but Al Haddad manages to get underhooks.
Odintsov tries to pull guard but Al Haddad forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Odintsov is pressed up against the cage. Al Haddad has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Odintsov down to the mat. Odintsov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice takedown defense from Odintsov. No joy for Al Haddad on that attempt.
Al Haddad doesn't manage to clinch there - Odintsov circles away.
Odintsov shoots in for a takedown but Al Haddad shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Odintsov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Al Haddad sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Odintsov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Al Haddad.
Al Haddad misses with a low kick.
Al Haddad looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Odintsov gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Odintsov pulls guard effortlessly.
Odintsov keeping full guard, as Al Haddad tries to pass.
Al Haddad trying to control but Odintsov is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Odintsov managing to control the position.

Odintsov kicks Al Haddad off and gets to his feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sloppy strikes from Odintsov. Those never looked like landing.
Al Haddad tries to clinch up but Odintsov circles away and keeps his distance.
Al Haddad throws a head kick but Odintsov moves out of range.
Najmeddine Mohammed Al Haddad has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Alexei Odintsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Odintsov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexei Odintsov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Odintsov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 30:27
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexei Odintsov!