PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Gamzat Gamzatov (ranked 1943 p4p, 1462 weight class) and Trond Asmundsen (ranked 273 p4p, 205 weight class). Gamzatov comes to the cage accompanied by Entrance Song. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gamzatov
vs
Asmundsen

188 cm
31
203
18 - 15 - 0

188 cm
30
190
16 - 13 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Vegan Gains

Voodoo Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Gamzat Gamzatov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Trond Asmundsen!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Dean Styles and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Asmundsen fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Trond Asmundsen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gamzatov moves out of range as Asmundsen strikes.
Gamzatov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Asmundsen sprawls and moves away.
Asmundsen buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Asmundsen misses with a hook.
Asmundsen scores with a jab.
Gamzatov ducks under a wild hook from Asmundsen.
Gamzatov tries to counter with a takedown but Asmundsen is quick to defend against it.
Asmundsen lands a jab to the head.
We've been informed that Asmundsen has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Asmundsen throws the left hand but Gamzatov avoids the punch easily.
Asmundsen throws a hook but Gamzatov avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gamzatov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Asmundsen sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A left lands for Asmundsen.
Asmundsen throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Asmundsen throws a right and a left that Gamzatov avoids nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Asmundsen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Gamzatov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Asmundsen sprawls and moves away.
Asmundsen misses with a hook

and Gamzatov counters with a shoot takedown. Asmundsen fights it but they end up in guard.

Asmundsen escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gamzatov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Asmundsen is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Asmundsen keeping moving, preventing Gamzatov from controlling successfully.
Gamzatov distracts Asmundsen with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gamzatov postures up.

Gamzatov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Asmundsen has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Gamzatov has managed to get both his arms back between Asmundsen's legs - danger averted.
Gamzatov trying to control but Asmundsen is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gamzatov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Asmundsen is keeping the position for now.

Asmundsen throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Gamzatov trying to control but Asmundsen is working from the bottom.
Gamzatov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gamzatov works over Asmundsen with some ground and pound from guard.
Gamzatov wants to control from the top but Asmundsen keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Asmundsen controls Gamzatov momentarily but Gamzatov frees himself.

Asmundsen is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gamzatov defends well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gamzatov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Gamzatov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Gamzatov works over Asmundsen with some ground and pound from guard.
Asmundsen is trying to keep Gamzatov in close.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Gamzatov wants to pass the guard but Asmundsen is keeping the position.

Gamzatov drops back looking for a leg! Asmundsen is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Asmundsen manages to kick Gamzatov off! Gamzatov jumps back into Asmundsen's guard.
Gamzatov wants to control from the top but Asmundsen keeps moving.
Asmundsen pulls Gamzatov in close to prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Asmundsen has his foot on Gamzatov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gamzatov works his way back into a safe position though.
Asmundsen controls Gamzatov momentarily but Gamzatov frees himself.

Asmundsen is looking for a triangle but Gamzatov pushes his legs off easily.
Gamzatov trying to control but Asmundsen is working from the bottom.
Gamzatov advances to half guard.
Asmundsen is staying active underneath Gamzatov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Asmundsen is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gamzatov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gamzatov's back!
Asmundsen throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Asmundsen lands with a big left hand that may well have hurt his opponent. Can Gamzatov hold on?!
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Asmundsen misses with the combination.
Asmundsen throws a jab but it's blocked by Gamzatov.
Gamzatov tries to counter with a takedown but Asmundsen is quick to defend against it.
Asmundsen throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Gamzatov tries to counter with a takedown but Asmundsen is quick to defend against it.
Asmundsen looks to score with a jab to the body but Gamzatov is just out of range.
Asmundsen is looking to score with low kicks.
Asmundsen defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Gamzatov.
Asmundsen looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Asmundsen misses with a double jab.
Asmundsen throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Gamzatov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Asmundsen has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Gamzatov doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Asmundsen counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Gamzatov thinking.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gamzatov staying out of range there.
Asmundsen pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Asmundsen throws the left hand but Gamzatov avoids the punch easily.
Gamzatov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Asmundsen sprawls and moves away.
Asmundsen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gamzatov manages to avoid it.
Asmundsen jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Asmundsen throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Gamzatov blocks a jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Asmundsen misses the target.
Gamzatov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Trond Asmundsen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen throws a sloppy head kick

and Gamzatov counters with a shoot takedown. Asmundsen fights it but they end up in guard.
Gamzatov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Asmundsen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Asmundsen trying to control the position here.
Gamzatov scoring with some ground and pound.
Gamzatov slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Asmundsen is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Asmundsen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Gamzatov passes into half guard.

Gamzatov is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Asmundsen defends it well.
Gamzatov is keen to just control but Asmundsen is a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gamzatov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Asmundsen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gamzatov is working away from the top position though.
Asmundsen controlling the position for now.
Asmundsen is trying to maintain the position but Gamzatov is very close to passing his half guard.
Asmundsen gets full guard.
Gamzatov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gamzatov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Asmundsen had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gamzatov defends it easily.
Gamzatov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Asmundsen is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Gamzatov wants to control from the top but Asmundsen keeps moving.
Asmundsen working a defensive guard here.
Asmundsen is adopting a defensive guard.
Gamzatov passes Asmundsen's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Gamzatov seems to be working for a kimura but Asmundsen defends the submission attempt.
Asmundsen wants to get back to full guard.
Gamzat Gamzatov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Asmundsen wants to control but Gamzatov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Gamzatov controlling the pace.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Trond Asmundsen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Asmundsen missing with a left hand there. Gamzatov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Asmundsen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gamzatov was well out of range. Poor timing from Asmundsen.
Gamzatov changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Asmundsen misses with a straight right.
A lazy body kick from Asmundsen

and Gamzatov counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Gamzatov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Asmundsen is just riding it out for now. Gamzatov eventually gives up the hold.
Asmundsen wants to control but Gamzatov is keeping busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gamzatov trying to pass the guard but Asmundsen defending well.

Gamzatov seems to be working for a kimura but Asmundsen defends the submission attempt.

Gamzatov is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Asmundsen defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Asmundsen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gamzatov is working away from the top position though.
Asmundsen is trying to get back to full guard.
Nice strikes from Gamzatov there.
Asmundsen trying to control here.

Gamzatov is working for a submission of some sort.
Asmundsen is trying to get back to full guard.
Gamzatov is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gamzatov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Asmundsen is just riding it out for now. Gamzatov eventually gives up the hold.

Gamzatov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Asmundsen wants to improve his position but Gamzatov is controlling well.

Asmundsen looking for submissions off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen gets back to full guard.
Gamzatov being controlled here momentarily.
Asmundsen keeping moving, preventing Gamzatov from controlling successfully.
Asmundsen controls Gamzatov momentarily but Gamzatov frees himself.
Gamzatov trying to control but Asmundsen is working from the bottom.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Asmundsen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Asmundsen looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
No luck for Gamzatov with that takedown attempt.
Gamzat Gamzatov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Asmundsen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gamzatov.
Gamzatov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Gamzatov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Trond Asmundsen is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Asmundsen throws a body shot but no joy.
Trond Asmundsen seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Asmundsen misses with an uppercut

and Gamzatov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Asmundsen's guard.

Asmundsen is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Gamzatov defends well.
Gamzatov is looking to work some ground and pound but Asmundsen has wrist control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gamzat Gamzatov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Asmundsen has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Reed Andrews scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 28:29
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Trond Asmundsen!