PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Miroslav Nurmagomedov (ranked 24200 p4p, 4910 weight class) and Zion Melton (ranked 568 p4p, 500 weight class). Miroslav Nurmagomedov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Zion Melton's chin.

Nurmagomedov
vs
Melton

178 cm
21
155
0 - 4 - 0

172 cm
18
159
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Miroslav Nurmagomedov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Zion Melton!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, George Francis and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nurmagomedov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Melton defends it nicely.
Danga de danga de dang - Nurmagomedov scores with a four punch combination!

Nurmagomedov has closed the distance and engaged Melton in a clinch.
Melton stops a takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov.
We've been hearing reports that Nurmagomedov has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.

Nurmagomedov manages to break the clinch.
Melton throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov throws a nice looking combination but Melton bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Melton works Nurmagomedov's body with a nice hook.

Melton instigates a clinch.
Melton struggles to land a body shot inside as Nurmagomedov controls his hands.

Nurmagomedov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Horrible takedown attempt by Nurmagomedov or perhaps it was just good defense by Melton, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Miroslav Nurmagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nurmagomedov tries to bum rush Melton with a series of wild strikes but Melton uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Nurmagomedov misses with a double jab.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body shot.
Nurmagomedov looks to land a combination but Melton avoids it well.
Nurmagomedov looks to land a combination but Melton avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Melton tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Miroslav Nurmagomedov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Melton wants to clinch.
Melton tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nurmagomedov misses with a jab, cross combination.

Nurmagomedov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Melton looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nurmagomedov lands a nice forearm strike.
Melton can't do much from the bottom here.

Nurmagomedov tries for a kimura but Melton is defending well.
Nurmagomedov creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Melton is pushing Nurmagomedov's head away, looking to escape. Nurmagomedov manages to hold on to the position though.
Nurmagomedov working the head with strikes.
Melton takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nurmagomedov tries to move to mount but Melton blocks the move with his legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Melton is trying to get back to half guard.
Melton is trying to buck Nurmagomedov off.
Melton really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Nurmagomedov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Nurmagomedov is looking to take a break and control but Melton is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov is putting a hurting on Melton here, landing some big shots from side control.
Nurmagomedov lands a decent elbow from side control.
Nurmagomedov cracks Melton with an elbow. That is naaassty.

Nurmagomedov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Melton knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Nurmagomedov lands a nice forearm strike.
Nurmagomedov looks up at the clock and then as Melton takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Nurmagomedov smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position but Melton is working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Nurmagomedov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Melton throws Nurmagomedov to one side and escapes!

Nurmagomedov rushes Melton and presses him up against the cage.

Nurmagomedov breaks from the clinch.
Melton lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Nurmagomedov throws a right hand that Melton ducks under and follows up with a left that Melton also avoids with ease.
A head kick misses from Melton.
Horrible takedown attempt by Nurmagomedov or perhaps it was just good defense by Melton, which made it look bad.
Melton keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Melton fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nurmagomedov tries to bum rush Melton with a series of wild strikes but Melton uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Nurmagomedov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Nurmagomedov misses with a combination

and Melton counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Melton.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nurmagomedov jumps guard but Melton stands there with Nurmagomedov around his waist. Nurmagomedov gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Nurmagomedov managing to block the knees to the body from Melton.
Nurmagomedov wants to break the clinch but can't.
Melton scores with a knee to the head.

Nurmagomedov breaks from the clinch.
Nurmagomedov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Melton lands a left and a right that send Nurmagomedov crashing to the mat, dazed. Melton thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Nurmagomedov is rocked!
Nurmagomedov drops his hands momentarily and Melton needs no second invitation. He sets himself and throws a perfect high kick, that clips Nurmagomedov just on the top of the head. Nurmagomedov drops like a sack of potatoes to the canvas, out cold! Oooooooh yeah! Stick a fork in Nurmagomedov - he's done!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Zion Melton!
Miroslav Nurmagomedov was interviewed post fight and said 'I'm not the Russian number 432 for nothing'.