PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tristan Dingleman (ranked 3950 p4p, 4078 weight class) and Khamzat Chimaev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Dingleman
vs
Chimaev

188 cm
18
195
0 - 0 - 0

187 cm
25
197
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good knees
Inexperienced

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Tristan Dingleman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Khamzat Chimaev!
The judges for this bout are Lou da Vinci, John Kavanagh and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Chimaev drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Chimaev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Chimaev stands and steps away. Dingleman gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Khamzat Chimaev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Chimaev shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Chimaev was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Dingleman tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Chimaev wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Chimaev is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Dingleman has escaped the position, nice work there.
Dingleman is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Chimaev is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Dingleman is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Dingleman can't do much from the bottom here.
Chimaev tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Dingleman tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dingleman can't do much from the bottom here.

Chimaev is trying to get an arm triangle but Dingleman is defending well.
Dingleman sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Dingleman is looking for a sweep. Chimaev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Chimaev is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Dingleman sees it coming and defends easily.
Chimaev missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Chimaev lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Dingleman is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Dingleman is refusing to be controlled, as Chimaev sits in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dingleman is looking to control Chimaev's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Dingleman avoid being mounted?
Dingleman avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Chimaev.
Dingleman is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Chimaev is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Dingleman is looking for a sweep. Chimaev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Dingleman has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Chimaev is working away from the top position though.
Dingleman tries to roll over but Chimaev keeps him under control.
Dingleman preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Dingleman avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Chimaev.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dingleman wants to control but Chimaev is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Dingleman is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Chimaev is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Chimaev is trying to control. Dingleman wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Chimaev is working for a kimura but Dingleman is defending it quite comfortably.
Dingleman is trying to get back to full guard.
Dingleman is looking to control Chimaev's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Dingleman avoid being mounted?
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dingleman is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Dingleman trying to control but Chimaev postures up.
Dingleman is looking for a sweep. Chimaev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Chimaev is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Dingleman is just riding it out for now. Chimaev eventually gives up the hold.
Dingleman is trying to get back to full guard.

Chimaev seems to be working for a kimura but Dingleman defends the submission attempt.
Dingleman tries to roll over but Chimaev keeps him under control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Chimaev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Dingleman keeps working.
Dingleman trying to hold on to Chimaev's head to control him but Chimaev postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Khamzat Chimaev dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Dingleman looks to land a body kick but Chimaev moved away.

Chimaev fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Dingleman sprawls well initially but Chimaev persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Chimaev is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Chimaev is trying to work for a kimura but Dingleman is defending well.
Dingleman tries to get to full guard but Chimaev has control of the leg.
Chimaev missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Dingleman is staying active underneath Chimaev, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Dingleman has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Chimaev is working away from the top position though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dingleman is looking to improve his position.

Chimaev is looking for a kimura but Dingleman is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Chimaev to get the leverage.
Dingleman moves into full guard.
Dingleman trying to control the position here.
Chimaev must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dingleman not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Dingleman looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Chimaev preventing the sweep.
Dingleman trying to keep a closed guard but Chimaev is proving a slippery customer.
Chimaev preventing the sweep.
Chimaev throws a big right hand that misses.
Dingleman is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Dingleman is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Dingleman looking to control.

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

Chimaev dives in and scores a takedown into Dingleman's guard.
Dingleman controls Chimaev momentarily but Chimaev frees himself.
Dingleman looking to hit a scissor sweep but Chimaev is one step ahead there.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Dingleman holds on and takes a little breather.
Dingleman is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Dingleman looking to hit a scissor sweep but Chimaev is one step ahead there.
Chimaev with a flurry of punches that miss.
Chimaev is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Chimaev is fighting to break Dingleman's control of his arms but Dingleman is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Chimaev drops back looking for a leg! Dingleman is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Dingleman manages to kick Chimaev off! Chimaev jumps back into Dingleman's guard.
Dingleman looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Chimaev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Chimaev drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Chimaev jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Dingleman controls Chimaev momentarily but Chimaev frees himself.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Dingleman is pulling down on Chimaev's head. It's preventing any offense from Chimaev, at least for the moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Dingleman tries to clinch but Chimaev moves out of range.
A low kick lands for Dingleman.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Dingleman stuffs the takedown attempt from Chimaev. Chimaev gets slowly back to his feet.
Chimaev is breathing heavily.
Chimaev shoots for a takedown but Dingleman saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Dingleman throws a body kick that misses.
Chimaev shoots for a takedown but Dingleman saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Tristan Dingleman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khamzat Chimaev.
Dingleman throws a wild body kick that Chimaev sees coming a mile off.
It seemed like Chimaev was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Dingleman doesn't manage to clinch there - Chimaev circles away.
Dingleman moves in looking to clinch but Chimaev pushes him off.
Chimaev tries to score a power double leg takedown but Dingleman sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Chimaev somewhat.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Dingleman thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Chimaev if he has to take too many more of those.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Khamzat Chimaev 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! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Chimaev avoids a kick to the body.
And Chimaev tries to counter it with a takedown but Dingleman pushes his down on his head and steps out.

Chimaev moves into the clinch successfully.
Chimaev tries to pull guard but Dingleman forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Chimaev can't get the takedown.

Chimaev gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Dingleman regains guard.

Chimaev thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Dingleman has his hands on Chimaev's head, controlling the position.
Dingleman not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Dingleman looking for a sweep. Not yet Dingleman, not yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dingleman is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Chimaev being controlled here momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chimaev trying to control the position from guard on top but Dingleman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Chimaev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Dingleman is trying to control the position but Chimaev postures up.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Dingleman holds on and takes a little breather.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Dingleman scores with a push kick.

Chimaev dives in and scores a takedown into Dingleman's guard.
Dingleman lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Dingleman looking to pass the guard.
Dingleman controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Dingleman wants to pass the guard but Chimaev is keeping the position.
Tristan Dingleman has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chimaev can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Dingleman controls the pace.
Dingleman tries to stand but Chimaev is controlling from the bottom.
Dingleman trying to control the position from guard on top but Chimaev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dingleman looking to sit in guard and control but Chimaev gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Dingleman looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Chimaev not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Dingleman is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Dingleman has control of Chimaev's left arm, preventing Chimaev from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dingleman not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Chimaev preventing the sweep.

Chimaev stands and steps away. Dingleman gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Chimaev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Tristan Dingleman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khamzat Chimaev.
Horrible takedown attempt by Chimaev or perhaps it was just good defense by Dingleman, which made it look bad.
Dingleman fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Chimaev.

Chimaev has taken the fight to the clinch.
Dingleman connects with a nasty looking knee right to Chimaev's face.
Dingleman tries to land knees in the clinch but Chimaev avoids the damage to the body.
Dingleman looking to throw knees to the head but Chimaev is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Dingleman obliges.
Dingleman unloads a knee to the mid-section. Chimaev lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Dingleman tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Dingleman landing knees to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Dingleman.
Chimaev blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
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!
Dingleman tries to land knees in the clinch but Chimaev avoids the damage to the body.
Chimaev tries to circle away but Dingleman has him pinned against the cage.
Dingleman tries a knee to the head but Chimaev blocks it.
Dingleman scores with a knee to the head.
Dingleman tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Dingleman crunches a lovely knee into Chimaev's ribcage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Dingleman.
Dingleman tries a knee to the head but Chimaev blocks it.
Tristan Dingleman has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Dingleman throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Chimaev blocks it with crossed arms.
Khamzat Chimaev is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Chimaev on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tristan Dingleman showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Chimaev 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 Lou da Vinci scores the fight 28:29
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Khamzat Chimaev!
Khamzat Chimaev opened up his post fight interview with a scream to camera that he wants a title shot! Whether he deserves the shot will be up to the management of the organization, so I guess he'll have to wait and see.