PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ed Valquez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Khalifman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Khalifman has chosen Ringo Mogire Beam! (ZSZS OVA2 Ver.) as his entrance music. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Valquez
vs
Khalifman

180 cm
24
197 lbs
12 - 5 - 1

185 cm
24
190 lbs
18 - 1 - 1

Powerful takedowns
Lethal high kicks
KO power

Powerful takedowns
Excellent MT
Powerful

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 12 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ed Valquez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alexander Khalifman!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Alan Glass and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Valquez tries to work over Khalifman's front leg with a kick but Khalifman checks it.
Khalifman throws a nice outside leg kick.
Valquez looks to land a combination but Khalifman avoids it well.
Khalifman misses with a leg kick
and Valquez counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Khalifman uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Valquez.

Valquez shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Khalifman gets back to full guard.
Khalifman is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Khalifman avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Valquez with a flurry of punches that miss.
Valquez working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Valquez working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Valquez throwing strikes but missing.
Valquez with a flurry of punches that miss.
Khalifman is trying to control the position but Valquez postures up.
Khalifman working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Valquez.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valquez stopping the sweep attempt from Khalifman.
Khalifman manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
A nice elbow there by Khalifman.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Valquez is looking to get to half guard.
Khalifman with shots to the head and body - Valquez looks very uncomfortable down there.
Valquez slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Valquez is trying to get back to full guard.
Valquez works his way to full guard. Good work.
Khalifman stays in close to Valquez's body and controls the position.
Valquez working a defensive guard here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Khalifman got a little sloppy there for a moment and Valquez has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Khalifman has managed to get both his arms back between Valquez's legs - danger averted.
Valquez tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Khalifman stands up over Valquez, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

Valquez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Khalifman defends well.
Valquez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Khalifman is one step ahead there.
Valquez lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Khalifman!
Khalifman is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khalifman is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Valquez throwing strikes but Khalifman bucks up and reverses the position. He's now in guard on top.
Valquez is looking to work some ground and pound but Khalifman has wrist control.
Khalifman looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Valquez working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Khalifman wants to sweep here but Valquez controlling him for the moment.
Khalifman trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Valquez trying to control but Khalifman is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Valquez accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Valquez is pushing down on Khalifman's leg trying to pass to half guard. Khalifman is fighting to maintain full guard but Valquez has managed to sneak the leg through.
Khalifman regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valquez wants to control from the top but Khalifman keeps moving.
Valquez is in close to Khalifman's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Valquez showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Valquez working some strikes from top position.
Khalifman looking to control.
Valquez stands and throws Khalifman's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Valquez working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Khalifman parries the strikes from Valquez easily there. Valquez is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Khalifman to escape.
Valquez working the ground and pound but Khalifman is defending the strikes.
Valquez has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Valquez tries to control but Khalifman wriggling away.
Khalifman is working to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ed Valquez dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Valquez checks the leg kick.
A clash of legs there as Khalifman blocks the low kick.
Khalifman tries a low kick but Valquez avoids it.
Valquez throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Khalifman sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ed Valquez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Khalifman throws a leg kick that is checked
and Valquez counters with a leg kick.
Valquez avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Valquez tries to clinch up.
Good leg kick by Khalifman there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
A low kick from Khalifman misses
and Valquez counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Valquez digs a good body shot into Khalifman's ribs.
Khalifman lands a slapping body shot.
Khalifman defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Valquez.
Khalifman looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Valquez checks a leg kick.
Khalifman tries to land a leg kick but Valquez saw it coming and moves away.
A punch lands to the side of Khalifman 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A combination from Valquez does no damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khalifman slips a straight right by Valquez.
Khalifman scores with a jab.
Valquez connects with a leg kick. Khalifman looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Valquez misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Khalifman takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Khalifman does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Valquez misses with a head kick.
Valquez misses with a few strikes there.
Khalifman lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Valquez doesn't manage to clinch there - Khalifman circles away.
Valquez moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Khalifman getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Valquez moves out of range as Khalifman throws a body kick.
Valquez misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Valquez scores with a head kick. Khalifman tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Khalifman scores with a decent looking hook.
Valquez misses with a leg kick
letting Khalifman counter with a right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Khalifman shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Khalifman throws a low kick but it's checked well by Valquez.
Khalifman throws a leg kick but Valquez checks it.
Khalifman scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Khalifman throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Valquez sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Khalifman takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Khalifman throws a chopping leg kick but Valquez manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Valquez takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Khalifman avoids the body shot from Valquez.
Khalifman lands with an overhand left.
Valquez scores with a hook to the body. Khalifman takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Valquez misses with the combination.
Khalifman swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Valquez avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A chopping leg kick lands by Khalifman.
Khalifman misses with a wild body shot.
A leg kick checked by Valquez.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good leg kick by Khalifman there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Khalifman staying out of range there.
Valquez misses with a head kick.
Khalifman feints and then cracks Valquez's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Valquez down.
Valquez lands a head kick. Khalifman smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Valquez misses with a body shot.
Khalifman throws a nice inside leg kick.
Valquez takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Valquez takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Ed Valquez is winning the standup battle so far.
Valquez checks a leg kick.
Valquez fails in his attempt to clinch.
The fighters circling - Valquez throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Khalifman finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Khalifman misses with a low kick.
Khalifman connects with a jab.
Khalifman lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Khalifman wants to slow Valquez down by chopping away at his legs.
Khalifman throws a nice outside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valquez fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Khalifman looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Khalifman fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Valquez has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Valquez takes a jab right on the kisser.
Khalifman throws a leg kick
and Khalifman takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Valquez throws a leg kick that is checked
and Khalifman counters with a nice low kick that buckles Valquez's knee momentarily.
Alexander Khalifman is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Khalifman.
Khalifman slips a jab from Valquez.
Khalifman with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Khalifman paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Khalifman blocks a head kick by Valquez.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Khalifman bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Good leg kick by Khalifman there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
A punch lands to the side of Valquez 's head but he takes it in his stride.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Khalifman lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Valquez takes one to the chin there.
A jab from Valquez misses.
Valquez throws a series of punches but Khalifman avoids them all with ease.
Valquez tries to score a power double leg takedown but Khalifman sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Valquez somewhat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alexander Khalifman will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Khalifman fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Valquez.
Alexander Khalifman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Khalifman throws a nice outside leg kick.
Khalifman throws a leg kick
and Valquez counters with a big head kick but Khalifman shrugs it off.
Khalifman fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Valquez checks it well.
Khalifman keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Khalifman goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Khalifman scoring well with a low kick there.
Valquez throws a head kick but Khalifman moves out of range.
Khalifman lands a leg kick that knocks Valquez off balance momentarily.
Valquez checks a leg kick.
Khalifman lands an overhand right.
Khalifman fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Khalifman.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Khalifman.
A nice inside leg kick there by Khalifman. That's going to slow Valquez down.
Khalifman throws a nice inside leg kick.
Valquez takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khalifman scoring well with a low kick there.
Khalifman scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Valquez throws a half hearted mid kick.
Valquez tries for a takedown but Khalifman circles away easily
letting Khalifman counter with a right hand.
Good shot there by Khalifman.
Valquez chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Khalifman can pounce on him.
A nice inside leg kick there by Khalifman. That's going to slow Valquez down.
Khalifman uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Valquez has time to react.
Khalifman fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Valquez has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Valquez walks into a straight right hand from Khalifman.
Jab from Khalifman.
Valquez blocks a low kick nicely.
Valquez on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Khalifman. Khalifman obviously looking to wear him down.
A slapping leg kick lands for Khalifman.
Khalifman with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Nice body punch from Khalifman.
That kick from Khalifman tenderised Valquez's leg. Valquez is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Khalifman lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Khalifman scores with a kick to the midsection.
A punch lands to the side of Valquez 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Khalifman connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Valquez checks a leg kick.
Khalifman throws the kick towards the body but Valquez avoids it.
Valquez goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Valquez stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Khalifman.
Khalifman scores with a crisp jab that stopped Valquez in his tracks.
Khalifman scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Khalifman throws a nice outside leg kick.
Khalifman feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Valquez's calf.
Valquez takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Valquez takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Valquez on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Khalifman. Khalifman obviously looking to wear him down.
Khalifman connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Khalifman fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Valquez has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Valquez walks into a left hand.
Khalifman scores with a sloppy right hand. Valquez should have avoided that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valquez walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Nice body punch from Khalifman.
Valquez on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Khalifman. Khalifman obviously looking to wear him down.
Valquez has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Khalifman.
Valquez looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Valquez takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Valquez takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Khalifman tried to score with a low kick but Valquez checks it.
Khalifman fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Valquez looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Valquez takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Khalifman turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Khalifman connects with a looping right hand.
Khalifman scores with a kick to the midsection.
Khalifman throws a low kick but Valquez avoids it.
Khalifman lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Khalifman.
Valquez on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Khalifman. Khalifman obviously looking to wear him down.
Khalifman throws a nice inside leg kick.
Valquez checks a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Khalifman throws a front kick that sends Valquez stumbling back into the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Valquez on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Khalifman lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A jab lands there for Khalifman.
Khalifman lands a nice looking body kick.
Khalifman buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Khalifman.
Valquez checks the leg kick nicely there.
Khalifman scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Khalifman connects with a body shot.
Valquez has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Khalifman.
Khalifman connects with a solid leg kick.
Valquez has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Khalifman finds it's way round the side to connect with Valquez's head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Khalifman misses with a low kick.
Khalifman bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Khalifman.
Khalifman throws a leg kick that misses.
A slapping leg kick lands for Khalifman.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexander Khalifman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Khalifman 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 27:29
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 28:29
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Khalifman!