PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Amran Aliyev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Randy Couture (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Randy Couture has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Aliyev
vs
Couture

175 cm
26
205 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

185 cm
29
220 lbs
7 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

Good wrestler
Brawler
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Amran Aliyev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Randy Couture!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, John Roberts and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aliyev misses with a few strikes there.

Couture shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Aliyev napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Couture swings around for an armbar but Aliyev sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Couture's guard.

Aliyev avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Couture working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Aliyev doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Aliyev manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Aliyev tries to stand but Couture is controlling from the bottom.

Couture is looking for a triangle but Aliyev pushes his legs off easily.
Aliyev wanted to stand there but Couture had control of the position.

Couture working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Aliyev doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Aliyev manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Couture is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aliyev wants to get up but he can't break Couture's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Couture has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Aliyev is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Couture.
Couture tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Aliyev tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Couture can do anything to dispel that myth.
Couture is looking for a sweep.
Aliyev tries to stand but Couture is controlling his head.
Couture is looking to reverse the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Couture sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Couture looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Aliyev wants to stand up but Couture has a hold of him and won't allow it.

Couture actively working from the bottom here.

Couture actively working from the bottom here.
Aliyev prevents Couture from improving his position.
Aliyev seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.

Couture looking for submissions off his back.

Couture looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Couture looking for submissions off his back.
It looks like Aliyev is going to stand back up.

Couture actively working from the bottom here.
Aliyev tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Couture.
Aliyev trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Couture looking for submissions off his back.

Couture is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Aliyev pulls his head out easily.
Aliyev tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Couture looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Couture actively working from the bottom here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Randy Couture dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Couture fails to land the takedown.
Couture shoots in for a takedown but Aliyev shows good takedown defense.
Aliyev smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Couture fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Amran Aliyev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Randy Couture.
Couture shoots in for a takedown but Aliyev shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Couture.
Randy Couture seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Couture will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Couture looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Aliyev throws a leg kick but Couture moved away.
Couture shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Couture is breathing heavily.
Couture moves away from the strike by Aliyev.
Aliyev pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Couture dives in and grabs Aliyev's left leg, looking for a takedown. Aliyev pushes down on Couture's head and hops out.
Amran Aliyev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Couture takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Couture misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aliyev jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Aliyev lands with a nice combination. Couture backs away looking to recover.
Aliyev fails with an attempt to clinch.
Aliyev lands a body shot.
Aliyev tries a low kick but Couture avoids it.
Couture throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Aliyev's waist but Aliyev gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Couture off to one side.
Aliyev throws a nice inside leg kick.
Couture looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Aliyev displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Couture.
Aliyev throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
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!
Couture fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Aliyev avoids it really well and circles away.
Aliyev lands with a good body shot.
Aliyev lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Couture uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Aliyev.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aliyev defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Couture.
Couture shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Aliyev but Aliyev pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Aliyev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Aliyev lands with a good body shot.
Couture fails with the takedown
and Couture takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Aliyev moves into the clinch.
Couture jumps guard but Aliyev stands there with Couture around his waist. Couture gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Couture managing to block the knees to the body from Aliyev.
Couture is trying to drag Aliyev to the mat but Aliyev just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Couture tries for a takedown. No joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aliyev is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Couture is defending well for now.
Aliyev misses with a hook from the clinch.
Aliyev gets underhooks to prevent Couture's takedown attempt.
Aliyev is looking to break free of the clinch but Couture has double underhooks.
Aliyev is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Couture fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Aliyev swings wildly with an uppercut but Couture uses good head movement to avoid it.
Couture is working for takedown but Aliyev is calmly controlling the position for now.
Aliyev tries to circle away but Couture has him pinned against the cage.
Couture tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Aliyev just stands there and leans against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Couture has Aliyev pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Aliyev manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Aliyev is looking to break free of the clinch but Couture has double underhooks.
Aliyev prevents the takedown attempt.
Couture letting Aliyev take a breather here.
Aliyev with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Aliyev tries to land knees in the clinch but Couture avoids the damage to the body.

Couture jumps into guard, dragging Aliyev to the mat.
Aliyev wants to stand and escape but instead Couture has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Couture is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Aliyev is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Aliyev has escaped and now he's on top!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Aliyev has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Couture is proving hard to escape from.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Amran Aliyev 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!

Some wild striking there from Aliyev.

Aliyev gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Couture to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Couture trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Aliyev manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Couture is looking for a triangle here but Aliyev uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Aliyev wants to stand but Couture is controlling his arm.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Couture is looking for a sweep.
Aliyev tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Couture tries to buck Aliyev off but Aliyev is having none of it.
Aliyev wants to stand but Couture has his arm trapped.
Couture tries to bench press Aliyev off him but Aliyev keeps the position.
Couture sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Couture takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Aliyev moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Couture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Couture regains half guard.
Aliyev wants to stand up but Couture is controlling the position.
Aliyev has decided to stand back up but his arm is trapped. Whilst he's worrying about his arm, Couture works to full guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Couture is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Couture looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Couture has a closed guard, preventing Aliyev from standing up.

Couture had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Aliyev defends it easily.

Couture working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Aliyev doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Aliyev manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Aliyev would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Couture looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Couture has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Aliyev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Couture has a closed guard, preventing Aliyev from standing up.

Couture throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Randy Couture has got the better of the ground game so far.

Aliyev got a little sloppy there for a moment and Couture has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Aliyev has managed to get both his arms back between Couture's legs - danger averted.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Couture has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Aliyev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

And that's the end of the fight!
Randy Couture comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Couture 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 Alyssa Summers scores the fight 28:29
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 28:29
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Randy Couture!
Randy Couture got down on his knees post fight and begged the management for a title shot. 'Please, I want that title shot so bad! Give it to me!'