PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tat Moh (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Elbrys Gora (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gora has chosen Cadillac Records - Howlin' Wolf Sings as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Moh
vs
Gora

185 cm
24
210 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

184 cm
28
272 lbs
19 - 9 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Bad Man Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Tat Moh!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 9 - 0, fighting out of London, Elbrys Gora!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Colin Fotheringham and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gora scores with a takedown into Moh's guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Gora thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Moh looking for a sweep. Not yet Moh, not yet.

Moh working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gora doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gora manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Gora trying to control the position from guard on top but Moh is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Moh looking to control.

Moh working for submissions but it's allowed Gora to get to half guard.
Gora is keen to just control but Moh is a slippery customer.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gora controlling the pace.
Gora trying to control the action but Moh is working from the bottom.
Gora trying to mount his opponent but Moh defends it.
Moh trying to control here.
Gora is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Gora fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Moh avoids it really well and circles away.
Moh seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Gora tries for a takedown but Moh circles away easily

and Moh counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gora keeping moving, preventing Moh from controlling successfully.
Moh passes Gora's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Moh is looking to take a break and control but Gora is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gora wants to improve his position but Moh is controlling well.
Gora is trying to control but can't.
Moh moves nicely into side control.

Moh working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Moh goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Gora has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Moh but great work by Gora.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Moh is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Gora looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Moh is looking to improve his position.
Moh wants to control but Gora is keeping busy.
Gora stalling.
Moh has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gora is working away from the top position though.
Gora is looking to take a break and control but Moh is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Moh trying to control from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Gora shoots in looking for a takedown. Moh tries to sprawl out of it but Gora keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Moh manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Tat Moh has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elbrys Gora.
Gora shoots and misses

and Moh counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Moh.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Moh looking to pass the guard.
Moh slips nicely into half guard.
Gora is looking to improve his position.
Moh is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Gora controls Moh momentarily but Moh frees himself.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Moh is looking to pass into half guard but Gora pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Gora is in guard.
Gora is looking to pass into half guard but Moh pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Moh is in guard.
Gora is trying to control the position but Moh postures up.
Moh tries to free his leg and advance position but Gora is retaining full guard.
Gora keeping moving, preventing Moh from controlling successfully.
Gora looking to control.
Moh preventing the sweep.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Moh looking to pass the guard.

Gora isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Moh stacks Gora on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Moh!

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Gora wants to control but Moh postures up.
Gora tries to bench press Moh off him but Moh keeps the position.
Gora felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

Moh tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Gora is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Gora regains half guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Gora is not content to let Moh control the position.
Gora tries to roll over but Moh keeps him under control.
Gora is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Moh's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Moh's back!
Moh tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Moh is squirming around, avoiding Gora's attempts to control the action.
Moh really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Moh is working hard here to advance position.
Gora looking to control but Moh is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Gora takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Moh tries to hold on but Gora pushes him away.
Moh is in all sorts of trouble here.
Moh tries to hold on but Gora pushes him away.

Gora looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gora prevents Moh from getting the reversal.
Gora can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Moh is looking to escape.
Gora looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Moh is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Moh is wriggling around trying to escape.
Gora wants to control the pace but Moh is squirming around nicely.
Moh is desperately trying to improve his position but Gora has a good base and remains in mount.

Gora working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Gora trying to control but he's not successful this time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Gora working for a guillotine from mount but Moh is in no mood to give up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Tat Moh will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Gora tries for a takedown but Moh sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Gora shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Moh as he avoids it easily.
Gora with a lazy takedown attempt

and Moh counters with a shoot takedown. Gora fights it but they end up in guard.
Tat Moh has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elbrys Gora.
Moh passes Gora's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Moh is pressing down on Gora's thigh, looking to free his foot. Gora is holding on for now.
Gora is not content to let Moh control the position.
Moh wants to pass to mount but Gora is defending the position.
Gora makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Gora.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gora 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.
Gora keeping moving, preventing Moh from controlling successfully.
Gora manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Gora trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Gora moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Moh has worked his arm free - good work by Moh!

Gora is trying to get an arm triangle but Moh is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gora wants to control but Moh is keeping him busy.
Moh is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Gora's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Gora seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Moh does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Gora not doing much here.
Moh is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gora's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gora's back!

Moh looking for the RNC.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Moh is looking for the choke from the back position but Gora is controlling his hands well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gora rolls, trying to escape but Moh keeps control of the position.

Moh patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Moh is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Gora knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Gora for a finish.

Moh is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Gora is defending well though. Moh let's go of the attempt for now.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Moh controlling well, preventing Gora from escaping the position.

Moh has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Gora has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Moh keeps control of the position as Gora tries to break free.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Moh is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Gora is defending well though. Moh let's go of the attempt for now.

Gora preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Moh.

Moh working for a choke but Gora is defending well.

Gora fending off the submission attempt from Moh.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Gora is in bad spot here.

Moh patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Gora manages to reverse the position and now he's in Moh's guard. Nice work there by Gora.
Gora looking to pass the guard.
Gora won't allow Moh to sweep him here.
Gora trying to control the position from guard on top but Moh is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Moh looking to hit a scissor sweep but Gora is one step ahead there.
Moh keeping full guard, as Gora tries to pass.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Gora postures up.
Gora stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Moh swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gora wants to control from the top but Moh keeps moving.
Moh looking to control.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Elbrys Gora was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Gora gets a takedown into half guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Moh manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Moh is trying to control the position but Gora postures up.
Gora pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Moh is keeping the position for now.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Moh here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Moh is trying to control the position but Gora postures up.
Gora stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Moh swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Moh tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Gora trying to control but Moh is working from the bottom.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Moh being controlled here, momentarily.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Elbrys Gora wasn't active enough on the ground.
Moh stuffs the takedown attempt from Gora. Gora gets slowly back to his feet.
Gora goes for a double leg but Moh avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the ropes as Moh continues to drive forward.
Moh is trying to pull guard but Gora turns him against the ropes and we stay in the clinch.

Moh has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Gora uses from the top position.
Gora wants to control from the top but Moh keeps moving.
Gora might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Moh haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Moh is trying to keep Gora in close.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Gora trying to move into half guard but instead Moh has managed to sweep!
Moh advances to half guard.
Gora is trying to get back to full guard.
Moh tries to pass to full mount but Gora defends it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Moh is looking to take a break and control but Gora is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tat Moh dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Gora misses with a takedown attempt - Moh sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Moh stuffs the takedown.
Gora misses with a takedown attempt

and Moh counters with a single leg into guard. Gora didn't expect that.
Tat Moh has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elbrys Gora.
Moh stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gora swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Moh trying to control the position from guard on top but Gora is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Moh looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gora is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Moh preventing the sweep.
Moh tries to free his leg and advance position but Gora is retaining full guard.
Tat Moh overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Gora scores with a takedown into Moh's guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Moh is on top in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gora has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Moh has passed into side control.

Moh thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Moh is looking to take a break and control but Gora is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gora regains half guard.
Gora moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Moh slips nicely into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gora is trying to maintain the position but Moh is very close to passing his half guard.
Moh looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Gora tries to get to full guard but Moh has control of the leg.
Gora gets back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Moh stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gora swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Moh trying to control the position from guard on top but Gora is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gora is on top in guard.
Moh trying to keep a closed guard but Gora is proving a slippery customer.
Moh keeping moving, preventing Gora from controlling successfully.
Moh has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Moh is trying to keep Gora in close.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Tat Moh.
Moh displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gora.
Gora will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Gora shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Moh pinned against the ropes. Moh gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Gora takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gora shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Moh counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Gora's guard now.
Moh forces his way into half guard.
Moh is trying to control. Gora wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

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

Moh is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Gora doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Moh.
Gora trying to hold on to Moh's head to control him but Moh postures up.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Gora moves into full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gora is on top in guard.
Gora trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gora sitting in guard here, content to control.
Moh working a defensive guard here.
Gora showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Gora trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Tat Moh has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Gora looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Gora is keen to just control but Moh is a slippery customer.
Gora wants to pass the guard but Moh is defending well.
Gora is thwarting Moh's attempts to control the position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gora is looking to advance position but Moh won't allow it.
Moh has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gora is working away from the top position though.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Gora is just content to waste time from the top position. Moh takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Moh keeping full guard, as Gora tries to pass.
Moh is trying to control the position but Gora postures up.
Moh is really struggling to control Gora but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Moh looking for a sweep. Not yet Moh, not yet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gora trying to control the position from guard on top but Moh is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Gora fails with the takedown

and Moh counters with a nice double leg into side control. Gora won't be happy with that.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Tat Moh did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

Moh defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Gora.
Gora shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Moh pinned against the ropes. Moh gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Gora misses with a takedown attempt - Moh sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Tat Moh has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elbrys Gora.
Moh stuffs the takedown.
Gora shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Moh counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Moh slips nicely into half guard.
Gora is looking to improve his position.
Gora is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Moh passes the guard and advances to mount!
Moh seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Gora is holding on tight.

Moh looking for a guillotine from mount but Gora is having none of it.

Moh looking to secure an arm triangle but Gora defends it well.
Gora working to try and regain half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Moh is trying to take his opponent's back.
Gora tries to hold on but Moh pushes him away.
Moh wants to take his opponent's back but Gora doesn't allow it.

Moh is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Gora has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Gora!
Gora looking to sit in guard and control but Moh gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Moh drops back, looking for a kneebar! Gora looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Gora looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Gora!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Moh is looking to regain half guard here but Gora keeps moving and retains side control.

Gora is in a dominant position here, looking for a kimura. Moh looks calm but he's in trouble here. Gora gets his leg over his opponent's head and yanks on the arm. Moh is tapping like a morse code operator on the titanic! SOS! SOS! Gora lets go of the hold and Moh can pop his arm back in it's socket.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:38 of round 4, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Elbrys Gora!
Elbrys Gora is the new heavyweight champion!
Elbrys Gora thanked the fans post fight for their support.
The defeated Tat Moh had this to say: 'Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.'.