PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Norbert Grupe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hamad Al Zahran (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Grupe comes to the cage accompanied by Organized Konfusion - Bring It On (Buckwild Remix) . The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Grupe
vs
Al Zahran

186 cm
35
178 lbs
17 - 8 - 0

188 cm
26
178 lbs
12 - 8 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Norbert Grupe!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 8 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Hamad Al Zahran!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Tiny Johnson and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Zahran throws a predictable looking body shot
and Grupe counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Al Zahran lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Al Zahran has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Al Zahran is looking to slow Grupe down with leg kicks.

Al Zahran has closed the distance and engaged Grupe in a clinch.
Al Zahran tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Al Zahran's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Al Zahran takes a swing at Grupe's ribcage but misses.
Grupe has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Al Zahran.
Al Zahran throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Al Zahran lands the left hand.
Grupe seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Al Zahran connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Al Zahran misses the jab.
Grupe looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Al Zahran, as that shot connected.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Grupe misses with a few strikes there.
Al Zahran fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Al Zahran throws a leg kick but Grupe checks it.
Hamad Al Zahran seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Zahran ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Grupe moves away.
Al Zahran fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Grupe has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Al Zahran connects with a leg kick. Grupe looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Grupe tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Grupe misses with a hook.
Grupe wants to clinch up but Al Zahran keeps it at a distance.
Al Zahran throws a head kick but Grupe moves out of range.
Al Zahran throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Grupe connects with a single shot there.
Al Zahran turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A lazy left from Al Zahran finds it's target.
Al Zahran throws a head kick but Grupe moves out of range.
Al Zahran connects with a right hand. Grupe shakes it off.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Grupe swinging wildly here.
Al Zahran ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grupe staying out of range there.
Grupe fails to land with a series of punches.
Grupe avoids the head kick by Al Zahran.
Al Zahran throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Grupe sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Grupe tries to close the distance and clinch but Al Zahran swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Al Zahran misses with a looping left.
Al Zahran steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Grupe.
Grupe tries to clinch but Al Zahran is having none of it.
Al Zahran looks to score with a jab to the body but Grupe is just out of range.
Al Zahran punishes Grupe's body with a nice straight punch.
Grupe is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Al Zahran ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Grupe moves away.
Al Zahran tries to work over Grupe's front leg with a kick but Grupe checks it.
Al Zahran fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Grupe manages to avoid it.
Grupe throws a combination. Al Zahran tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran scores with a spinning back kick!
Al Zahran fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Grupe checks it well.
Nice shot lands for Grupe.
Grupe takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Grupe tries to bum rush Al Zahran with a series of wild strikes but Al Zahran uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Al Zahran is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Grupe rather than just go for the knockout.
Grupe throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Al Zahran pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Al Zahran misses with a low kick.
Good leg kick by Al Zahran there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Grupe lands a nice shot to the body.
Al Zahran fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Al Zahran. Grupe does a little dance to reset his feet.
Grupe drops his hands momentarily and Al Zahran takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Al Zahran throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Grupe has managed to clinch.
Still in the clinch, Al Zahran scores with a nice short uppercut.
Al Zahran digs a right hand into Grupe's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Grupe's gas tank.
Grupe wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Al Zahran is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Al Zahran lands a body shot.
Al Zahran avoids a wild elbow strike from Grupe.
Al Zahran has had enough of the clinch but Grupe keeps him there for the moment.
Al Zahran tries a body shot but Grupe blocks it.
Al Zahran misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A right hook to the body lands for Al Zahran.
Al Zahran lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Grupe.
Grupe trying to stall but Al Zahran improves his position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Al Zahran tries a body shot but Grupe blocks it.
Al Zahran misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Grupe breaks the clinch.
Al Zahran throws a head kick that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hamad Al Zahran dominated that 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.

The fighters circling - Grupe throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Grupe swings for the body but Al Zahran moves out of range.
Al Zahran uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Al Zahran stuns Grupe with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
An inside leg kick lands from Al Zahran.
Grupe swings for the body but Al Zahran moves out of range.
Al Zahran jabs at Grupe's body.
Al Zahran lands with a shot to the body.
A nice leg kick lands there from Al Zahran.
Left hook, right uppercut from Grupe.
Al Zahran changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
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!
A jab from Al Zahran finds it's way through Grupe's defenses.
Grupe tests Al Zahran's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Al Zahran lands a jab to the nose.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Zahran scores with a body shot.
Hamad Al Zahran seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Al Zahran ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Grupe moves away.
Al Zahran swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Grupe.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Al Zahran.
Al Zahran throws a front kick that sends Grupe stumbling back into the cage.
Some bone on bone action there as Grupe checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Al Zahran throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Al Zahran connects with a body shot.
Grupe walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Grupe's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Al Zahran connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Grupe scrambles back to his feet.

Grupe is rocked!
Grupe scores with a body shot.
Al Zahran moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Al Zahran lands with an uppercut that bounces Grupe off the cage and back into range.
Oh Grupe is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Al Zahran throws a body punch but Grupe moves out of range.
Al Zahran pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Grupe seems to have got his legs back now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran misses with a head kick.
Sloppy strikes from Grupe. Those never looked like landing.

Al Zahran fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Grupe, pushing him back against the cage.
Grupe is trying to push Al Zahran away but Al Zahran has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Al Zahran goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Grupe trying to stall but Al Zahran improves his position.
Nice body punch from Al Zahran - that landed with a thud.
Al Zahran pressing his opponent against the cage.
Al Zahran takes an elbow to the forehead.

It looks like Hamad Al Zahran has been cut.
Grupe lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Grupe is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Al Zahran lands a nice uppercut.
A left hand lands to the body for Al Zahran.
Al Zahran lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Grupe backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Al Zahran can't find room to land a body shot as Grupe controls the action.
Al Zahran lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Grupe or not.
With the fighters up against the cage, Grupe throws an elbow but misses.
Al Zahran tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Al Zahran tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Grupe's elbow.
Al Zahran takes an elbow to the forehead.
Al Zahran scores with a shoulder strike.
Al Zahran works on Grupe's body with a couple of short punches.
Al Zahran misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Al Zahran blocks the elbow strike.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Grupe.
Al Zahran lands a body shot.
Grupe blocking some punches.
Al Zahran will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Grupe up against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Al Zahran.
Al Zahran has a couple of punches blocked by Grupe.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Al Zahran fails to land.
Grupe works on Al Zahran's body with a couple of short punches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Al Zahran has a couple of punches blocked by Grupe.
Grupe misses with an elbow strike.
Grupe tries to stall but Al Zahran uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Grupe with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Al Zahran pushes Grupe back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Grupe is trying to push Al Zahran away but Al Zahran has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
A head punch on the inside from Al Zahran fails to land.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Grupe with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Grupe missing with knees to the body.
Grupe prevents a body shot from Al Zahran.
Al Zahran stalls.
Grupe tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hamad Al Zahran showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Hamad Al Zahran's cut.
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!

Grupe uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Al Zahran.
Al Zahran pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Grupe looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Al Zahran connects with a body shot that sends Grupe's belly button to the back.
Al Zahran throws a lazy right hand but Grupe sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Al Zahran throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Grupe avoids a kick to the body.
Al Zahran pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Grupe jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Grupe doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Grupe on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Al Zahran uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Grupe.
Al Zahran throws a body punch but Grupe moves out of range.
Al Zahran fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Norbert Grupe is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Al Zahran tries for a takedown but Grupe sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grupe is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Al Zahran misses the shot to the body.
Grupe wants to clinch.
Grupe avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Al Zahran misses the shot to the body.
Grupe throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Al Zahran throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Grupe on the side of the head.
Al Zahran takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Al Zahran looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Grupe lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Grupe's calf.
Al Zahran wants to clinch.
Donk. Al Zahran catches Grupe right on the button with a cross.
Hamad Al Zahran is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Al Zahran throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Al Zahran thows a body shot but no joy.
Al Zahran throws a front kick that sends Grupe stumbling back into the cage.
Al Zahran throws a leg kick but Grupe checks it.
Al Zahran connects with an inside leg kick.
Al Zahran circles away from the clinch attempt.
Grupe lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Al Zahran circles away quickly and effectively.
Al Zahran scores with a hook.
Al Zahran motions for Grupe to come forward. Al Zahran throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran connects with a body shot.
Grupe blocks a head kick by Al Zahran.
Al Zahran jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A solid body kick from Al Zahran.
Al Zahran pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Grupe back to the cage. Al Zahran follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Al Zahran connects with an inside leg kick.
Al Zahran slips a jab and a cross from Grupe.
Grupe throws a jab but it's blocked by Al Zahran.
A looping hook to the body misses from Al Zahran. Grupe does a little dance to reset his feet.

Grupe has taken the fight to the clinch.
Al Zahran goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Al Zahran pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Grupe tries to clinch but Al Zahran moves out of range.
Norbert Grupe has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Al Zahran throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Al Zahran.
Al Zahran lands a glancing blow to the side of Grupe's head.
Al Zahran has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Grupe's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Al Zahran connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Grupe scrambles back to his feet.
Grupe will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Grupe looks to score with a combo 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!
Al Zahran lands a nice looking body shot.
Grupe moves in looking to clinch but Al Zahran pushes him off.
Al Zahran lands an overhand right.
Al Zahran scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A good leg kick by Al Zahran.
Grupe looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Grupe misses with the combination.
Al Zahran fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Grupe manages to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hamad Al Zahran comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Al Zahran has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Frank Dennis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hamad Al Zahran!
Hamad Al Zahran seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
Norbert Grupe was interviewed post fight and said 'fan ta dig din jävel'.