PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Coco Cobb (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fakhri El Hashem (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). El Hashem has chosen Kassaman as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Cobb
vs
El Hashem

181 cm
25
158 lbs
15 - 6 - 0

179 cm
30
154 lbs
12 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Devotion Energy Inc (Laundry)(Flights)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Coco Cobb!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Fakhri El Hashem!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Patrick Alders and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
El Hashem misses with the combination.
Cobb wants to clinch up but El Hashem keeps it at a distance.
El Hashem misses with a straight right.
Cobb connects with a leg kick. El Hashem looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
El Hashem ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cobb moves away.
El Hashem misses with a body shot.
El Hashem tests Cobb's chin there with a solid looking shot.
El Hashem takes a swing at Cobb's ribcage but misses.
El Hashem throws a right and a left that both miss.
El Hashem misses the shot to the body.

Cobb gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Cobb wants the takedown. El Hashem is fighting it off but Cobb persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in El Hashem's guard against the cage.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
El Hashem keeping full guard, as Cobb tries to pass.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cobb seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
El Hashem wants to stand but Cobb is controlling the position.
Cobb slips nicely into half guard.
Cobb tries to pass to full mount but El Hashem defends it.
Cobb is trying to control. El Hashem wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cobb tries to pass the half guard into mount. El Hashem knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Cobb is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, El Hashem has managed to free his arm - good work.

Cobb is sneakily working for an arm triangle but El Hashem sees it coming and defends easily.
Cobb is trying to control the action in half guard but El Hashem is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cobb is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, El Hashem has managed to free his arm - good work.
El Hashem avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Cobb.
Cobb works his foot free and advances to mount.
Cobb is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. El Hashem can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Cobb wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
El Hashem wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Cobb.

Cobb is working for a guillotine from mount but El Hashem frees his head quite easily.
Cobb trying to control but he's not successful this time.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Coco Cobb 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.

El Hashem jabs Cobb right on the nose. Cobb blinks but takes it well.
Fakhri El Hashem seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cobb takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
El Hashem throws a nice looking combination but Cobb bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
El Hashem looks to score with a jab to the body but Cobb is just out of range.
Cobb tries to clinch up.
El Hashem digs a good hook to Cobb's body.
Cobb takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Cobb tries to close the distance and clinch but El Hashem swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
El Hashem is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Cobb rather than just go for the knockout.
El Hashem lands with a nice combination. Cobb backs away looking to recover.
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 right-left combo lands from El Hashem.

Cobb is rocked!
Cobb dodges the punch combination from El Hashem.
Oh Cobb is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Cobb wants to clinch.
El Hashem misses with a hook. Cobb ducked under it nicely.
El Hashem throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cobb seems to have got his legs back now.
Cobb keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cobb wants to clinch.
Fakhri El Hashem seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Cobb instigates a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
El Hashem wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Cobb utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Cobb tries to pull guard but El Hashem forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
El Hashem is trying to break the clinch but Cobb has him pressed against the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Cobb.
Cobb unloads a knee to the mid-section. El Hashem lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Cobb working El Hashem over with knees to the body.
El Hashem is breathing heavily.
Cobb controlling the action here for a moment.

El Hashem's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
El Hashem misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cobb.
El Hashem misses with a right hand
and Cobb counters with a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cobb wants to clinch up but El Hashem keeps it at a distance.
Fakhri El Hashem is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
El Hashem lands an overhand right.
Cobb fails in his attempt to clinch.

Cobb manages to get an easy takedown there - catching El Hashem on his heels. He'll look to pass El Hashem's guard now, I'm sure.
Cobb controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Cobb won't allow El Hashem to get back to his feet.
Cobb tries to free his leg and advance position but El Hashem is retaining full guard.
Cobb trying to control but El Hashem is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Coco Cobb.
Horrible takedown attempt by Cobb or perhaps it was just good defense by El Hashem, which made it look bad.

Cobb moves into the clinch.
Cobb prevents El Hashem from breaking the clinch.
Cobb is working for takedown but El Hashem is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Coco Cobb. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cobb tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
El Hashem is trying to break free.
Cobb tries to land a knee to the head but El Hashem blocks with his arms.
El Hashem wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Cobb with an attempt at a knee that misses.
El Hashem is looking to break free of the clinch but Cobb has double underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cobb working El Hashem over with knees to the body.
El Hashem has had enough of the clinch but Cobb keeps him there for the moment.
Cobb working El Hashem over with knees to the body.
Knees to the body from Cobb.
Coco Cobb has scored more points in the clinch so far.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
El Hashem is trying to force a seperation but Cobb has the dominant position.
El Hashem wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Cobb has him pressed against the cage.
Cobb working El Hashem over with knees to the body.
Cobb has El Hashem pressed against the cage, preventing El Hashem from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Cobb using the Thai plumb to throw knees but El Hashem has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Cobb missing with knees to the body.
El Hashem managing to block the knees to the body from Cobb.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Cobb tries a knee to the head but El Hashem blocks it.
Cobb has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by El Hashem after a bit of a struggle.
El Hashem prevents the takedown attempt.
Cobb keeps control of El Hashem as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Coco Cobb will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

El Hashem misses with a hook. Cobb ducked under it nicely.
El Hashem keeps the fight on the outside.
El Hashem scores with a one two! Cobb had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Cobb blocks a jab.
Cobb moves in looking to clinch but El Hashem pushes him off.
El Hashem circles away from the clinch attempt.
El Hashem chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Cobb can pounce on him.
El Hashem throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
El Hashem throws the left hand but Cobb avoids the punch easily.
El Hashem circles away from the clinch attempt.
Horrible takedown attempt by Cobb or perhaps it was just good defense by El Hashem, which made it look bad.
El Hashem misses with a double jab.
El Hashem throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cobb tries to clinch up.

Cobb drives through with a takedown into El Hashem's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cobb pushes down on El Hashem's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cobb wants to advance to full mount but El Hashem doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Cobb sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed El Hashem's guard.

Cobb is looking for a kimura but El Hashem is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Cobb to get the leverage.
Cobb thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed El Hashem's head.
Well, if Cobb is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
El Hashem is refusing to be controlled, as Cobb sits in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cobb looks to land a strike but El Hashem avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Cobb trying to control but El Hashem is working from the bottom.
Cobb passes El Hashem's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Coco Cobb overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
El Hashem is not content to let Cobb control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cobb trying to pass the guard but El Hashem defending well.

Cobb is trying to work for a kimura but El Hashem is defending well.
El Hashem is not content to let Cobb control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Cobb controlling the action here.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Coco Cobb just wasn't active enough.
El Hashem jabs at Cobb's body.
El Hashem fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cobb manages to avoid it.
El Hashem closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Cobb tries to close the distance and clinch up but El Hashem swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Cobb rushes El Hashem and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
El Hashem is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cobb landing knees to the head.
El Hashem tries to break free but Cobb pushes him back against the cage.
Cobb is trying to drag El Hashem to the mat but El Hashem just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Coco Cobb clearly takes 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.

Cobb is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Cobb shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Cobb slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Cobb passes to full mount! That's big trouble for El Hashem!
Cobb is looking to work his way around to El Hashem's back. He needs to be careful though, as he's in danger of losing this dominant position.
Cobb tries to control but El Hashem wriggling away.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cobb is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But El Hashem has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from El Hashem!

Cobb working for a triangle but El Hashem defends it easily.
Cobb trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cobb is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
El Hashem wants to stand but Cobb has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Cobb controls El Hashem momentarily but El Hashem frees himself.
Cobb has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but El Hashem has passed into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cobb is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Cobb gets full guard.
Cobb trying to control the position.

Cobb looking for a guillotine here but El Hashem defends easily.

Cobb escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. El Hashem gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cobb throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! El Hashem escapes and throws Cobb's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Cobb is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on El Hashem's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Coco Cobb had his way with Fakhri El Hashem in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

El Hashem misses with a jab, cross combination.
El Hashem thuds his right hand into Cobb's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
El Hashem throws a right and a left that Cobb avoids nicely.

Cobb looking to score a takedown here. El Hashem is defending well but Cobb drives through and ends up in El Hashem's guard.
Cobb tries to free his leg and advance position but El Hashem is retaining full guard.
Cobb slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
El Hashem keeping full guard, as Cobb tries to pass.
Cobb postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cobb postures up in El Hashem's guard and throws a big left but El Hashem blocks it.
Cobb is stalling in the full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Coco Cobb wasn't doing enough on the ground.
El Hashem misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Cobb has El Hashem up against the cage in a clinch.
Cobb looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Cobb lands a good knee to the midsection. El Hashem won't want to take too many of those.
El Hashem is trying to break the clinch but Cobb is controlling him.
El Hashem has had enough of the clinch but Cobb keeps him there for the moment.
Cobb misses with a knee strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
El Hashem takes a knee right on the jaw!
Cobb is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Cobb is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. El Hashem is defending well for now.

Cobb is trying to trip El Hashem. He has hold of a leg but El Hashem is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Cobb persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
El Hashem is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
El Hashem keeping moving, preventing Cobb from controlling successfully.
Cobb engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Coco Cobb just wasn't active enough.
El Hashem lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
El Hashem looks to land a combination but Cobb avoids it well.
Fakhri El Hashem has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
El Hashem keeps the fight on the outside.
El Hashem moves into range and connects with a jab.
El Hashem throws a right hand that Cobb ducks under and follows up with a left that Cobb also avoids with ease.
El Hashem is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Cobb.

Cobb has taken the fight to the clinch.
El Hashem takes a knee to the side of the body.
El Hashem is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Cobb misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from El Hashem.
Cobb using the Thai plumb to throw knees but El Hashem has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cobb lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

It looks like Fakhri El Hashem has been cut.
Cobb tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cobb working El Hashem over with knees to the body.
El Hashem is looking to break free of the clinch but Cobb has double underhooks.
Coco Cobb is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Knees in the clinch landing for Cobb.
El Hashem is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
El Hashem is trying to break the clinch but Cobb is controlling him.
Cobb misses with a knee strike.
Cobb throws a knee to the head but misses.
El Hashem wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
El Hashem goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

El Hashem's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Cobb moves into the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Coco Cobb showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cobb, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 50:45
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 50:45
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Coco Cobb!
Coco Cobb retains his featherweight title!
A relieved looking Coco Cobb thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.