PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Hamad Al Zahran (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vadim Lavrov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Al Zahran
vs
Lavrov

188 cm
28
178 lbs
16 - 9 - 2

182 cm
37
182 lbs
29 - 18 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 9 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Hamad Al Zahran!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 18 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vadim Lavrov!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Chad Campbell and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Zahran shoots in but Lavrov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Al Zahran throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Al Zahran shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Al Zahran showed some decent athleticism there.
Lavrov is concentrating on defense, preventing Al Zahran from advancing position.
Lavrov is looking for a sweep. Al Zahran is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Lavrov wants to control but Al Zahran is keeping busy.
Lavrov wants to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Zahran is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Al Zahran has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lavrov manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Lavrov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Al Zahran looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Lavrov throws a poor cross that misses

and Al Zahran counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Al Zahran.
Lavrov wants to stand and escape but Al Zahran is having none of it.
Al Zahran controls from within his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Lavrov holds on and takes a little breather.
Al Zahran looking to pass the guard.
Lavrov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Lavrov is controlling Al Zahran's posture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran won't allow Lavrov to get back to his feet.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Al Zahran trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Lavrov finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Some bone on bone action there as Lavrov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Al Zahran is looking to score with low kicks.
Nice jab there from Lavrov.
Lavrov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Al Zahran looks to throw the jab but Lavrov is out of range.
Al Zahran lands with a nice body punch.
Al Zahran finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
A punch lands to the side of Lavrov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Al Zahran tries a head kick but it misses.
Al Zahran is looking to land body kicks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lavrov.
Al Zahran throws a leg kick that misses.
Al Zahran checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

Al Zahran decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Al Zahran is pressing down on Lavrov's thigh, looking to free his foot. Lavrov is holding on for now.
Lavrov is trying to stand.
Lavrov keeping hold of Al Zahran's head, controlling as best he can.
Lavrov looks like he's trying to stand up.
Lavrov tries to get to full guard but Al Zahran has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lavrov pushes Al Zahran off looking to stand but Al Zahran dives back in and keeps control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A low kick from Al Zahran misses
and Al Zahran takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Al Zahran connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Lavrov's hands.
Al Zahran pushes Lavrov away with a front kick.
Al Zahran takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Al Zahran throws a body punch but Lavrov moves out of range.
Al Zahran plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lavrov cracks Al Zahran with an open hand slap.
Al Zahran throws a body shot but no joy.
Al Zahran connects with a right hand. Lavrov shakes it off.
Vadim Lavrov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Al Zahran connects with a high kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hamad Al Zahran 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.

Al Zahran lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Lavrov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Al Zahran.
Al Zahran throws a poor cross that misses
and Lavrov counters with a three punch combo that has Al Zahran backing up. Al Zahran nods at Lavrov to acknowledge the strikes.
Al Zahran misses with a jab to the body
and Lavrov counters with a stiff right hand.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Al Zahran.
Lavrov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Al Zahran ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hamad Al Zahran is winning the standup battle so far.
Al Zahran throws a low kick, looking for Lavrov's leg but Lavrov calmly moves out of range.
Lavrov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Al Zahran feints and as Lavrov raises his hands in defense, Al Zahran changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lavrov wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Al Zahran manages to pass to side control.
Al Zahran missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Zahran controlling the pace.
Al Zahran is looking to take a break and control but Lavrov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Lavrov is looking to escape.
Lavrov wants to control but Al Zahran is keeping busy.
Lavrov wants to get back to his feet.
Al Zahran trying to control from half guard but Lavrov is working away.
Al Zahran stops Lavrov from getting back to his feet.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Al Zahran throws a body punch but Lavrov moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Lavrov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Al Zahran scores with a head kick.
Al Zahran tries to score with a low kick but Lavrov moves his leg out of the way.
Lavrov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hamad Al Zahran seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lavrov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Al Zahran.
A bone on bone clash there as Al Zahran blocks the leg kick.
Lavrov lands a right hook to the body.
Al Zahran lands a jab.
Horrible takedown attempt by Al Zahran or perhaps it was just good defense by Lavrov, which made it look bad.
A combination from Lavrov does no damage.
Lavrov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Al Zahran scores with a sloppy right hand. Lavrov should have avoided that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lavrov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Donk. Lavrov catches Al Zahran right on the button with a cross.
Al Zahran lands a nice shot to the body.
Al Zahran throws a nice inside leg kick.
Lavrov walks into a stiff left hand from Al Zahran.
Al Zahran jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Lavrov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Al Zahran has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hamad Al Zahran. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Al Zahran wants to clinch up but Lavrov keeps it at a distance.

Al Zahran shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Al Zahran was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Lavrov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Al Zahran has just dragged him back down to the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lavrov wants to control but Al Zahran postures up.
Al Zahran lands a nice forearm strike.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Al Zahran fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Lavrov is looking for a sweep.
Lavrov wants to get back to his feet.
Lavrov is trying to improve his position.
Al Zahran tries to score with some ground and pound. Lavrov controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hamad Al Zahran dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Al Zahran closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Lavrov's guard.
Lavrov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Al Zahran is controlling him.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Al Zahran pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Lavrov is keeping the position for now.
Al Zahran trying to control but Lavrov is working from the bottom.
Al Zahran throwing strikes but missing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lavrov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Lavrov wants to improve his position but instead Al Zahran has moved into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Zahran passes to full mount!
Lavrov trying desperately to get to his feet.
Al Zahran can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Lavrov is looking to escape.
Lavrov is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Al Zahran wants to control the pace but Lavrov is squirming around nicely.
Lavrov is looking to improve his position but Al Zahran isn't that keen on the idea.
Hamad Al Zahran overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Al Zahran looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lavrov holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Al Zahran tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Al Zahran lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Al Zahran thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Lavrov holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Al Zahran tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Al Zahran controlling his opponent.
Al Zahran wants to control the pace but Lavrov is squirming around nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran working Lavrov over with strikes here.
Lavrov wants to try and get back to his feet.
Al Zahran thowing shots but they're missing.
Al Zahran scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Lavrov squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Lavrov avoids a series of strikes thrown by Al Zahran.
Lavrov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Lavrov is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Al Zahran is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Lavrov can do to turn this around?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lavrov tries to hold on but Al Zahran postures up.
Lavrov is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Al Zahran lands a heavy elbow.
Lavrov tries to buck Al Zahran off but Al Zahran takes his back!
Al Zahran missing with strikes.

Lavrov preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Al Zahran.
Lavrov covering up well under a series of strikes from Al Zahran.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lavrov is trying to get back to his feet but Al Zahran has full control of the position and if anything, Lavrov has just worked his way into a worse spot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hamad Al Zahran clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Al Zahran misses with a low kick.
Al Zahran thows a leg kick but Lavrov checks it
and Lavrov counters with a series of strikes. Al Zahran will be more careful next time no doubt.
Lavrov throws a leg kick but Al Zahran sees it coming and moves out of range.
Lavrov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Al Zahran fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Lavrov throws a series of punches but Al Zahran moves out of range.
Al Zahran throws a quick inside leg kick.
Al Zahran uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Al Zahran keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Lavrov.
Al Zahran misses the jab.
Lavrov connects with a body shot.
Al Zahran lands with a kick to the ribs.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Al Zahran throws a quick inside leg kick.
Al Zahran throws a low kick but Lavrov avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big right from Lavrov misses.
A nice inside leg kick there by Al Zahran. That's going to slow Lavrov down.
Al Zahran is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Lavrov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A chopping leg kick lands by Lavrov.
Al Zahran lands a nice shot that snaps Lavrov's head back.
Al Zahran checks a low kick from Lavrov.
Al Zahran digs a good body shot into Lavrov's ribs.
An inside leg kick from Al Zahran misses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Al Zahran is defended easily by Lavrov.
Nice defenses there by Al Zahran.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran misses with a hook to the body
and Al Zahran takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Al Zahran shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Lavrov defends it nicely.
Lavrov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Al Zahran misses with an uppercut. Lavrov saw that one coming.
Lavrov throws a looping overhand right but Al Zahran ducks down to avoid it.
Lavrov will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Lavrov has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Nice sprawl there from Lavrov as Al Zahran shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hamad Al Zahran. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lavrov tries to bum rush Al Zahran with a series of wild strikes but Al Zahran uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Lavrov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Al Zahran.
Al Zahran avoids the head kick by Lavrov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lavrov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Lavrov misses with a looping right.
Al Zahran will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Lavrov keeps the fight on the outside.
Al Zahran goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Lavrov ducks under a wild hook from Al Zahran.
Al Zahran shoots in looking for a takedown but Lavrov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Al Zahran's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Al Zahran jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Al Zahran on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Al Zahran takes a kick to the side of the head.
Al Zahran fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Al Zahran paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Lavrov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Al Zahran shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Al Zahran misses with a low kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A telegraphed right hand from Lavrov misses the target.
Al Zahran looks to score with a jab to the body but Lavrov is just out of range.
Al Zahran blocks a head kick by Lavrov.
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 shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Lavrov is trying to defend but Al Zahran finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Al Zahran trying to control the pace.

Lavrov kicks Al Zahran off and gets back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Vadim Lavrov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

A big left from Lavrov misses.
Al Zahran shoots in looking for a takedown. Lavrov tries to sprawl out of it but Al Zahran keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Lavrov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Al Zahran is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Lavrov.
Lavrov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Al Zahran at a distance.
Al Zahran moves out of range of the strikes.
Lavrov jabs Al Zahran to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Al Zahran scoring well with a low kick there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Zahran comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Lavrov misses with a hook. Al Zahran ducked under it nicely.
Lavrov catches Al Zahran with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Al Zahran misses with a looping right.
Al Zahran swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Zahran misses with a low kick.

Al Zahran gets a clinch.
Al Zahran throws a punch but it's blocked by Lavrov.
Al Zahran blocking some punches.
Al Zahran throws a punch but it's blocked by Lavrov.
Lavrov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Al Zahran avoids the elbow strike from Lavrov, against the cage.
Good body shot from Lavrov.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Lavrov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A head punch on the inside from Lavrov fails to land.
Lavrov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Al Zahran lands with a left to the head.
Al Zahran avoiding damage as Lavrov throws knees to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Lavrov.
Al Zahran has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Lavrov after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hamad Al Zahran. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lavrov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A short left from Lavrov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lavrov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Lavrov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lavrov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Al Zahran makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Al Zahran blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hamad Al Zahran is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Al Zahran misses with a punch on the inside.
Lavrov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Al Zahrans head.
A shot in the inside from Lavrov.
Al Zahran wants a takedown.
Lavrov digs a right hand underneath Al Zahran's ribcage. Al Zahran let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Lavrov lands with a right to the head.
Lavrov lands with a right to the head.
Al Zahran blocks a body shot from Lavrov.
Lavrov works on Al Zahran's body with a couple of short punches.
Lavrov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Al Zahran has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Lavrov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Lavrov scores with a hook to the body.
Vadim Lavrov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lavrov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Lavrov lands a left hand.
Lavrov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Lavrov lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Lavrov.
Lavrov landing some nice looking knees to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Lavrov.
Lavrov comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Lavrov has a couple of punches blocked by Al Zahran.
A short uppercut from Lavrov.
Nice body punch from Al Zahran - that landed with a thud.
Lavrov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Al Zahran has Lavrov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Lavrov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Lavrov lands a nice knee to the body.
Lavrov misses with an elbow over the top.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Al Zahran misses with the head strike.
Lavrov digs a right hand underneath Al Zahran's ribcage. Al Zahran let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Lavrov scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Zahran has Lavrov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Lavrov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Lavrov struggles to land a body shot inside as Al Zahran controls his hands.
Lavrov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Lavrov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Al Zahrans head.
Lavrov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Al Zahran takes a shot to the head.
Lavrov throws a punch but it's blocked by Al Zahran.
Al Zahran fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Al Zahran turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Al Zahran is looking to take a break and control but Lavrov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Lavrov is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Al Zahran asserts his dominance and retains side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vadim Lavrov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Al Zahran has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 48:46
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 48:46
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 48:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hamad Al Zahran!
A very excited looking Hamad Al Zahran made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.