PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mustafa Shabazz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gottlieb Hiebknecht (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Shabazz
vs
Hiebknecht

176 cm
26
163 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

170 cm
26
160 lbs
11 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Alcatraz Apparel
Atlantis

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Mustafa Shabazz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Gottlieb Hiebknecht!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Santiago Holmes and David Hoff.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hiebknecht throws a right hand that misses

and Shabazz counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Hiebknecht misses with a body punch.
Shabazz blocks a body shot from Hiebknecht.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Hiebknecht on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
We've been hearing reports that Shabazz has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Shabazz is working for takedown but Hiebknecht is calmly controlling the position for now.
Hiebknecht misses with a hook to the ribs.

Shabazz pulls Hiebknecht into guard.
Hiebknecht postures up.

Shabazz is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Hiebknecht trying to control the position from guard on top but Shabazz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hiebknecht must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shabazz pulls Hiebknecht in close to his closed guard and prevents Hiebknecht from doing any damage or advancing position.
Shabazz working a defensive guard but Hiebknecht manages to pass into side control anyway.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hiebknecht is looking to take a break and control but Shabazz is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hiebknecht might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Shabazz haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Shabazz is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Shabazz actively working from the bottom here.
Shabazz wants to improve his position but Hiebknecht is controlling well.
Shabazz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hiebknecht is working away from the top position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Hiebknecht is looking for a kimura here.
Shabazz moves into full guard.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Hiebknecht stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Shabazz swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Shabazz had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Hiebknecht defends it easily.
Hiebknecht trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shabazz has Hiebknecht pulled in close to control his posture.

Hiebknecht avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Shabazz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Shabazz working for submissions but it's allowed Hiebknecht to get to half guard.
Shabazz won't allow Hiebknecht to pass to mount.

That's four 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.
Shabazz is trying to control but can't.
Hiebknecht passes to full mount!
Shabazz is desperately trying to improve his position but Hiebknecht has a good base and remains in mount.
Shabazz tries to hold on but Hiebknecht pushes him away.
Shabazz working to try and regain half guard.
Hiebknecht really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Shabazz. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Hiebknecht looking to control and managing it successfully.
Shabazz wants to hold on but Hiebknecht pushes him away.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hiebknecht tries to control but Shabazz wriggling away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Gottlieb Hiebknecht will probably get the nod.
That's time! Shabazz's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Hiebknecht is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Shabazz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hiebknecht.
Hiebknecht has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Hiebknecht avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Hiebknecht doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Shabazz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hiebknecht.
Shabazz seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Shabazz takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Hiebknecht punishes Shabazz's body with a nice straight punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hiebknecht misses with a hook

and Shabazz counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Hiebknecht!
Hiebknecht manages to work his way to half guard, despite Shabazz's best efforts.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Shabazz is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hiebknecht doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Shabazz.
Shabazz is looking to advance position but Hiebknecht won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shabazz trying to control from half guard but Hiebknecht is working away.
Shabazz is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Hiebknecht is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Shabazz passes to full mount!
Shabazz tries to control but Hiebknecht wriggling away.
Shabazz avoids the attempt from Hiebknecht to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Shabazz looking to control and managing it successfully.
Hiebknecht tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Shabazz punching from mount but Hiebknecht doing a good job of avoiding damage.

Shabazz is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Hiebknecht to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Hiebknecht shrugs it off.
Hiebknecht is trying to escape the mount.

Shabazz looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.

Shabazz goes for an armbar but Hiebknecht turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Hiebknecht.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shabazz working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Hiebknecht has passed into half guard!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hiebknecht not doing much here.
Shabazz is looking to improve his position.

Hiebknecht is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Shabazz trying to control here.
Shabazz won't allow Hiebknecht to pass to mount.
Hiebknecht is trying to control the action in half guard but Shabazz is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Shabazz manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Shabazz throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hiebknecht trying to control but Shabazz is working from the bottom.
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 Mustafa Shabazz will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Shabazz doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hiebknecht misses with a two punch combination.
Shabazz wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Hiebknecht scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Shabazz doesn't seem bothered though.
Shabazz tries to clinch up but Hiebknecht circles away and keeps his distance.
Shabazz staying out of range there.
Shabazz dives in and grabs Hiebknecht's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hiebknecht pushes down on Shabazz's head and hops out.
Shabazz tries to clinch up but Hiebknecht circles away and keeps his distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hiebknecht tests Shabazz's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Some wild striking there from Hiebknecht.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shabazz takes one on the button.
Hiebknecht ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Shabazz moves away.

Shabazz rushes Hiebknecht and presses him up against the cage.
Shabazz trying to land knees to the body.
Hiebknecht working aggressively here.
Shabazz misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hiebknecht.

Shabazz has clasped his hands together around Hiebknecht's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Hiebknecht tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Shabazz is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Hiebknecht has escaped the position, nice work there.
Shabazz trying to control the action but Hiebknecht is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hiebknecht is trying to improve his position.
Shabazz trying to control the position but Hiebknecht is working away.
Hiebknecht is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hiebknecht tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Shabazz wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Hiebknecht is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Shabazz misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Shabazz moves into full mount!
Shabazz wants to control the pace but Hiebknecht is squirming around nicely.
Shabazz sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Shabazz has hold of Hiebknecht's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Hiebknecht manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Hiebknecht working to try and regain half guard.
Hiebknecht wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Shabazz.

Shabazz goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Hiebknecht is on top in guard.
Shabazz controls Hiebknecht momentarily but Hiebknecht frees himself.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hiebknecht stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Shabazz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Gottlieb Hiebknecht just about did enough to take it.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Hiebknecht connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Shabazz's hands.

Shabazz closes the distance and clinches.

Shabazz wants the takedown. Hiebknecht is fighting it off but Shabazz persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Hiebknecht's guard against the cage.
Shabazz trying to control the position from guard on top but Hiebknecht is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Hiebknecht is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Shabazz trying to control but Hiebknecht is working from the bottom.
Mustafa Shabazz overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shabazz slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Shabazz tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hiebknecht gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Shabazz passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Hiebknecht!

Shabazz jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Hiebknecht is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Hiebknecht and Shabazz has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.

Shabazz is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Hiebknecht has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Hiebknecht looks to move to half guard but instead Shabazz has passed into mount! Damn!

Shabazz goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Hiebknecht turns into him and now he's in Shabazz's guard.
Hiebknecht pushes down on Shabazz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Shabazz tries to roll over but Hiebknecht keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hiebknecht wants to pass the guard but Shabazz is defending well.
Shabazz wants to control but Hiebknecht is keeping busy.
Shabazz is looking to improve his position.
Hiebknecht seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Shabazz does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Hiebknecht is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Shabazz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Shabazz wants to control but Hiebknecht is keeping busy.
Shabazz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Shabazz wants to control but Hiebknecht is keeping busy.
Shabazz is looking to improve his position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Shabazz actively working from the bottom here.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Mustafa Shabazz will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Hiebknecht connects with a body shot that sends Shabazz's belly button to the back.
The fighters circling - Hiebknecht throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Shabazz avoids the body shot from Hiebknecht.
Hiebknecht throws a body punch but Shabazz moves out of range.
Hiebknecht lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Shabazz circles away quickly and effectively.
Hiebknecht throws a combination that misses

and Shabazz counters with a nice double leg into guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shabazz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Shabazz works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Hiebknecht gets back to full guard.
Shabazz won't allow Hiebknecht to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shabazz passes into half guard.
Hiebknecht gets back to full guard.
Shabazz trying to control but Hiebknecht is working from the bottom.
Hiebknecht controlling Shabazz's posture.
Shabazz trying to control but Hiebknecht is working from the bottom.

Hiebknecht had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Shabazz defends it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Shabazz is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Hiebknecht keeping full guard, as Shabazz tries to pass.

Hiebknecht is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Shabazz defends well.
Shabazz looking to sit in guard and control but Hiebknecht gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shabazz keeping full guard, as Hiebknecht tries to pass.

Shabazz is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Shabazz working for a triangle but Hiebknecht defends it easily.
Shabazz pulls Hiebknecht in to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

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

Hiebknecht got a little sloppy there for a moment and Shabazz has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hiebknecht has managed to get both his arms back between Shabazz's legs - danger averted.
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.

Shabazz is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hiebknecht is aware though and is defending well.
Hiebknecht wants to pass the guard but Shabazz is keeping the position.
Hiebknecht 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.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hiebknecht trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Gottlieb Hiebknecht.
I think Hiebknecht 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 48:49
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight 46:49
Judge David Hoff scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Gottlieb Hiebknecht!
Gottlieb Hiebknecht is the new lightweight champion!
An out of breath Gottlieb Hiebknecht thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.