PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Benji Cheshire (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Malaik Hamadani (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Cheshire
vs
Hamadani

189 cm
32
220 lbs
12 - 12 - 1

183 cm
28
212 lbs
10 - 3 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Great elbows
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Benji Cheshire!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Malaik Hamadani!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hamadani connects with a good right hand that stumbles Cheshire. Cheshire circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Cheshire throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Cheshire avoids the body shot from Hamadani.
Hamadani jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hamadani looks to throw the jab but Cheshire is out of range.

Cheshire fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Hamadani, pushing him back against the cage.
Cheshire misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hamadani.
Cheshire misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hamadani.
Cheshire looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Hamadani drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Cheshire gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Cheshire lands a nice elbow.

It looks like Malaik Hamadani has been cut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hamadani misses with the head strike.
Cheshire missing with knees to the body.
Cheshire unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Hamadani looks winded!
Cheshire slows down the pace here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hamadani wants to get back to striking at distance but Cheshire won't allow it.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Cheshire just misses with a elbow thrown towards Hamadani's brow.
Hamadani dodges an elbow strike from Cheshire.
Cheshire lands with a right to the head.
Stalling in the clinch from Cheshire.
Cheshire tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Cheshire pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.

Cheshire gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Hamadani regains guard.
Cheshire pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hamadani is keeping the position for now.
Hamadani wants to sweep but no luck.
Cheshire slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Cheshire wants to control from the top but Hamadani keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hamadani looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Hamadani looking for a guillotine here but Cheshire defends easily.
Cheshire content to stall in guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hamadani is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Benji Cheshire seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hamadani throws the left hand but Cheshire avoids the punch easily.
Hamadani lands a head shot.
Cheshire tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hamadani swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Cheshire tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hamadani manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hamadani avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cheshire tries to clinch up but Hamadani circles away and keeps his distance.
Hamadani scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

Hamadani gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Hamadani is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cheshire is aware though and is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cheshire showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Cheshire trying to control but Hamadani is working from the bottom.
Hamadani not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cheshire not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Cheshire cracks Hamadani with a solid left hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cheshire stopping the sweep attempt from Hamadani.
Hamadani can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cheshire controls the pace.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

Hamadani working for a triangle but Cheshire defends it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Benji Cheshire dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Malaik Hamadani's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Cheshire is looking to clinch.
Cheshire throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Cheshire tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Cheshire has closed the distance and engaged Hamadani in a clinch.
Cheshire landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Cheshire pushes off an throws an elbow but Hamadani leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Cheshire comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Hamadani dodges an elbow strike from Cheshire.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Cheshire just misses with a elbow thrown towards Hamadani's brow.
Cheshire is stalling here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cheshire pushes off an throws an elbow but Hamadani leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Cheshire pushes off an throws an elbow but Hamadani leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Hamadani swings wildly with an uppercut but Cheshire uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hamadani on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Cheshire is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hamadani can do to turn this around?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hamadani avoiding damage as Cheshire throws knees to the body.
Cheshire lands a body punch.
Hamadani misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cheshire lands an elbow inside that Hamadani shrugs off.
Hamadani dodges an elbow strike from Cheshire.
Cheshire looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Cheshire throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.

Hamadani breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cheshire tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hamadani manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hamadani changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Hamadani throws a leg kick but Cheshire checks it.
And Cheshire counters with a quick kick to the body but Hamadani blocks it.
Cheshire uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hamadani.
Cheshire tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hamadani manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cheshire looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hamadani ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cheshire moves away.
Hamadani throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cheshire sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hamadani fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Cheshire displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Hamadani.
Hamadani swats away the attempt to clinch by Cheshire.
Hamadani will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cheshire displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hamadani throws out the jab.
Cheshire is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hamadani misses with a body shot.
Cheshire tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cheshire is looking to clinch.
Hamadani throws out a loose jab but Cheshire uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cheshire tries to clinch up.
Cheshire moves in looking to clinch but Hamadani pushes him off.
Cheshire tries to close the distance and clinch but Hamadani swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hamadani circles away from the clinch attempt.
Malaik Hamadani seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cheshire tries to close the distance and clinch but Hamadani swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Hamadani shoots in but no luck this time.
Benji Cheshire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Malaik Hamadani.
Cheshire is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Cheshire fails with an attempt to clinch.
Cheshire tries to close the distance and clinch but Hamadani swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cheshire tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hamadani manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hamadani tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Cheshire tries to clinch up but Hamadani circles away and keeps his distance.
Hamadani is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hamadani shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Cheshire works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Cheshire fails with a takedown attempt.
Cheshire fails in his attempt to clinch.
Hamadani throws a body kick that misses.
Cheshire doesn't manage to clinch there - Hamadani circles away.
Cheshire tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hamadani paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hamadani keeps the fight on the outside.
Cheshire tries to close the distance and clinch but Hamadani swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cheshire is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
And Hamadani tries to counter it with a takedown but Cheshire pushes his down on his head and steps out.
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 Benji Cheshire will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Malaik Hamadani's cut.
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.

Cheshire tries to clinch up.
Cheshire is looking to clinch.

Hamadani dives in and scores a takedown into Cheshire's guard.
Cheshire looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hamadani is one step ahead there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cheshire is on top in guard.

Hamadani keeping moving, preventing Cheshire from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Cheshire got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hamadani has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Cheshire has managed to get both his arms back between Hamadani's legs - danger averted.
Cheshire content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hamadani throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Cheshire stopping the sweep attempt from Hamadani.

Hamadani isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Cheshire stacks Hamadani 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 Cheshire!
Cheshire landing strikes.
Hamadani is looking for a sweep.
Cheshire trying to control the action but Hamadani is working from the bottom.
Cheshire throws an elbow but Hamadani slips to the side and avoids it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hamadani is not content to let Cheshire control the position.
Hamadani gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Cheshire prevents Hamadani from getting the reversal.
Cheshire controlling from the full mount.
Cheshire trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Hamadani tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cheshire tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Cheshire lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Hamadani is looking to improve his position but Cheshire isn't that keen on the idea.
Benji Cheshire overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Cheshire controlling his opponent.
Cheshire in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Hamadani tries to reverse the position but Cheshire maintains control.
Cheshire trying to control but Hamadani is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hamadani slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Cheshire seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Hamadani trying to hold on to Cheshire's head to control him but Cheshire postures up.
Cheshire seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cheshire not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Benji Cheshire clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Malaik Hamadani's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Cheshire tries to clinch but Hamadani is having none of it.
Hamadani throws a leg kick which misses Cheshire's front leg but catches the back leg as Cheshire tries to avoid it.
Hamadani cracks Cheshire with an open hand slap.
Cheshire wants to clinch.
Hamadani is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Cheshire tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hamadani manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cheshire doesn't manage to clinch there - Hamadani circles away.
Cheshire fails with an attempt to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cheshire wants to clinch.
Hamadani fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hamadani fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cheshire manages to avoid it.
Hamadani keeps the fight on the outside.

Cheshire has taken the fight to the clinch.
Hamadani can't break the clinch.
Hamadani gets through Cheshire's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hamadani wants to take the fight to the mat but Cheshire manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Cheshire stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Hamadani blocks the elbow strike.
Cheshire misses with some punches.
Cheshire misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hamadani.
Hamadani avoids the elbow strike from Cheshire, against the cage.
Cheshire is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Cheshire stalls.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hamadani avoiding damage as Cheshire throws knees to the body.
Cheshire pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Cheshire tries to land a knee to the head but Hamadani blocks with his arms.
Hamadani scores with a nice hook to the head.
Cheshire lands a nice elbow.
Cheshire stalling the fight.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Hamadani is trying to maintain a safe position but Cheshire gets an underhook and turns Hamadani into the cage.
Hamadani will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Cheshire up against the cage.
Hamadani lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hamadani lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hamadani is trying to break free.
Hamadani swings wildly with an uppercut but Cheshire uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hamadani looking for a takedown.
Benji Cheshire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Malaik Hamadani.
Hamadani wants a takedown.
Hamadani is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Cheshire gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Cheshire misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hamadani.
Cheshire trying to stall but Hamadani improves his position.
Hamadani blocks an elbow strike.
Cheshire blocks an uppercut.
Cheshire is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Cheshire pushes off an throws an elbow but Hamadani leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Hamadani.
Hamadani has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Cheshire avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Cheshire blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hamadani wants a takedown.
Hamadani wants to break the clinch but can't.
Hamadani wants to get back to striking at distance but Cheshire won't allow it.
Hamadani tries to break free but Cheshire pushes him back against the cage.
Hamadani can't get the takedown.
Hamadani avoids a wild elbow strike from Cheshire.
Hamadani is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cheshire pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Hamadani is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Hamadani tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cheshire's elbow.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hamadani tries to work over Cheshire's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cheshire makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hamadani wants a takedown but no success here.
Benji Cheshire has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cheshire gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
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 Benji Cheshire will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Malaik Hamadani's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Cheshire is looking to clinch.
Cheshire tries to clinch but Hamadani moves out of range.
Nice uppercut lands for Hamadani. That snapped Cheshire's head back.
Hamadani uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Hamadani throws a leg kick but Cheshire sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Cheshire blocks a leg kick.
Cheshire attempts a counter takedown but Hamadani avoids it well and moves away.
Hamadani scores with a jab. Cheshire acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Cheshire wants to clinch up but Hamadani keeps it at a distance.
Hamadani with a lazy takedown attempt

and Cheshire counters with a takedown into side control.
Hamadani taking punishment in the form of punches.
Cheshire slows the pace down.
Cheshire scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Hamadani to see if he's OK.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cheshire controlling from side mount.
Hamadani is looking to reverse the position.
A lull in the action here as Cheshire stalls from top position.
Cheshire creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Hamadani sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Benji Cheshire is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Hamadani wants to control but Cheshire postures up.
Hamadani is looking to reverse the position.
Hamadani is trying to escape the position but Cheshire is controlling the position.
Hamadani is trying to improve his position.
Hamadani wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Hamadani misses with a straight left.
Cheshire half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cheshire fails with an attempt to clinch.
Hamadani keeps the fight on the outside.
Cheshire fails with an attempt to clinch.
Hamadani slaps away a takedown attempt from Cheshire, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Hamadani changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Cheshire tries to clinch up but Hamadani circles away and keeps his distance.
Malaik Hamadani has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cheshire is looking to clinch but Hamadani is avoiding it.
Cheshire tries to clinch up.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Hamadani, as that shot connected.
Cheshire keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cheshire is looking to clinch but Hamadani is avoiding it.
A head kick misses from Cheshire.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hamadani swats away the attempt to clinch by Cheshire.
Cheshire tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Hamadani paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hamadani feints the counter takedown.
Hamadani fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cheshire manages to avoid it.
Cheshire throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cheshire fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cheshire tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hamadani swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Hamadani looks to land a right hand but Cheshire moved out of range.
A low kick from Hamadani misses
and Cheshire counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hamadani shoots in but no luck this time.
Cheshire tries to clinch up but Hamadani circles away and keeps his distance.
Cheshire ducks under a wild hook from Hamadani.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Malaik Hamadani.
I think Cheshire 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Benji Cheshire!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Benji Cheshire!
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight for Benji Cheshire!

Benji Cheshire wins by unanimous decision!
After winning the bout, Benji Cheshire thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.