PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Qasem Suleimani (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kabal Labak (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Suleimani kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Busta Rhymes - Arab Money. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Suleimani
vs
Labak

186 cm
22
219 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

180 cm
23
203 lbs
12 - 4 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Sun-Tzu
GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Qasem Suleimani!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Kabal Labak!
The judges for this bout are Micheangelo Fripello, Josh West and Jeff Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Labak drives through with a takedown into guard.
Labak won't allow Suleimani to get back to his feet.
Suleimani utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Labak keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Suleimani's head.
Suleimani preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Labak scoring with punches to the head and body.
Suleimani utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Suleimani controls Labak momentarily but Labak frees himself.
Labak stops Suleimani from standing up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Labak pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Suleimani is keeping the position for now.
Suleimani pulls Labak in to control the position.
Labak stops Suleimani from standing up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Labak trying to control but Suleimani is working from the bottom.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Suleimani is looking to stand up but Labak isn't so interested in that idea.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Labak throws a hook but Suleimani blocks it.
Suleimani tries to counter by clinching up but Labak breaks away and moves out of range.
Labak throws a poor cross that misses
and Suleimani counters with a stiff right hand.
Suleimani's jab looks to have found its range, popping Labak under the eye.
Suleimani has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Labak blocks a jab.
Labak let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Suleimani staying out of range there.
Suleimani is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Labak scores with a jab to the jaw.
The fighters circling - Suleimani throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Suleimani lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Labak takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

It looks like Kabal Labak has been cut.
Suleimani jabs Labak to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Suleimani misses the shot to the body.
Labak on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Labak misses with a wild body shot.
Labak misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Suleimani.
Labak throws a jab but it's blocked by Suleimani.
A looping hook to the body misses from Suleimani. Labak does a little dance to reset his feet.
Labak looks to throw the jab but Suleimani is out of range.
Suleimani dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Labak takes a swing at Suleimani's ribcage but misses.
Labak throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Suleimani counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Labak is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Suleimani blocks a jab.
Suleimani was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Labak throws an off balance right hand
and Suleimani counters with a straight right hand.
Labak misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Suleimani.
Labak just misses with a punch to the body.
Suleimani lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Labak takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Suleimani connects with the punch.
Qasem Suleimani is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Suleimani scores with a jab. Labak acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Suleimani connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Suleimani is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Labak misses with a looping right.
A quick step to the side and Suleimani tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Suleimani misses with a hook. Labak ducked under it nicely.
Labak doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Labak misses the jab.
Suleimani works Labak's body with a nice hook.
Labak throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Suleimani cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Labak throws out a loose jab but Suleimani uses good head movement to avoid it.
Labak lands with a shot to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Suleimani. Labak does a little dance to reset his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Suleimani connects with the punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Suleimani on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Labak throws a body shot but no joy.
Labak throws a hook to the side of Suleimani's head but Suleimani sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Labak is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Suleimani connects with a body shot that sends Labak's belly button to the back.
Suleimani throws a jab when Labak was well out of range.
Suleimani ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Labak moves away.
Labak uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Suleimani.
Suleimani misses with a looping right.
Suleimani misses with a jab to the body
and Labak makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Labak lands with an overhand left.
Suleimani throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Labak counters with a stiff right hand.
Suleimani lands with an uppercut that bounces Labak off the cage and back into range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Qasem Suleimani dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kabal Labak's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Labak is defended easily by Suleimani.
Labak throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A little feinted left hand from Suleimani on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Labak feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Suleimanis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Suleimani takes a swing at Labak's ribcage but misses.
Qasem Suleimani is winning the standup battle so far.
Labak fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Suleimani looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A nice combination there by Suleimani.
Labak looks to score with a jab to the body but Suleimani is just out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Labak throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Suleimani tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Labak manages to circle out of the way.
Labak ducks under a wild hook from Suleimani.
Labak swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Labak bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Suleimani's head backwards.
Suleimani avoids the body shot from Labak.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Suleimani works the jab nicely.
Labak looks to throw the jab but Suleimani is out of range.
Suleimani swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Suleimani throws an overhand right that lands on Labak's shoulder, as Labak tries to avoid the shot.
Labak misses with a straight right.
Labak throws a jab but it's blocked by Suleimani.
Labak thows a left - swing and a miss!
Suleimani is looking to counter the offense by Labak and move into the clinch.
Labak moves away from the strike by Suleimani.
Suleimani avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A quick step to the side and Suleimani tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Labak looks to throw the jab but Suleimani is out of range.
Labak misses with a wild body shot.
A big right from Labak misses.
Suleimani steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Labak.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Suleimani looks to throw the jab but Labak is out of range.
Labak lands a slapping body shot.
Labak displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Suleimani throws out the jab.
Suleimani connects with a nice looking jab.
Labak misses with a straight left.
Labak staying out of range there.
Labak shoots in looking for a takedown. Suleimani tries to sprawl out of it but Labak keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Suleimani manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
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!

Suleimani gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Labak to score an easy takedown into full guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Labak prevents Suleimani from getting back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Labak looking to pass the guard.
Suleimani is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Labak throws a big right hand that misses.
Labak wants to pass the guard but Suleimani is keeping the position.
Labak stands up over Suleimani, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Labak stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Suleimani swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Labak with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Labak stops Suleimani from standing up.
Suleimani wants to sweep here but Labak controlling him for the moment.
Labak stops Suleimani from standing up.
Labak postures up.
Suleimani preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Labak pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Suleimani is keeping the position for now.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Suleimani lands a lovely overhand right.
Labak uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Suleimani.
Suleimani lands a jab to the head.
Suleimani getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Labak keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Kabal Labak will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Kabal Labak's cut.
That's time! Suleimani's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Labak misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Suleimani.
Labak uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Suleimani.
Labak has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Labak fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Suleimani manages to avoid it.
Kabal Labak seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Suleimani lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
A looping hook to the body misses from Labak. Suleimani does a little dance to reset his feet.
Suleimani throws a shot to the body.
Labak displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Suleimani throws out the jab.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Labak! But no joy.
Suleimani doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Labak rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Suleimani counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Labak scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Suleimani ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Nice straight punches there by Labak. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Labak.
Labak scores with a nice right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Labak wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Labak throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Suleimani!
Labak tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Suleimani was well out of range. Poor timing from Labak.
Labak throws the left hand but Suleimani avoids the punch easily.
Suleimani uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Labak.
Suleimani appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Labak moves out of range as Suleimani strikes.
Suleimani throws a big shot that misses.
Suleimani works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Labak shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Suleimani is looking to counter the offense by Labak and move into the clinch.
Suleimani keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Labak ducks under a wild hook from Suleimani.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Labak takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Labak swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Suleimani throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Labak misses with a lunging right hand
and Suleimani counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Labak thinking.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Suleimani throws a right hand that misses
and Labak counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Labak takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Labak changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Suleimani looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Suleimani wants to control but Labak postures up.
Suleimani parries the strikes from Labak easily there. Labak is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Suleimani to escape.
Suleimani tries to improve position but can't.
Labak cracks Suleimani with a big right hand but Suleimani just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Suleimani gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Labak has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Suleimani's face.
Suleimani is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Suleimani on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Suleimani tries to get out of the position.
Labak is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Suleimani can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Suleimani is squirming around, avoiding Labak's attempts to control the action.

Labak wants to finish this one by submission but Suleimani is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Labak.
Suleimani in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Suleimani is trying desperately to improve position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Suleimani is working hard here to advance position.
The referee warns Suleimani that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Suleimani wants to control but Labak is having none of it.
Suleimani throwing hammer fists to the chest of Labak. What's that going to do exactly?
Labak landing shots from mount.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Suleimani is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Labak scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Suleimani really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Kabal Labak has got the better of the ground game so far.
Labak looking to finish Suleimani with some ground and pound. This is bad for Suleimani!
Labak postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Suleimani looks a forlorn figure.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kabal Labak really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kabal Labak's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Suleimani throws a shot from downtown. Labak moves away and avoids it.
Labak dips to his left and cracks Suleimani with an uppercut!
Labak misses with a body punch
and Suleimani counters with a straight right hand.
Labak looks to throw the jab but Suleimani is out of range.
A big left from Labak misses.
It looked like Suleimani was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Labak.
Labak connects with the punch.
Labak takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Labak shoots and misses
and Suleimani counters with a straight right hand.
Suleimani looks to land a right hand but Labak moved out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Suleimani waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Labak.
A little jabbing left from Labak on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Labak throws a shot from downtown. Suleimani moves away and avoids it.
Labak misses with a hook. Suleimani ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Labak swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Suleimani counters by clinching up.
Suleimani tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Labak's elbow.
Suleimani misses with a punch on the inside.
Labak tries to pull guard but Suleimani holds him up against the cage and eventually Labak drops back down to his feet.
Labak is trying to pull guard but Suleimani has him pressed against the cage.
Qasem Suleimani has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kabal Labak.
Labak swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Labak misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Labak misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Labak.
Labak misses with a hook from the clinch.
Suleimani misses with some punches.
Labak tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Labak throws a punch but it's blocked by Suleimani.
Suleimani lands a nice uppercut.
Suleimani is trying to break free.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Suleimani manages to break the clinch.
Labak swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Suleimani lands a nice hook to Labak's body. Labak takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Labak gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Suleimani counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Suleimani will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Labak throws a shot from downtown. Suleimani moves away and avoids it.

Labak shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Suleimani's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Labak won't allow Suleimani to sweep him here.
Suleimani is looking to stand up but Labak isn't so interested in that idea.
Labak throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Suleimani works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Labak postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Suleimani wants to stand and escape but Labak is having none of it.
Suleimani is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Labak trying to control but Suleimani is working from the bottom.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Labak landing some decent shots from guard.
Suleimani wants to sweep but no luck.
Suleimani wants to get back to his feet but Labak is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Labak keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Labak is trying hard to land a takedown here. Suleimani sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Labak moves out of range of the strikes.
Labak is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Suleimani.
Labak keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Suleimani.
Labak swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Suleimani counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Labak digs a good hook to Suleimani's body.
Labak throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Suleimani tests Labak's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Suleimani fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Labak looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Suleimani avoids the body shot from Labak.
Labak misses with a series of wild punches.
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 Qasem Suleimani will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Kabal Labak's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Labak throws a lazy right hand but Suleimani sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Suleimani throws a hook but Labak blocks it.
Suleimani misses with a double jab.
Labak looks to score with a jab to the body but Suleimani is just out of range.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Suleimani enables Labak to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Suleimani manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Suleimani is trying to control the position but Labak postures up.
Suleimani keeping moving, preventing Labak from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Labak won't allow Suleimani to sweep him here.
Suleimani throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Labak trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Suleimani wants to sweep here but Labak controlling him for the moment.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Labak throws a big elbow that misses.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Suleimani works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Suleimani throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Labak sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Labak misses with a looping left.
Labak throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Suleimani tests Labak's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Labak jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Suleimani misses with a hook.
Suleimani throws a big shot that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Suleimani avoids the body shot from Labak.
Suleimani fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Suleimani tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Labak was well out of range. Poor timing from Suleimani.
Suleimani misses with a wild body shot.
A big left from Labak misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Suleimani. Labak does a little dance to reset his feet.
Labak with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Suleimani to score with a decent uppercut.
Suleimani throws out a loose jab but Labak uses good head movement to avoid it.
Suleimani fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Labak looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A shot to the body from Suleimani misses
and Labak counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Labak ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Suleimani moves away.
Labak shoots in but no luck this time.
Suleimani is looking to counter punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Labak slips a jab from Suleimani.
Nice uppercut lands for Suleimani. That snapped Labak's head back.
Labak uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Suleimani.
Labak tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Suleimani was well out of range. Poor timing from Labak.
Nice uppercut there from Suleimani.
Suleimani throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Suleimani misses with an uppercut
and Labak counters with a nice body shot.
Suleimani avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A telegraphed right hand from Suleimani misses the target.
Labak moves forwards but Suleimani connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Suleimani misses with a looping left.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Labak lands with a good body shot.
Horrible takedown attempt by Labak or perhaps it was just good defense by Suleimani, which made it look bad.
Suleimani swings away with a body shot that misses
and Labak counters with a nice uppercut.
Labak moves out of range as Suleimani strikes.
It seemed like Labak was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Labak misses with a straight right.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Suleimani looks to land a right hand but Labak moved out of range.
A shot to the liver by Labak. Beautiful body shot.
Labak misses with a body punch
and Suleimani counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Labak scores with a takedown into Suleimani's guard.
Suleimani is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Labak is controlling him.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Qasem Suleimani.
I think Suleimani 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 Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 48:46
Judge Josh West scores the fight 48:47
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Qasem Suleimani!
Qasem Suleimani is the new light heavyweight champion!
An out of breath Qasem Suleimani thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.