PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Elias Al Haddad (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nicodemo Romero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Romero has chosen Lords Of Salem as his entrance music. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Al Haddad
vs
Romero

174 cm
27
163 lbs
14 - 14 - 1

177 cm
28
160 lbs
14 - 12 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best 160 (80% laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 14 - 1, fighting out of New York, Elias Al Haddad!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Nicodemo Romero!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, Richard Clark and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Romero fails to land the takedown.
Romero dodges the punch combination from Al Haddad.

Romero instigates a clinch.
Al Haddad is trying to stall.
We've been informed that Romero has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Al Haddad misses with a hook from the clinch.
Al Haddad is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Al Haddad lands with a light punch inside.
Romero misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Al Haddad.
Romero blocks a body shot from Al Haddad.
Al Haddad on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Romero lands a nice knee to the body.
Romero lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Romero blocks a body shot from Al Haddad.
Al Haddad just leaning against Romero, taking a breather.
Still in the clinch, Romero scores with a nice short uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Al Haddad.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Al Haddad.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Haddad throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Romero misses with the head strike.
Romero landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Al Haddad scores with a nice hook to the head.
Al Haddad trying to stall but Romero improves his position.
Al Haddad working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Romero gets through Al Haddad's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Romero.
Al Haddad lands a nice shot to the body.
Romero tries to land knees in the clinch but Al Haddad avoids the damage to the body.
Romero tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Romero manages to break the clinch.
Romero fails with a takedown attempt.
Some wild striking there from Al Haddad.
Horrible takedown attempt by Romero or perhaps it was just good defense by Al Haddad, which made it look bad.
Elias Al Haddad has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicodemo Romero.
Al Haddad avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Romero throws a sloppy head kick and Al Haddad moves out of range easily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A head kick by Romero misses
and Al Haddad counters with a three punch combo that has Romero backing up. Romero nods at Al Haddad to acknowledge the strikes.
Al Haddad throws a good cross that connects.
Al Haddad lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Romero throws an off balance right hand
and Al Haddad counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Romero has taken the fight to the clinch.
Romero landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Al Haddad presses Romero against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Al Haddad lands an uppercut.
Al Haddad can't find room to land a body shot as Romero controls the action.

Al Haddad manages to break the clinch.
Romero tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Al Haddad defends well and Romero ends up having to push Al Haddad into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Al Haddad throws the left hand but Romero avoids the punch easily.
Romero throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Al Haddad uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Romero.
Al Haddad getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Al Haddad avoids a kick to the body.
Al Haddad cracks Romero with a right hand to the side of the head.
Al Haddad goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Romero misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Haddad looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Romero connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Al Haddad's hands.
Al Haddad fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Al Haddad lands an overhand right.
A punch combination from Al Haddad misses.
Al Haddad throws a series of punches but Romero avoids them all with ease.
Romero dodges the punch combination from Al Haddad.
Al Haddad throws a body shot but no joy.

Romero closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Romero tries to land a knee to the head but Al Haddad blocks with his arms.
Al Haddad manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Al Haddad blocks an uppercut.
Al Haddad keeps control of Romero as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Al Haddad lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Romero as Al Haddad tries to tie him up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Romero misses with a short punch on the inside.
With the fighters up against the cage, Al Haddad throws an elbow but misses.
A nice right hand lands inside from Romero.
Al Haddad stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Al Haddad blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Romero misses with some punches.
Romero connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Haddad's face.
Romero lands a knee to the body.
Romero tries to land knees in the clinch but Al Haddad avoids the damage to the body.
Romero scores with a knee to the head.
Romero is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Al Haddad is defending well for now.

Romero's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The fighters circling - Romero throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Al Haddad connects with a good right hand that stumbles Romero. Romero circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Romero fails to land with a series of punches.
As Romero tries to get set, Al Haddad tries to push him back and clinch up but Romero manages to avoid the attempt.
Romero throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Al Haddad sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Romero throws a head kick that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Elias Al Haddad will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Romero throws a head kick but Al Haddad moves out of range.
Romero tries to clinch but Al Haddad moves away
and Al Haddad counters with a straight right hand.
Romero shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Al Haddad sprawls well. Al Haddad wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Romero gets slowly back to his feet.
Romero dodges the punch combination from Al Haddad.
Romero is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Danga de danga de dang - Al Haddad scores with a four punch combination!
Romero swings widly with a right hand
and Al Haddad makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Romero looks to land a left hand but Al Haddad moved out of range nicely.
A head kick misses from Romero.
Al Haddad lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
A left and a right from Al Haddad both land. Nice combination.
Al Haddad looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Al Haddad moves into range and connects with a jab.
Al Haddad is looking to clinch.
Romero throws a left and a right that both miss
and Al Haddad counters with a two punch combo.
Al Haddad throws a head kick that misses.
Al Haddad blocks a jab.
Al Haddad is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Romero misses with a takedown attempt
and Al Haddad counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Haddad tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Romero manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Al Haddad avoids the head kick by Romero.
Al Haddad connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Al Haddad blocks a jab.
As Romero tries to get set, Al Haddad tries to push him back and clinch up but Romero manages to avoid the attempt.
Elias Al Haddad is winning the standup battle so far.
Al Haddad tries to close the distance and clinch up but Romero swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Al Haddad is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Romero can do to turn this around?
Al Haddad checks a low kick from Romero.
Al Haddad throwing a counter right hand but Romero manages to avoid it.
Al Haddad with a jab.
Romero fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Al Haddad on the side of the head.
Nice shot lands for Al Haddad.
Al Haddad lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Al Haddad scores with a nice head shot.
Al Haddad shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Romero eats them both and turns towards Al Haddad to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Romero looks to land a combination. Al Haddad sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Al Haddad leaves Romero with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Elias Al Haddad has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicodemo Romero.
Romero doesn't manage to clinch there - Al Haddad circles away.
Al Haddad seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Romero changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Al Haddad tries to avoid it but Romero manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Al Haddad to the ground. Al Haddad escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Romero is breathing heavily.
Romero cracks Al Haddad with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Al Haddad connects with a body shot that sends Romero's belly button to the back.
Elias Al Haddad is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick from Romero lands but Al Haddad takes it in his stride.
Romero gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
A decent looking cross lands there for Al Haddad.
Romero is trying hard to land a takedown here. Al Haddad sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Al Haddad connects with a good right hand that stumbles Romero. Romero circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Nice takedown defense from Al Haddad. No joy for Romero on that attempt.
Al Haddad jabs at Romero's body.
Al Haddad throws a low kick but Romero moves out of range easily.
Nicodemo Romero seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Al Haddad misses with a two punch combination.
Al Haddad connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Romero misses with an uppercut.
Romero tries a head kick but it misses.
Al Haddad lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Al Haddad.
Al Haddad throws a combination. Romero tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Al Haddad scores with a nice head shot.
Al Haddad fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Romero misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Haddad avoids the head kick by Romero.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Haddad looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Al Haddad throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Romero sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Al Haddad swats away the attempt to clinch by Romero.
Romero has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Romero lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Al Haddad circles away quickly and effectively.
Romero tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Romero wants to clinch.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Al Haddad.
Al Haddad connects with the punch.
Al Haddad is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Al Haddad tries to clinch up but Romero circles away and keeps his distance.
Al Haddad goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Romero will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Romero swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Al Haddad moves out of range of the strikes.
Romero tries to move into range but Al Haddad moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Romero tries to close the distance and clinch but Al Haddad swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Romero on the wrong end of a nice jab.

Romero rushes Al Haddad and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Romero makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Al Haddad's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Romero throws a knee to the head but misses.
Al Haddad is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Romero is keeping busy.
Al Haddad lands with a left to the head.
Al Haddad misses with a short punch on the inside.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Romero creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Romero misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Al Haddad.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Romero lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Al Haddad lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Romero.
Al Haddad lands a left hand that snaps the head of Romero backwards.
Romero misses with a short punch on the inside.
Romero blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Elias Al Haddad dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Romero misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Romero shoots for a takedown but Al Haddad saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Al Haddad works the jab nicely.
Al Haddad lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Al Haddad.
Romero showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Al Haddad.
Al Haddad throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Romero on the side of the head.
Al Haddad takes a swing at Romero's ribcage but misses.
Romero connects with a high kick.
Romero uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Al Haddad stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Romero fails with a takedown attempt.
Elias Al Haddad has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicodemo Romero.
Romero tries for a takedown but Al Haddad circles away easily
and Al Haddad connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Romero takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Al Haddad takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Decent striking displayed by Al Haddad there.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Romero scores a nice knee to the body.
Romero misses with a knee strike.
Al Haddad taking a breather.
Romero is trying to break the clinch but Al Haddad has him pressed against the cage.
Al Haddad lands an uppercut.
Nicodemo Romero seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Al Haddad lands a hook to the side of the head.
Romero misses with the head strike.
Romero misses with some punches.
Romero using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Al Haddad has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

Al Haddad breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Elias Al Haddad is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Romero needs to keep his hands up - Al Haddad had a free shot at his head there.
Al Haddad listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Romero walks into a straight right hand from Al Haddad.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Al Haddad stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Al Haddad wants it to stay on the feet.
Al Haddad tests Romero's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Romero throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Al Haddad sees it coming and avoids it easily.
As Romero backs away, Al Haddad returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Nicodemo Romero has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Romero throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Romero misses with a looping left.
The crowd cheers as Al Haddad lands an impressive looking overhand right. Romero doesn't seem phased though.
Romero's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Al Haddad connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Romero scrambles back to his feet.
Al Haddad throws a shot to the body.
Romero pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Al Haddad connects with a good right hand that stumbles Romero. Romero circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Romero tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Al Haddad moves into range and connects with a jab.
Al Haddad with a hook.
Al Haddad connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Romero misses with a head kick.
A little feinted left hand from Al Haddad on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.

Al Haddad darts in and clinches Romero up against the cage.
Romero lands a shoulder strike.
Al Haddad lands an elbow inside that Romero shrugs off.

Romero breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Al Haddad, as that shot connected.
Al Haddad circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Al Haddad forces Romero back against the cage and clinches.
Romero tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Al Haddad avoids it.
Al Haddad throws an elbow but it's blocked.

Romero breaks from the clinch.
A punch lands to the side of Romero 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Al Haddad misses with a looping right.

Al Haddad closes the distance and clinches.
A right hand to the body from Al Haddad.
Romero throws a punch but it's blocked by Al Haddad.
A nice left hand lands by Al Haddad.
Romero misses with a hook from the clinch.

Romero breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Al Haddad lands a glancing blow to the side of Romero's head.
Al Haddad uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Romero.

Romero has taken the fight to the clinch.
Romero lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
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!
Romero throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Al Haddad blocks it with crossed arms.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Al Haddad creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Haddad misses with a punch on the inside.
Al Haddad blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Romero throws a punch but it's blocked by Al Haddad.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Romero working aggressively here.
Romero wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Al Haddad cracks Romero with a nice body shot.
A shot in the inside from Romero.
Al Haddad misses with a knee strike.

Romero manages to break the clinch.
Romero misses with a hook
and Al Haddad connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Al Haddad looks to land a left hand but Romero moved out of range nicely.
Romero takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Romero waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Al Haddad.
Elias Al Haddad is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Romero fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Al Haddad on the side of the head.
Romero is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Romero misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Haddad wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Al Haddad uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Romero.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge William Gold scores the fight 30:27
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Elias Al Haddad!
Elias Al Haddad thanked the fans post fight for their support.