PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Lucas Faria (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Khabib Nurmagemedov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Faria's entrance music is Stevie B - Spring Love. A fine choice. The crowd seem to be enjoying Nurmagemedov's choice of entrance music: Kanye West ft Jay-Z Nicki Minaj Rick Ross and Bon Iver - Monster. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Faria
vs
Nurmagemedov

180 cm
34
154 lbs
15 - 24 - 0

177 cm
23
155 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Great elbows
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
Powerful

Spartan Nutrition

Mohito Fightwear
GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Lucas Faria!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Khabib Nurmagemedov!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Emerson Jorge and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Faria moves away from the strike by Nurmagemedov.
Nurmagemedov tests Faria's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Faria's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Faria duly obliges.
Faria takes one on the button.
Faria stuffs the takedown attempt from Nurmagemedov. Nurmagemedov gets slowly back to his feet.
Faria walks into a jab.
Nurmagemedov is looking to clinch but Faria is avoiding it.
Nurmagemedov scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Faria fails to land with a series of punches.

Nurmagemedov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Nurmagemedov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Nurmagemedov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Faria after a bit of a struggle.
Lucas Faria has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagemedov.

Faria escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nurmagemedov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Nurmagemedov shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Faria misses with the combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Faria fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Faria throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Nurmagemedov.
Nurmagemedov fails with a takedown attempt.
Nurmagemedov throws a body shot but no joy.
Faria swinging wildly here.
Donk. Nurmagemedov catches Faria right on the button with a cross.
Nurmagemedov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Faria fails to land with a series of punches.
Lucas Faria seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Faria throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Faria throws a right and a left that Nurmagemedov avoids nicely.
Faria misses with a few strikes there.
Faria circles away from the clinch attempt.
Faria throws a right hand that Nurmagemedov ducks under and follows up with a left that Nurmagemedov also avoids with ease.
Faria misses with a series of wild punches.
Nurmagemedov drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Faria defends it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Faria scores with a one two! Nurmagemedov had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Nurmagemedov wants to slow Faria down by chopping away at his legs.
Nurmagemedov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Faria pinned against the ropes. Faria gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Nurmagemedov clinches.
Faria is trying to break the clinch but Nurmagemedov is controlling him.
Faria is trying to push Nurmagemedov away but Nurmagemedov has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Nurmagemedov is trying to pull guard but Faria has him pressed against the ropes.
Nurmagemedov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Faria's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Faria misses with a wild combination.
Nurmagemedov feints the counter takedown.
Nurmagemedov scores with a jab. Faria acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Nurmagemedov dodges the punch combination from Faria.
Nurmagemedov drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Faria defends it well.
Nurmagemedov misses with an uppercut. Faria saw that one coming.
A head kick misses from Faria.
Nurmagemedov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

Nurmagemedov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Faria wants to break free but Nurmagemedov has control.
Faria definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Faria wants to break the clinch but can't.
Nurmagemedov is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Faria gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Faria is looking to break free of the clinch but Nurmagemedov has double underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagemedov prevents Faria from breaking the clinch.

Nurmagemedov tightens his grip and picks Faria up, before dumping him to the ground. Faria manages to land in guard.
Nurmagemedov wants to control from the top but Faria keeps moving.
Faria is looking to stand up but Nurmagemedov isn't so interested in that idea.
Nurmagemedov is working Faria over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Nurmagemedov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Nurmagemedov wants to pass the guard but Faria is keeping the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lucas Faria dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Faria throws a right and a left that both miss.
Faria misses with a series of wild punches.
Faria misses with a double jab.
Nurmagemedov feints the counter takedown.
Nurmagemedov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Faria misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nurmagemedov shoots in but Faria avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Faria is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nurmagemedov can do to turn this around?
Faria throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Faria checks a leg kick nicely.
Nurmagemedov throws a leg kick but Faria moved away.
A combination from Faria does no damage.
Faria stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Faria wants it to stay on the feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagemedov throws out a leg kick but Faria moves out of range and Nurmagemedov only half commits.
Nurmagemedov scores with a leg kick.

Nurmagemedov closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Faria's guard.
Nurmagemedov passes Faria's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Nurmagemedov thows a huge punch but Faria dodges it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Nurmagemedov is working for a submission of some sort.

Nurmagemedov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Nurmagemedov is working for a submission of some sort.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Faria makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Faria moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Nurmagemedov blocks a head kick by Faria.
A combination from Faria does no damage.
Nurmagemedov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Faria.
A combination from Faria does no damage.
Faria misses with a few strikes there.
Nurmagemedov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Faria misses with a wild combination.
Nurmagemedov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Faria misses with the combination.
Nurmagemedov drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Faria defends it well.
Nurmagemedov is looking to clinch.
Faria misses with a jab, cross combination.
Lucas Faria is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nurmagemedov throws a hook but Faria avoids it easily.
Faria misses with a head kick.
Nurmagemedov throws a jab but it's blocked by Faria.
Faria connects with a jab.
Faria misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Faria misses with a wild combination.
Nurmagemedov tries to clinch but Faria moves out of range.
Faria looks to land a combination but Nurmagemedov avoids it well.
Faria leaves Nurmagemedov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Lucas Faria has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagemedov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagemedov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Faria swivels and escapes.
Faria throws a big counter combination but Nurmagemedov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Faria throws a series of punches but Nurmagemedov avoids them all with ease.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Nurmagemedov has Faria up against the ropes in a clinch.
Faria is trying to break the clinch but Nurmagemedov has him pressed against the ropes.

Faria's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Horrible takedown attempt by Nurmagemedov or perhaps it was just good defense by Faria, which made it look bad.
Faria throws a nice looking combination but Nurmagemedov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Nurmagemedov feints the counter takedown.
Faria misses with a series of wild punches.
Nurmagemedov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Faria.
Faria throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Faria misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Faria swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Nurmagemedov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lucas Faria dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Nurmagemedov shoots in looking for a takedown but Faria manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Nurmagemedov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Nurmagemedov closes the distance and clinches up with Faria, looking for a takedown. Nurmagemedov pushes Faria against the ropes but Faria circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Left hook, right uppercut from Faria.
Faria throws a right and a left that both miss.
Nurmagemedov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Faria.
Nurmagemedov lands a jab.
Faria showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Nurmagemedov.
Faria throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nurmagemedov swings for the body but Faria moves out of range.
It looked like Faria was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Nurmagemedov throws a hook to the side of Faria's head but Faria sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Faria throws a right and a left that both miss.
Faria tries to bum rush Nurmagemedov with a series of wild strikes but Nurmagemedov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Nurmagemedov with the counter takedown but Faria avoids it easily.
Nurmagemedov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Nurmagemedov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Nurmagemedov lands in his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Faria wants to stand and escape but Nurmagemedov is having none of it.
Nurmagemedov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Nurmagemedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Faria is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nurmagemedov tries to free his leg and advance position but Faria is retaining full guard.
Lucas Faria is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two 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.
Faria is looking to stand up but Nurmagemedov isn't so interested in that idea.

Nurmagemedov has gone for a leg lock! Faria slips out almost immediately though and dives into Nurmagemedov's guard.
Faria has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Nurmagemedov is proving hard to escape from.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Nurmagemedov looking for a sweep. Not yet Nurmagemedov, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Faria gets to his feet - Nurmagemedov follows without any prompting.
Faria fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Faria fails to land with a series of punches.
Faria connects with a single shot there.
Faria checks a low kick from Nurmagemedov.
Nurmagemedov closes this distance looking for a takedown but Faria circles away.
Lucas Faria has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagemedov.
Some wild striking there from Faria.
Faria throws a series of punches but Nurmagemedov moves out of range.
Faria throws a right hand that Nurmagemedov ducks under and follows up with a left that Nurmagemedov also avoids with ease.
Nurmagemedov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Nurmagemedov tries to clinch up but Faria circles away and keeps his distance.
Nurmagemedov tries to land a front kick but Faria steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
No joy there for Nurmagemedov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Faria fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Lucas Faria is winning the standup battle so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Faria will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Faria misses with a double jab.
Faria throws a right and a left that both miss.
Nurmagemedov misses with an uppercut. Faria saw that one coming.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Faria fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Faria swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Faria's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Faria duly obliges.
Some bone on bone action there as Faria checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Faria throws out a loose jab but Nurmagemedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nurmagemedov wants to slow Faria down by chopping away at his legs.
Faria throws a series of punches but Nurmagemedov moves out of range.
Nurmagemedov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Nurmagemedov connects with a crisp jab.
Faria works over Nurmagemedov's head and body with a nice combination.
Sloppy strikes from Nurmagemedov. Those never looked like landing.
Khabib Nurmagemedov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nurmagemedov throws a one two combo.
Faria throws a right hand that Nurmagemedov ducks under and follows up with a left that Nurmagemedov also avoids with ease.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lucas Faria showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Faria, 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 Paulo Santos scores the fight 30:27
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 30:27
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lucas Faria!
Our winner, Lucas Faria, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.