PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Fahad Al Qarni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jon Paul Fish (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Al Qarni comes to the cage accompanied by Hells Bells. Jon Paul Fish has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Fahad Al Qarni's chin.

Al Qarni
vs
Paul Fish

180 cm
28
187 lbs
15 - 4 - 0

186 cm
27
180 lbs
24 - 12 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Bullet Proof System
GREEN!160

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Fahad Al Qarni!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jon Paul Fish!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Tiny Johnson and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Qarni throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Fish.
Fish steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Al Qarni.
Al Qarni sets himself, and Fish steps forward looking for the clinch! Al Qarni avoids it this time.
Al Qarni rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Fish moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Fish now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Al Qarni fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Fish manages to avoid it.
Fish throws an overhand right that lands on Al Qarni's shoulder, as Al Qarni tries to avoid the shot.
Al Qarni uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Al Qarni, as that shot connected.
Al Qarni clobbers Fish with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
A telegraphed right hand from Fish misses the target.
Al Qarni fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Al Qarni slips a jab from Fish.
Al Qarni misses the jab.
Fish misses with a body shot.
Fish slips under a jab.
Fish uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Al Qarni.
Fish walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Al Qarni throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Fish tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Al Qarni is in Fish's guard.
Fish is trying to control the position but Al Qarni postures up.
Al Qarni won't allow Fish to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fish controls Al Qarni momentarily but Al Qarni frees himself.

Al Qarni drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Fish manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Al Qarni has Fish in his guard.

Fish missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Fish with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Fish looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Fish trying to control but Al Qarni is working from the bottom.

Al Qarni has his foot on Fish's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Fish works his way back into a safe position though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Qarni is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Fish is defending against the submission attempts here by Al Qarni.
Fish is trying is best to control the position here.
Fish is trying to get back to full guard.

Fish looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Al Qarni is working for a kimura here but Fish manages to reverse the position and he's now in Al Qarni's guard.
Fish lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fish lands a couple of digs.
Fish working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Al Qarni had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Fish defends it easily.
Fish lands a couple of digs.

Al Qarni looking for a guillotine here but Fish defends easily.
Fish is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Fish lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Al Qarni had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Fish defends it easily.

Al Qarni is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Fish defends well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fish trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Al Qarni working for a triangle but Fish defends it easily.

Al Qarni had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Fish defends it easily.

Al Qarni looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Al Qarni is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Fish is aware though and is defending well.
Fish working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Fish must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Fish 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.
Fish postures up in Al Qarni's guard and throws a big left but Al Qarni blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fahad Al Qarni dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Al Qarni smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Al Qarni stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Fish throws a hook to the side of Al Qarni's head but Al Qarni sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Al Qarni tries to clinch but Fish moves out of range.
Al Qarni misses with a wild body shot.
Al Qarni looks to throw the jab but Fish is out of range.
Fish shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Al Qarni waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Fish.
Al Qarni fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
It looks like Al Qarni has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Al Qarni avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Al Qarni jabs at Fish's body.
Al Qarni with a nice cross.
Al Qarni throws a jab but it's blocked by Fish.
A little jabbing left from Fish on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Fish tried to score with a low kick but Al Qarni checks it.
Good exchange - Al Qarni coming out on top.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Al Qarni ducks under a wild hook from Fish.
Fish throws a hook but Al Qarni blocks it.
Al Qarni throws a poor cross that misses
and Fish counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fish throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Al Qarni uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Fish.
Fish slips under a jab from Al Qarni.
Al Qarni misses with an uppercut.
Al Qarni fails to land with a series of punches.
Al Qarni throws a right and a left that Fish avoids nicely.
Al Qarni swinging wildly here.
Al Qarni misses with a looping left.
Fish tries to land a front kick but Al Qarni steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Al Qarni cracks Fish with an open hand slap.
Fish throws a shot from downtown. Al Qarni moves away and avoids it.
Al Qarni keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Al Qarni misses with a double jab.
Fish looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Al Qarni throws a shot from downtown. Fish moves away and avoids it.
Al Qarni lands a jab to the nose.
Fish thows a left - swing and a miss!
Fahad Al Qarni is winning the standup battle so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fish throws a lazy right hand but Al Qarni sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Fish ducks under a wild hook from Al Qarni.
Fish throws a sloppy head kick and Al Qarni moves out of range easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Al Qarni scores with a jab to the body.
A good leg kick by Fish.
Fish avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Al Qarni misses with a double jab.
Fish was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Fish throws a half hearted mid kick.
Al Qarni misses with a double jab
and Fish counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Al Qarni is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Al Qarni scores with a one two! Fish had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
A jab from Al Qarni misses.
The fighters circling - Al Qarni throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fish tries a quick counter leg kick but Al Qarni is wise to it.
Fish is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Fish fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Al Qarni manages to avoid it.
Al Qarni uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Fish.
Al Qarni throws an off balance right hand
enabling Fish to counter with a crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fish connects with a right hand. Al Qarni shakes it off.
Al Qarni fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Al Qarni throws a nice looking combination but Fish bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Fish wants to counter the offense by Al Qarni and move into the clinch position.
Al Qarni throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
It seemed like Fish was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Al Qarni scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Al Qarni shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Fish as he jumps to the side.
Al Qarni throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Fish lands a slapping body shot.
Al Qarni dives in and grabs Fish's left leg, looking for a takedown. Fish pushes down on Al Qarni's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fahad Al Qarni. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Fish lands a nice hook to Al Qarni's body. Al Qarni takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Fish moves away from the strike by Al Qarni.
Al Qarni throws the left hand but Fish avoids the punch easily.
Fish throws a nice outside leg kick.
Al Qarni lands a nice shot that snaps Fish's head back.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
An inside leg kick lands from Fish.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fish on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Fish slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

Fish lands a big head kick that sends Al Qarni tumbling to the mat! Fish takes a step backwards and waves Al Qarni back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Al Qarni is rocked!
Al Qarni connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
A left lands for Al Qarni.
Fish throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Al Qarni will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Fish ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Al Qarni moves away.
Donk. Fish catches Al Qarni right on the button with a cross.
Oh Al Qarni is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
A looping hook to the body misses from Al Qarni. Fish does a little dance to reset his feet.
Al Qarni throws a big shot that misses.
Fish is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Al Qarni with a body shot.
Al Qarni seems to have got his legs back now.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Fish lands a big head kick that sends Al Qarni tumbling to the mat! Fish takes a step backwards and waves Al Qarni back to his feet - he wants the finish!
A jab lands there for Al Qarni.
Fish looks to throw the jab but Al Qarni is out of range.
Al Qarni digs a good hook to Fish's body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jon Paul Fish will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Jab by Al Qarni.
The crowd cheers as Al Qarni lands an impressive looking overhand right. Fish doesn't seem phased though.
Al Qarni throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Fish throws a low kick but Al Qarni moves out of range easily.
Al Qarni half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nice shot by Fish.
Fish with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Al Qarni fails to land with a series of punches.

Al Qarni moves into range and clinches up with Fish.
Fish misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Al Qarni fails to land.
Fish blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Al Qarni misses with some punches.
Fish drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Al Qarni is pressed up against the cage. Fish has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Al Qarni down to the mat. Al Qarni avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Fish jabbing away but nothing is landing.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fish misses with a knee to the head.
Fish trying to land knees to the body.
Fish blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Al Qarni lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Al Qarni working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Al Qarni.
Al Qarni prevents the takedown attempt.
Fahad Al Qarni has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jon Paul Fish.
Fish taking a breather.

Al Qarni has clasped his hands together around Fish's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Fish is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fish is trying to get back to half guard.
What's Fish going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fish manages to get back to half guard.
Fish is trying to control but can't.

Al Qarni is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Fish has managed to free his arm - good work.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Fish regains full guard. Nicely done.
Al Qarni stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Fish swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Al Qarni postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Fish is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Al Qarni, into his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fish wants to control from the top but Al Qarni keeps moving.
Fish with a nice head shot there.
Fish postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Al Qarni working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Fish doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Fish manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Jon Paul Fish has got the better of the ground game so far.
Fish works over Al Qarni with some ground and pound from guard.
Fish trying to control but Al Qarni is working from the bottom.
Al Qarni preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fish trying to control but Al Qarni is working from the bottom.

That's four 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.
Al Qarni controls Fish momentarily but Fish frees himself.
Fish throws a big elbow that misses.
Fish cracks Al Qarni with a solid left hand.
Fish with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Fish throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Al Qarni keeping full guard, as Fish tries to pass.
Fish stopping the sweep attempt from Al Qarni.
Fish looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Al Qarni is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Fish is aware though and is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Fahad Al Qarni did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Fish with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Al Qarni to score with a decent uppercut.
Al Qarni throws out a loose jab but Fish uses good head movement to avoid it.
Al Qarni misses with a looping left.
Al Qarni throws a series of strikes that have Fish backpedaling.
Al Qarni moves out of range of the body kick.
Fish dips to his left and cracks Al Qarni with an uppercut!
Al Qarni ducks under a wild hook from Fish.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Al Qarni.
Al Qarni looks to score with a jab to the body but Fish is just out of range.
Fish uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Al Qarni.
Al Qarni showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Fish.
Fish throws a hook but Al Qarni blocks it.
A good leg kick by Fish.
Al Qarni lands an overhand right.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Al Qarni slips under a jab.
Fish takes one on the chin but seems OK.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fish moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Al Qarni scores with a one two! Fish had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Fish uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Al Qarni.
Fish misses with a series of wild punches.
Fish takes a swing at Al Qarni's ribcage but misses.
Fish misses with a low kick.
A slow jab from Al Qarni misses its intended target.
Al Qarni backing away here, and Fish unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Fish cracks a nice hook into Al Qarni's ribs.
Al Qarni dodges the punch combination from Fish.
Al Qarni ducks under a wild hook from Fish.
Al Qarni misses with a looping right.
Al Qarni lands with a nice combination. Fish backs away looking to recover.
Al Qarni has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Fish.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fish just misses with a punch to the body.
Al Qarni half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Al Qarni misses with an uppercut. Fish saw that one coming.
Fish has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Fish misses with a wild body shot.
Al Qarni lands a jab to the nose.
Fish dodges the punch combination from Al Qarni.
Fish fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Al Qarni manages to avoid it.
A punch lands to the side of Fish 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Fish.
Al Qarni doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Fahad Al Qarni seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Al Qarni misses with an uppercut.
Fish throws a body kick that misses.
Al Qarni swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Al Qarni misses with a hook.
Al Qarni keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fish misses with a wild body shot.
Fish looks to score with a jab to the body but Al Qarni is just out of range.
Fish lands with a straight right. Al Qarni didn't see that one coming.
Fish misses with a body shot.
Al Qarni moves away from the strike by Fish.
Al Qarni lands with an overhand left.
Fish ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Al Qarni moves away.
Al Qarni misses with the combination.
Al Qarni lands a jab to the nose.
Fish misses with a straight left.
Al Qarni works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Fish connects with a solid leg kick.
Al Qarni wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Al Qarni digs a good hook to Fish's body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fish misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Al Qarni.
Al Qarni is looking to counter punch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Al Qarni throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Fish is looking for the big counter here.
Al Qarni uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Fish.
Fish leaves Al Qarni with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Fish throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Fish tries a head kick but it misses.
Fish throws the kick towards the body but Al Qarni avoids it.
Fish slips under a jab from Al Qarni.
Al Qarni fails with an attempt to clinch.
Fish slips a jab and a cross from Al Qarni.
Fish is looking to score with low kicks.
Fish lands with a good body shot.
Fish lands with a good body shot.
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 Fahad Al Qarni 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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Fish gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Al Qarni uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Fish.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Al Qarni.
Fish is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Al Qarni is controlling him well.

Al Qarni is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Fish knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Al Qarni tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fish is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fish has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Al Qarni is working away from the top position though.

Al Qarni is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Fish is trying is best to control the position here.
Fish trying to get back to full guard but Al Qarni takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Al Qarni looking to control but Fish is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

Al Qarni swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Fish is now in Al Qarni's guard. A big mistake from Al Qarni there, giving up the dominant position!
Fish postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Fish passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Jon Paul Fish has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Qarni is trying to get back to half guard.
Al Qarni manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Fish gets full guard.
Fish looking to control.
Fish 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.
Al Qarni wants to control from the top but Fish keeps moving.
Al Qarni throwing strikes but missing.

Al Qarni has gone for a leg lock! Fish slips out almost immediately though and dives into Al Qarni's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fish got a little sloppy there for a moment and Al Qarni has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Fish has managed to get both his arms back between Al Qarni's legs - danger averted.
Al Qarni has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Fish has passed into side control.
Al Qarni prevents Fish from improving position.
Fish trying to control the position but Al Qarni is working away.
Al Qarni is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Fish throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Fish lands a nice short elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Al Qarni actively working from the bottom here.
Nice strikes from Fish there.
Al Qarni has hold of Fish's hands but Fish slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Fish missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Al Qarni wants to get back to full guard but Fish has passed into side control.
Fish working the ground and pound.
Fish working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

Fish tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Al Qarni manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Fahad Al Qarni is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Al Qarni is looking for a kimura but Fish is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Al Qarni to get the leverage.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jon Paul Fish.
I think Al Qarni 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 48:48
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 47:49
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 50:45

The fight is ruled a draw!