PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikolai Dzhumagaliev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Franco Gomez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gomez has chosen Bad Motherfucker as his entrance music. Nikolai Dzhumagaliev has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Dzhumagaliev
vs
Gomez

185 cm
34
190 lbs
31 - 18 - 1

172 cm
38
203 lbs
30 - 31 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 31 - 18 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Nikolai Dzhumagaliev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 31 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Franco Gomez!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Frank Dennis and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dzhumagaliev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in for a double leg but Gomez sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Gomez defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikolai Dzhumagaliev. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Gomez darts in and clinches Dzhumagaliev up against the cage.

Dzhumagaliev pulls guard successfully.

Gomez gets to his feet. Dzhumagaliev looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Gomez throws a combination that misses
and Dzhumagaliev counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
No luck for Dzhumagaliev with that takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gomez closes the distance and pushes Dzhumagaliev back into the cage.
Dzhumagaliev throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Gomezs head.
Dzhumagaliev is trying to pull guard but Gomez has him pressed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dzhumagaliev is trying to pull guard but Gomez has him pressed against the cage.
I was talking to Dzhumagaliev's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.

Dzhumagaliev's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Gomez throws a right and a left that Dzhumagaliev avoids nicely.
A counter left hand to the body from Dzhumagaliev misses its target.
Gomez's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Gomez duly obliges.

Dzhumagaliev tries to keep at a distance but Gomez has taken the fight into the clinch.
Gomez wants to break the clinch but can't.
Dzhumagaliev tries to land knees in the clinch but Gomez avoids the damage to the body.
Dzhumagaliev tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Gomez smiles and moves away.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Dzhumagaliev is defended easily by Gomez.
Dzhumagaliev throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gomez's waist but Gomez gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Dzhumagaliev off to one side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Dzhumagaliev dives in and scores a takedown into Gomez's guard.

Gomez pushes Dzhumagaliev off and scrambles back to his feet.
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!
Gomez slaps away a takedown attempt from Dzhumagaliev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Dzhumagaliev lands a right hook to the body.
Nice sprawl there from Gomez as Dzhumagaliev shoots in.
Gomez throws a right and a left that both miss.
Franco Gomez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Dzhumagaliev is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Gomez.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Gomez pinned against the cage. Gomez gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Dzhumagaliev showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Gomez.
Gomez throws a head kick but Dzhumagaliev moves out of range.
No joy there for Gomez, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Dzhumagaliev feinted with a counter takedown.
Gomez misses with the combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Dzhumagaliev with that takedown attempt.
Dzhumagaliev looks to land a combination but Gomez avoids it well.
Gomez lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Dzhumagaliev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Dzhumagaliev dives in for a single leg takedown but Gomez sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Dzhumagaliev changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gomez tries to avoid it but Dzhumagaliev manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gomez to the ground. Gomez escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Gomez throws a counter combo.
Dzhumagaliev moves in looking to clinch but Gomez pushes him off.
Gomez swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in and drives through. Gomez sprawls well.

Gomez closes the distance and clinches.
Gomez looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Dzhumagaliev manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Gomez stands and throws Dzhumagaliev's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Gomez decides to stand back up. Gomez steps back and let's Dzhumagaliev get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dzhumagaliev dodges the punch combination from Gomez.
Gomez misses with a double jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dzhumagaliev tries to clinch but Gomez is having none of it.
Gomez misses with a series of wild punches.
Dzhumagaliev tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gomez swivels and escapes.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in but Gomez avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Dzhumagaliev misses with a two punch combination.
Dzhumagaliev closes the distance and clinches up with Gomez, looking for a takedown. Dzhumagaliev pushes Gomez against the cage but Gomez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Dzhumagaliev looks for a takedown but Gomez sprawls well.
Dzhumagaliev is breathing heavily.
Dzhumagaliev avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in but Gomez avoids the takedown attempt easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Franco Gomez dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Gomez lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Dzhumagaliev circles away quickly and effectively.
Dzhumagaliev fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gomez throws a right hand that Dzhumagaliev ducks under and follows up with a left that Dzhumagaliev also avoids with ease.
Dzhumagaliev showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Gomez.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in looking for a takedown but Gomez manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Dzhumagaliev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Gomez unleashes a big counter combination but Dzhumagaliev bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Gomez tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Dzhumagaliev manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
As Gomez looks to move away, Dzhumagaliev throws a big counter combo but Gomez just gets out of the way.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Gomez defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikolai Dzhumagaliev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dzhumagaliev tries to clinch up but Gomez circles away and keeps his distance.
Dzhumagaliev fails with the takedown.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Gomez! But no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gomez throws a nice looking combination but Dzhumagaliev bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Dzhumagaliev feinted with a counter takedown.
Gomez tries to bum rush Dzhumagaliev with a series of wild strikes but Dzhumagaliev uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Dzhumagaliev closes the distance and clinches up with Gomez, looking for a takedown. Dzhumagaliev pushes Gomez against the cage but Gomez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Dzhumagaliev tries for a takedown but Gomez sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Dzhumagaliev slips a jab and a cross from Gomez.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dzhumagaliev avoids the head kick by Gomez.
Gomez misses with a body shot.
Gomez has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Dzhumagaliev shoots for a double leg takedown but Gomez sprawls well. He's pushed Dzhumagaliev's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Gomez scores with a three punch combo!
Gomez throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Gomez misses with a series of wild punches.
A combination from Gomez does no damage.
Gomez throws a right and a left that Dzhumagaliev avoids nicely.
No joy there for Gomez, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Gomez has Dzhumagaliev up against the cage in a clinch.
Dzhumagaliev is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Dzhumagaliev escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

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!
Dzhumagaliev dives in and grabs Gomez's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gomez pushes down on Dzhumagaliev's head and hops out.
Dzhumagaliev fails with a takedown attempt.
Gomez fails to land with a series of punches.
Dzhumagaliev half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Gomez has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Dzhumagaliev's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Gomez connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Dzhumagaliev scrambles back to his feet.
Gomez misses with a wild combination.
Dzhumagaliev throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Gomez.
Gomez throws a right and a left that both miss.
Gomez throws a nice looking combination but Dzhumagaliev bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Dzhumagaliev has closed the distance and engaged Gomez in a clinch.
Dzhumagaliev wants a takedown.
Dzhumagaliev jumps guard but Gomez turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Dzhumagaliev jumps into guard, dragging Gomez to the mat.
Dzhumagaliev will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomez not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Gomez wants to stand but Dzhumagaliev has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Dzhumagaliev 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.

Dzhumagaliev has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Gomez off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Gomez throws a front kick aimed at Dzhumagaliev's knee but Dzhumagaliev avoids it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomez scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Gomez tries to clinch up but Dzhumagaliev circles away and keeps his distance.
Dzhumagaliev tries to counter with a takedown but Gomez is quick to defend against it.
Nikolai Dzhumagaliev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Dzhumagaliev dodges the punch combination from Gomez.
Dzhumagaliev appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Nice takedown defense from Gomez. No joy for Dzhumagaliev on that attempt.
Dzhumagaliev circles away from the clinch attempt.
Gomez will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Dzhumagaliev circles away from the clinch attempt.
Gomez misses with a jab, cross combination.
Gomez fails to land with a series of punches.
Dzhumagaliev fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Gomez is looking for the big counter here.
Dzhumagaliev shoots for a double leg takedown but Gomez sprawls well. He's pushed Dzhumagaliev's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gomez throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Dzhumagaliev shoots in for a takedown but Gomez shows good takedown defense.
Gomez slaps away a takedown attempt from Dzhumagaliev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Franco Gomez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Dzhumagaliev tries to keep at a distance but Gomez has taken the fight into the clinch.

Gomez breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Gomez leaves Dzhumagaliev with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A little jabbing left from Gomez on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

Gomez has taken the fight to the clinch.
Gomez is pushing Dzhumagaliev up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dzhumagaliev keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Gomez's efforts to push away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dzhumagaliev tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Dzhumagaliev wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikolai Dzhumagaliev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dzhumagaliev drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Dzhumagaliev prevents Gomez from breaking the clinch.
Gomez gets underhooks to prevent Dzhumagaliev's takedown attempt.
Dzhumagaliev wants to take the fight to the mat but Gomez manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Dzhumagaliev tries to pull guard but Gomez won't allow it.
Franco Gomez is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Dzhumagaliev tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Gomez smiles and moves away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A swing and a miss from Dzhumagaliev.
Dzhumagaliev avoids the head kick by Gomez.
Gomez misses with a few strikes there.
Dzhumagaliev changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Franco Gomez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gomez swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Gomez throws a series of punches but Dzhumagaliev moves out of range.
Gomez misses the shot to the body.
Gomez will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Gomez throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Dzhumagaliev closes the distance and clinches.
Dzhumagaliev drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gomez gets underhooks to prevent Dzhumagaliev's takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Gomez's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Gomez is trying to break the clinch but Dzhumagaliev is controlling him.
Dzhumagaliev tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Dzhumagaliev tries a body shot but Gomez blocks it.

Dzhumagaliev pulls guard successfully.
Dzhumagaliev wants to sweep here but Gomez controlling him for the moment.
Gomez trying to control the position from guard on top but Dzhumagaliev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Gomez stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dzhumagaliev swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gomez seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Dzhumagaliev is trying to keep Gomez in close.

Dzhumagaliev is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Gomez is aware though and is defending well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Dzhumagaliev will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Nikolai Dzhumagaliev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Gomez decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Dzhumagaliev, up you get!

And that's the end of the fight!
Franco Gomez comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Gomez winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Franco Gomez!
Franco Gomez bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.