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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 4600 p4p, 368 weight class) and Steve Sanchez (ranked 1434 p4p, 157 weight class). Sanchez comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Where is My Mind? by Pixies kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!
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| 177 cm
25
156 lbs
11 - 7 - 1 |
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178 cm
24
158 lbs
11 - 13 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
Great elbows
Good gas tank |
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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
11 - 7 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
11 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Steve Sanchez!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Radbod Blank and Paul Aken.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nurmagomedov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Sanchez on his heels. He'll look to pass Sanchez's guard now, I'm sure.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Sanchez is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Sanchez is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Sanchez looking for a sweep. Not yet Sanchez, not yet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Nurmagomedov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Nurmagomedov stopping the sweep attempt from Sanchez.
Sanchez working a defensive guard but Nurmagomedov passes into half guard.
Sanchez is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Nurmagomedov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Nurmagomedov's back!
Nurmagomedov is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
We've been hearing good reports from Nurmagomedov's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Nurmagomedov just looking to survive in the bad position.
Sanchez thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Nurmagomedov tries to break free.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanchez is punishing Nurmagomedov with strikes - can he finish him?!
You can see the frustration on Nurmagomedov's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Nurmagomedov is trying to remain composed but Sanchez is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Nurmagomedov defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Sanchez wants to control but Nurmagomedov is keeping busy.
Nurmagomedov is really stuck here.
Nurmagomedov looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Sanchez wants to control but Nurmagomedov is keeping busy.
I've been told that Sanchez has been drilling his wrestling of late, which has already helped him take this fight to the mat. Let's see how much of an impact it has on the outcome of the ground game.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov defends a prolonged rear naked choke attempt and turns nicely into his opponent's guard.
Sanchez 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.
Sanchez working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Nurmagomedov.
Sanchez looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Nurmagomedov wants to pass the guard but Sanchez is keeping the position.
Nurmagomedov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Sanchez looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Sanchez wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanchez has his foot on Nurmagomedov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Nurmagomedov works his way back into a safe position though.
Nurmagomedov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Nurmagomedov chips away with some ground and pound.
Nurmagomedov lands a couple of elbows.
Nurmagomedov tries to free his leg and advance position but Sanchez is retaining full guard.
Sanchez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nurmagomedov is one step ahead there.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Sanchez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nurmagomedov lands a couple of digs.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nurmagomedov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Nurmagomedov wants to control from the top but Sanchez keeps moving.
Nurmagomedov with a nice head shot there.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Nurmagomedov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Nurmagomedov controls from within his opponent's guard.
Nurmagomedov working some strikes from top position.
Nurmagomedov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Sanchez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nurmagomedov is one step ahead there.
Sanchez is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Nurmagomedov throws a big right hand 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 Khabib Nurmagomedov will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Sanchez swings for the body but Nurmagomedov moves out of range.
Nurmagomedov defending well as Sanchez loads up on a big left hand.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and pushes Sanchez back into the cage.
Nice body punch from Sanchez.
Sanchez stalling against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Sanchez.
With the fighters up against the cage, Sanchez throws an elbow but misses.
Sanchez lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
It looks like Khabib Nurmagomedov has been cut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sanchez gets underhooks to prevent Nurmagomedov's takedown attempt.
Sanchez wants to stall.
Nurmagomedov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Sanchez after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khabib Nurmagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nurmagomedov looking for a takedown.
Sanchez prevents the takedown attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanchez lands an elbow inside.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Sanchez gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
With the fighters up against the cage, Sanchez throws an elbow but misses.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a takedown.
Nurmagomedov tries for a takedown but Sanchez manages to get underhooks.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Sanchez gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nurmagomedov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Sanchez prevents it.
Sanchez pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nurmagomedov defending well as Sanchez loads up on a big left hand.
Sanchez jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Sanchez comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Sanchez throws out a powerful jab.
Sanchez connects with a jab.
Sanchez lunges at Nurmagomedov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Nurmagomedov's hand.
Nurmagomedov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Sanchez misses with an uppercut. Nurmagomedov saw that one coming.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sanchez stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov fails with a takedown attempt.
Sanchez throws out a loose jab but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nurmagomedov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Nurmagomedov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Sanchez tries to avoid it but Nurmagomedov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Sanchez to the ground. Sanchez escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Sanchez throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Steve Sanchez seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sanchez lands with a straight right. Nurmagomedov didn't see that one coming.
Nurmagomedov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sanchez sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Sanchez connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Nurmagomedov momentarily.
Sanchez has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sanchez avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nurmagomedov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Sanchez swivels and escapes.
Sanchez lands a nice hook to Nurmagomedov's body. Nurmagomedov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Nurmagomedov shoots in and drives through. Sanchez sprawls well.
Sanchez scores with a decent looking hook.
Nurmagomedov moves away from the strike by Sanchez.
Nurmagomedov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Steve Sanchez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanchez scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Sanchez catches Nurmagomedov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Sanchez dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Nurmagomedov. That did some damage!
Sanchez jabs at Nurmagomedov's body.
Nurmagomedov dives in for a single leg takedown but Sanchez sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Sanchez misses with a looping left.
A lazy left from Sanchez finds it's target.
Sanchez looks to score with a jab to the body but Nurmagomedov is just out of range.
Nurmagomedov defending well as Sanchez loads up on a big left hand.
Nurmagomedov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Sanchez looks to throw the jab but Nurmagomedov is out of range.
Sanchez throws a hook to the side of Nurmagomedov's head but Nurmagomedov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nice shot lands for Sanchez.
Sanchez waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Nurmagomedov.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nurmagomedov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Sanchez looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Sanchez takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Nurmagomedov throws an elbow but Sanchez slips to the side and avoids it well.
Khabib Nurmagomedov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Sanchez regains half guard.
Nurmagomedov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Sanchez is looking for a sweep. Nurmagomedov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nurmagomedov looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Sanchez with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Nurmagomedov is thwarting Sanchez's attempts to control the position.
Nurmagomedov not doing much here.
Sanchez is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Steve Sanchez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Khabib Nurmagomedov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!
Nurmagomedov misses with a takedown attempt - Sanchez sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Nurmagomedov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Sanchez drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Nurmagomedov defends it well.
Nurmagomedov defending well as Sanchez loads up on a big left hand.
Nurmagomedov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nurmagomedov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sanchez.
Sanchez tries to sprawl but Nurmagomedov drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Sanchez tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Nurmagomedov has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Sanchez can't escape the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sanchez wants to control but Nurmagomedov is having none of it.
Nurmagomedov breaks from Sanchez's wrist control and lands an elbow.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanchez is in all sorts of trouble here.
Nurmagomedov working Sanchez over with strikes here.
Sanchez is desperately trying to improve his position but Nurmagomedov has a good base and remains in mount.
Sanchez keeps trying to improve his position.
Sanchez tries to hold on but Nurmagomedov postures up.
Nurmagomedov lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Sanchez is looking to get to half guard.
Nurmagomedov lands a heavy elbow.
Nurmagomedov prevents Sanchez from getting the reversal.
Sanchez is squirming around, avoiding Nurmagomedov's attempts to control the action.
Nurmagomedov with the ground and pound from mount.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sanchez is wriggling around trying to escape.
Nurmagomedov punishing his opponent with strikes.
Nurmagomedov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Nurmagomedov with a couple of short strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sanchez is wriggling around trying to escape.
Nurmagomedov landing strikes, looking to finish!
Nurmagomedov lands a big elbow.
Sanchez is rocked!
Sanchez tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Nurmagomedov unloading with bombs!
Sanchez is still in real trouble! Can Nurmagomedov finish him?
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sanchez is looking to escape.
Nurmagomedov dominating with strikes here.
Sanchez is working to get back to half guard.
Nurmagomedov landing strikes from the mount.
Nurmagomedov scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Sanchez?
Sanchez working to try and regain half guard.
Nurmagomedov with shots to the head and body - Sanchez looks very uncomfortable down there.
Sanchez is desperately trying to improve his position but Nurmagomedov has a good base and remains in mount.
Sanchez takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Oooooh, big shot lands for Nurmagomedov! Sanchez is hurt baaadly! Nurmagomedov is firing away with more strikes - Sanchez is covering up... the ref is warning him to do something. He's just covering up though still and the ref has to step in to end the fight! This one is all over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Khabib Nurmagomedov thanked the fans post fight for their support.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
67% |
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