PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Azar Qasi (ranked 140 p4p, 17 weight class) and Ozzy McKane (ranked 276 p4p, 37 weight class). Qasi comes to the cage accompanied by For Whom The Bell Tolls. McKane has chosen SAIL - AWOLNATION as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Qasi
vs
McKane

180 cm
33
166 lbs
31 - 12 - 1

170 cm
36
158 lbs
43 - 19 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Perkele!

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 31 - 12 - 1, fighting out of New York, Azar Qasi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 43 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ozzy McKane!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Reed Andrews and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Qasi thows a left - swing and a miss!

McKane dives in and scores a takedown into Qasi's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Qasi wants to sweep but no luck.
McKane tries to free his leg and advance position but Qasi is retaining full guard.
McKane wants to control from the top but Qasi keeps moving.
McKane postures up.

Qasi escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. McKane gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Qasi had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. McKane defends it easily.
McKane slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Qasi looking to hit a scissor sweep but McKane is one step ahead there.
McKane forces his way into half guard.
Qasi is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

McKane is working for a kimura but Qasi is defending it quite comfortably.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
McKane seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
McKane is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Qasi can't escape the position.

McKane looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.

Qasi defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from McKane.
Qasi regains half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Qasi wants to improve his position but McKane is controlling well.
McKane controlling the action here.
Qasi moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Qasi is trying to control the position but McKane postures up.
Qasi keeping full guard, as McKane tries to pass.
Qasi bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in McKane's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McKane keeping full guard, as Qasi tries to pass.
McKane wants to sweep but no luck.
McKane trying to keep a closed guard but Qasi is proving a slippery customer.
McKane can't keep his opponent in guard - Qasi advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Qasi trying to pass the guard but McKane defending well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Qasi is trying to work for a kimura but McKane is defending well.
Qasi wants to control but McKane is keeping him busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Ozzy McKane will probably get the nod.
That's time! Qasi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Qasi looking to land some kicks to the body here.
McKane throws a chopping leg kick but Qasi manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
McKane throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Qasi misses with a takedown
and McKane counters with a nice uppercut.
A slow jab from McKane misses its intended target.
McKane throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
McKane wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A looping hook to the body misses from McKane. Qasi does a little dance to reset his feet.
McKane on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Qasi. Qasi obviously looking to wear him down.
McKane has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Qasi misses with a hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Qasi throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Qasi throws a push kick but McKane slaps the foot to one side.
McKane throws a shot from downtown. Qasi moves away and avoids it.
A shot to the liver by McKane. Beautiful body shot.
Qasi moves out of range of the body kick from McKane.
McKane lands with a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Qasi looks to land a left hand but McKane moved out of range nicely.
A nice inside leg kick there by McKane. That's going to slow Qasi down.
Qasi slips under a jab.
Qasi throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and McKane counters with a nice low kick that buckles Qasi's knee momentarily.
McKane connects with a single shot there.
McKane lands a two punch combo.
McKane connects with an inside leg kick.
Sloppy strikes from Qasi. Those never looked like landing.
McKane throws a hook but Qasi blocks it.
Qasi misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
An inside leg kick from Qasi misses.
McKane fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Qasi.
Qasi is looking to chop away at McKane's legs.
Qasi is looking to chop away at McKane's legs.
Qasi slips a jab and a cross from McKane.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Qasi connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Qasi misses with a body shot
and McKane counters with a leg kick.
Qasi moves away from the strike by McKane.
McKane bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Qasi lands a slapping body shot.
McKane on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Qasi.
McKane is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Qasi off and has taken his back!
Qasi is really stuck here.

McKane is looking for the choke from the back position but Qasi is controlling his hands well.
I really don't envy Qasi right now.
What can Qasi do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Qasi is keeping busy.
Qasi can't escape the position.

Qasi defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Qasi tries to roll but McKane sticks to his back.

McKane has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

McKane is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Qasi knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Qasi for a finish.
Qasi breaks McKane's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Qasi wants to control from the top but McKane keeps moving.
Qasi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

McKane looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Qasi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McKane swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Qasi is pushing down on McKane's leg trying to pass to half guard. McKane is fighting to maintain full guard but Qasi has managed to sneak the leg through.
McKane has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Convicted Fight Club. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.

Qasi is sneakily working for an arm triangle but McKane sees it coming and defends easily.

Qasi seems to be working for a kimura but McKane defends the submission attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ozzy McKane showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

McKane throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
McKane connects with a solid leg kick.
Qasi scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. McKane doesn't seem bothered though.
Qasi fakes the leg kick and cracks McKane in the body.
Nice shot lands for McKane.
Qasi looks to throw a body kick
and McKane counters with a nice uppercut.
Ozzy McKane seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Qasi avoids a kick to the body.
Qasi half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Qasi throws a shot from downtown. McKane moves away and avoids it.
McKane throws an overhand right that lands on Qasi's shoulder, as Qasi tries to avoid the shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Qasi throws a predictable looking body shot
and McKane counters with a leg kick.
McKane works Qasi's body with a nice hook.
McKane fails to land the takedown.
McKane tries to land a front kick but Qasi steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Qasi misses with a lunging right hand
and McKane connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
McKane moves out of range of the body kick.
Qasi swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Qasi tries to land a front kick but McKane steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
McKane scoring well with a low kick there.
McKane darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Qasi throws a head kick but McKane moves out of range.
McKane misses with a right hand
and Qasi counters with a good, hard body kick but McKane shrugs it off.
Qasi digs a good body shot into McKane's ribs.
Qasi slips a straight right by McKane.
A shot to the body from McKane misses
and Qasi connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Qasi swings and misses with a shot to the body
and McKane makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Qasi is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Qasi just misses with a punch to the body.
McKane missing with a left hand there. Qasi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Qasi takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Qasi chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before McKane can pounce on him.
Qasi scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
McKane keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McKane takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Qasi misses with a jab to the body
and McKane counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Qasi fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches McKane on the side of the head.
Ozzy McKane seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McKane keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McKane fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Qasi manages to avoid it.
Qasi is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
McKane tries to land a leg kick but Qasi saw it coming and moves away.
Qasi throwing a counter right hand but McKane manages to avoid it.
McKane loads up on a big right hand but Qasi slips the punch.
McKane throws a wild body kick that Qasi sees coming a mile off.
Qasi is looking to counter with head kicks.
Qasi throws a lazy body kick
letting McKane counter with a right hand.
Qasi turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
McKane throws a body kick that misses.
Qasi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Qasi scores with a hook.
Qasi takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Qasi moves out of range as McKane strikes.
Qasi getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
McKane misses with an uppercut
and Qasi counters with a slapping leg kick.
Qasi throws a head kick but McKane moves out of range.
Qasi throws a right hand that misses
and McKane counters with a nice uppercut.
Qasi takes a shot to the body in his stride.
McKane with a jab.
McKane throws a hook to the side of Qasi's head but Qasi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
McKane on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Qasi misses with a wild body shot.
Qasi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from McKane.
McKane throws the left hand but Qasi avoids the punch easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Qasi scores with a sloppy right hand. McKane should have avoided that one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McKane ducks under a wild hook from Qasi.
Qasi fails to land the takedown.
Qasi takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Qasi shoots for a double leg takedown but McKane sprawls well. He's pushed Qasi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A countering left hand to the body from McKane misses.
McKane fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Qasi looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Qasi throws a head kick that misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts McKane, as that shot connected.
A slow jab from McKane misses its intended target.
McKane lands a nice shot to the body.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by McKane.
McKane scores with a nice head shot.
McKane feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Qasi's calf.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ozzy McKane really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

McKane bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Qasi's head.

McKane looking to score a takedown here. Qasi is defending well but McKane drives through and ends up in Qasi's guard.

Qasi working for a triangle but McKane defends it easily.
Ozzy McKane has got the better of the ground game so far.
McKane stays in close to Qasi's body and controls the position.
McKane looking to pass the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McKane wants to control from the top but Qasi keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Qasi looking to control.
McKane is pushing down on Qasi's leg trying to pass to half guard. Qasi is fighting to maintain full guard but McKane has managed to sneak the leg through.

McKane is working for a kimura but Qasi is defending it quite comfortably.
Qasi has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. McKane is working away from the top position though.
McKane wants to take a breather but Qasi is having none of it.

McKane is working for a kimura but Qasi is defending it quite comfortably.
Qasi is looking to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

McKane seems to be working for a kimura but Qasi defends the submission attempt.
Qasi gets back to full guard.

Qasi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
McKane wants to control from the top but Qasi keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Qasi bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in McKane's guard.

Qasi tries to free his leg and advance position but McKane is retaining full guard.
Qasi throwing strikes but missing.

McKane looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Qasi has picked McKane up and slammed him! McKane can't keep hold of the triangle and Qasi manages to pass to side control!

Qasi thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Qasi is trying to get an arm triangle but McKane is defending well.

Qasi tries for a kimura but McKane is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McKane manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
McKane is trying to maintain the position but Qasi is very close to passing his half guard.

Qasi is working for a kimura but McKane is defending it quite comfortably.
Qasi is trying to control. McKane wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Ozzy McKane 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! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Qasi misses with an uppercut.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from McKane! But no joy.
McKane throws a leg kick but Qasi sees it coming and moves out of range.
Qasi on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
McKane throws a big shot that misses.
McKane swings for the body but Qasi moves out of range.
McKane fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Qasi has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
McKane takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Qasi throws a nice inside leg kick.
Qasi ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Qasi misses with an uppercut
and McKane counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Qasi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but McKane was well out of range. Poor timing from Qasi.
McKane was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Nice defenses there by McKane.
McKane tries a quick counter leg kick but Qasi is wise to it.
Qasi ducks under a wild hook from McKane.
A jab from McKane misses.
A slapping leg kick lands for McKane.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A punch lands to the side of Qasi 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Qasi slips under a jab from McKane.
McKane tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Qasi just misses with a punch to the body.
McKane throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Qasi swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
McKane bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Qasi's head backwards.
Qasi misses with a low kick.
McKane appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Qasi checks a low kick from McKane.
McKane throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Qasi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Qasi uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from McKane.
Qasi misses with an uppercut
and McKane counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Qasi throws a shot from downtown. McKane moves away and avoids it.
Qasi looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
McKane scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Azar Qasi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big left from McKane misses.
Qasi misses the shot to the body.
McKane misses the jab.
McKane pivots, looking for a leg kick but Qasi is out of range and McKane settles back down.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Qasi throws a body shot but no joy.
Qasi gets cracked there but stands up to it.
A slapping leg kick lands for McKane.
Qasi goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
McKane connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Qasi momentarily.

Qasi gets caught flat footed, as McKane shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Qasi wants to sweep here but McKane controlling him for the moment.

Qasi is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and McKane defends well.
McKane wants to control from the top but Qasi keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Qasi bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in McKane's guard.

Qasi trying to control but McKane is working from the bottom.
Qasi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. McKane is keeping the position for now.
Qasi advances position into side control!

Qasi tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Qasi has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Qasi wants to lay and pray for a moment but McKane keeps working.
McKane is looking to regain half guard here but Qasi keeps moving and retains side control.
Qasi tries to move to mount but McKane blocks the move with his legs.
McKane is looking to reverse the position.

Qasi goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, McKane rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Qasi's guard! Nice work there by McKane!

Qasi working for a triangle but McKane defends it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ozzy McKane comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well McKane has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 45:50
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 45:50
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ozzy McKane!
Ozzy McKane is the new lightweight champion!
In his post fight interview, Ozzy McKane started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.