PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Abdul Gazimov (ranked 8591 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bessandro Kennelly (ranked 7499 p4p, 0 weight class). Abdul Gazimov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Bessandro Kennelly's chin.

Gazimov
vs
Kennelly

193 cm
18
205 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

180 cm
25
200 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Abdul Gazimov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Bessandro Kennelly!
The judges for this bout are Bart Greer, Michael Johnstone and Sandra Marshall.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kennelly fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Gazimov sprawls well initially but Kennelly persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Kennelly is taking a breather. Gazimov says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
It looks like Kennelly might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.

Kennelly stands up from half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Some wild striking there from Kennelly.

Kennelly drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Gazimov is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kennelly is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Gazimov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Kennelly slows the pace down.

Kennelly wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Gazimov, who protects the arm well.
Kennelly just content to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
An elbow from Kennelly crashes against the mat.
Kennelly looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Gazimov is avoiding damage well.

Kennelly tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Kennelly has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Kennelly creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Gazimov sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kennelly lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Kennelly scores with punches from side control.
Gazimov bucks up and tries to throw Kennelly off but instead Kennelly has got his back!
Kennelly scores with some strikes to the side of the head there. Good, points scoring shots.
Gazimov is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Kennelly.

Kennelly tightening his grip on Gazimov, looking for the choke.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gazimov is trying to remain composed but Kennelly is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.

Kennelly has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Gazimov! Can he survive? No! He's out! Kennelly gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:52 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Bessandro Kennelly!