PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ciro Annunziata (ranked 1799 p4p, 181 weight class) and Vladimir MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov (ranked 3520 p4p, 282 weight class). Annunziata comes to the cage accompanied by Neapolitan Songs. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov has chosen https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4V90AmXnguw as his entrance music. Ciro Annunziata had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Annunziata
vs
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov

175 cm
26
150 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

170 cm
25
142 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ciro Annunziata!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Vladimir MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov loads up on a big right hand but Annunziata slips the punch.
Annunziata uses good head movement to avoid the hook from MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Annunziata defends well and MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov ends up having to push Annunziata into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Annunziata shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov misses with a hook.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov tries for a takedown but Annunziata sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Annunziata lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov wants to clinch but Annunziata slips to the side
and Annunziata counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

Annunziata closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov did well to prevent Annunziata getting side control.

MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov has one foot on Annunziata's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Annunziata looks for the body kick but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov saw that one coming.
We've been told by Annunziata's head coaches at Navy Street MMA that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov swings widly with a right hand
and Annunziata counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov thinking.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov walks into a left hand.
Annunziata shoots for a takedown but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Annunziata closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov did well to prevent Annunziata getting side control.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Annunziata.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov 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.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Annunziata manages to get himself to full guard.

MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov postures up.

Annunziata had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov defends it easily.
Annunziata 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov trying to control but Annunziata is working from the bottom.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov throws an elbow that misses. Annunziata uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov's guard. Nice move by Annunziata!

MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov wants to stand but Annunziata is controlling the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Annunziata trying to control the position from guard on top but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov working a defensive guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Annunziata stays in close to MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov's body and controls the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Annunziata wants to control from the top but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov keeps moving.
Annunziata tries to free his leg and advance position but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is retaining full guard.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Annunziata is one step ahead there.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is continuing to stall.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Annunziata takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

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.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov throws a looping overhand right but Annunziata ducks down to avoid it.
Annunziata lands a glancing blow to the side of MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov's head.
Annunziata blocks a jab.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov blocks a head kick by Annunziata.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Annunziata.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov throws a lazy uppercut
and Annunziata counters with a two punch combo.
Vladimir MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Annunziata tries to clinch but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is having none of it.
Annunziata has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ciro Annunziata. That's going to take a lot out of him.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov moves out of range of the body kick.

Annunziata closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Annunziata breaks the clinch.

Annunziata clinches up against the cage.

Annunziata wants the takedown. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is fighting it off but Annunziata persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov's guard against the cage.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is adopting a defensive guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ciro Annunziata dominated that round.
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.

Annunziata avoids the body shot from MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov throws a nice looking combination but Annunziata bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Annunziata moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

Annunziata fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov to the ground. Annunziata is now in MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov's guard.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Annunziata has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov looking for a sweep. Not yet MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov, not yet.

MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Annunziata tries to stand but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is controlling from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Annunziata wants to stand but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is controlling his posture from full guard.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Annunziata manages to get himself to full guard.

MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Annunziata working a defensive guard here.
Annunziata tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Vladimir MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Annunziata utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov preventing the sweep.
Annunziata trying to control the position here.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Annunziata trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Annunziata wants to sweep but no luck.
Annunziata trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Annunziata shoots in looking for a takedown. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov tries to sprawl out of it but Annunziata keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Annunziata counters with a series of strikes. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov will be more careful next time no doubt.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov misses with a series of wild punches.
Annunziata shoots in for a takedown but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov shows good takedown defense.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov takes a swing at Annunziata's ribcage but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Annunziata fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ciro Annunziata. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Annunziata looking to score a takedown here. MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is defending well but Annunziata drives through and ends up in MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov's guard.
Annunziata wants to stand and escape but instead MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov postures up and lands a big shot to Annunziata's brow.
Annunziata is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov can do to turn this around?
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov trying to control but Annunziata is working from the bottom.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov landing some decent shots from guard.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov trying to control but Annunziata is working from the bottom.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov with a nice head shot there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Annunziata is looking to stand back up but MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Annunziata.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Annunziata on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Annunziata tries to get out of the position.
MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Annunziata can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

Annunziata has left one of his arms exposed and MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov doesn't need a second invitation. He's isolated it and locked on a tight armbar. Annunziata screams and taps out, obviously in a lot of pain. Hopefully there isn't permanent damage to that arm.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:40 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Vladimir MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov!
After winning the bout, Vladimir MagomedsharipovNurmagomedov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.