PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Thatcher Halverson (ranked 1541 p4p, 189 weight class) and Jabbar Omarov (ranked 1681 p4p, 203 weight class). Halverson comes to the cage accompanied by Enter Sandman. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Halverson
vs
Omarov

196 cm
30
200 lbs
20 - 15 - 0

184 cm
26
200 lbs
11 - 5 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Sin City Allstars

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Thatcher Halverson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Jabbar Omarov!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, Steve Smith and Gregory Folan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Omarov throws a poor cross that misses
and Halverson counters with a right hand to the body.
Halverson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Halverson throws out a loose jab but Omarov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Omarov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Jabbar Omarov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Halverson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Omarov with the counter takedown but Halverson avoids it easily.

Omarov dives in and scores a takedown into Halverson's guard.
Halverson keeping full guard, as Omarov tries to pass.
Omarov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Omarov working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Omarov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Halverson 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.
Halverson is trying to keep Omarov in close.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Halverson is on top in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Halverson wants to control from the top but Omarov keeps moving.

Omarov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Halverson can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Halverson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Omarov 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Halverson postures up and lands a big shot to Omarov's brow.
Halverson wants to control from the top but Omarov keeps moving.

Omarov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Halverson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Omarov is tightening it up a little... Halverson has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Halverson reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Halverson taps out! Nice BJJ there by Omarov!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Jabbar Omarov!
Jabbar Omarov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
In defeat, Thatcher Halverson stepped up to the mic, saying 'I shall rise to the top again! Thanks to the promoter for making the fight and opportunity. Also thanks to my opponent for stepping up and taking the fight.'.