PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Elroy Massey (ranked 5504 p4p, 0 weight class) and Abdulrashid Magomedov (ranked 5908 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Massey
vs
Magomedov

186 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

174 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Brawler
Determined

Voodoo Nutrition

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Elroy Massey!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Abdulrashid Magomedov!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Colin Fotheringham and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Magomedov throws the kick towards the body but Massey avoids it.
Massey wants to clinch.
Abdulrashid Magomedov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Magomedov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Massey counters with a right hand to the body.

Magomedov darts in and clinches Massey up against the cage.
Massey tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Magomedov smiles and moves away.
A decent looking cross lands there for Massey.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Massey rushes Magomedov and presses him up against the cage.
Massey tries to pull guard but Magomedov holds him up against the cage and eventually Massey drops back down to his feet.
Massey stalls.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Magomedov successfully pulls guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Massey postures up in Magomedov's guard and throws a big left but Magomedov blocks it.
Magomedov trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

Magomedov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Magomedov tries to strike from the bottom.
Magomedov tries to strike from the bottom.

Massey drops back looking for a leg! Magomedov is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Magomedov manages to kick Massey off! Massey jumps back into Magomedov's guard.

Magomedov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Massey trying to control the position from guard on top but Magomedov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Magomedov is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Massey defends well.
Magomedov keeping moving, preventing Massey from controlling successfully.
Magomedov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Massey. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Magomedov keeping busy, throwing shots from the bottom.

Massey drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Massey jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Massey will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Magomedov controls Massey momentarily but Massey frees himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Magomedov striking from his own guard.

Massey stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Magomedov misses with an attempted mid kick.

Magomedov moves into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Massey prevents a body shot from Magomedov.

Magomedov ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Magomedov no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Massey makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Magomedov trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Magomedov looking for a sweep. Not yet Magomedov, not yet.
Magomedov throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Massey postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Massey throws a big elbow that misses.

Magomedov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Massey doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Massey manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Magomedov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Magomedov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Magomedov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Magomedov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Massey manages to get himself to full guard.

Massey is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Magomedov is controlling him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Massey swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Magomedov pushes down on Massey's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Magomedov working the head and body with strikes.
Magomedov wants to stand up but Massey has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Massey looks like he's trying to stand up.
Magomedov not doing much here.
Massey tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Magomedov working Massey over with strikes.
Magomedov keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Massey has hold of Magomedov's hands but Magomedov slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Magomedov not doing much here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Abdulrashid Magomedov dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Magomedov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Massey, pushing him back against the cage.

Magomedov turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Massey really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Massey is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Magomedov's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Magomedov tries to stand and escape but Massey is controlling the position.
Magomedov trying to control the pace.
Abdulrashid Magomedov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Massey is trying to stand up here but Magomedov is controlling him well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Well, if Magomedov is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Magomedov is trying to control the action in half guard but Massey is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Magomedov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Magomedov wants to control but Massey is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Massey manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Massey looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Magomedov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
A head kick by Magomedov misses
and Massey counters with a nice body shot.
Magomedov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Magomedov moves into the clinch.

Magomedov has picked Massey up - he's going for a ride! Magomedov dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

Massey manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Magomedov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A combination from Magomedov does no damage.

Magomedov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Massey tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Magomedov just stands there and leans against the cage.
Magomedov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Massey has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov is looking to break free of the clinch but Massey has double underhooks.
Massey tries to pull guard but Magomedov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Massey is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Magomedov is keeping busy.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Massey tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Elroy Massey. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov misses with a punch to the body.
Magomedov tries to work over Massey's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Massey avoiding damage as Magomedov throws knees to the body.
Magomedov taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Magomedov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Massey avoids it.
Magomedov stalls.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Magomedov content to slow the pace in the clinch.

Magomedov manages to pull guard.

Magomedov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Massey is aware though and is defending well.

Massey thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Magomedov can do anything to dispel that myth.

Magomedov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Massey gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Massey is fighting to break Magomedov's control of his arms but Magomedov is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Massey is in close to Magomedov's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Magomedov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Massey is aware though and is defending well.
Magomedov trying to keep a closed guard but Massey is proving a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Abdulrashid Magomedov 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. This is the final round!

Magomedov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Massey is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Magomedov.
Magomedov has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

Magomedov gets a clinch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Massey is looking to control Magomedov's arms but Magomedov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Massey has his back to the cage.
Massey can't break the clinch.

Magomedov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Massey shoots for a double leg takedown but Magomedov sprawls well. He's pushed Massey's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Magomedov throws a sloppy body shot
and Massey counters with a left to the body.

Massey gets caught flat footed, as Magomedov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Magomedov wants to stand but Massey has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Magomedov stands up and waves to Massey to follow him.
Massey tries to close the distance and clinch up but Magomedov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Massey keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Massey appears to be looking for a big counter.
Magomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Magomedov throws a combination that misses
and Massey counters with a one-two to the body.

Massey fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Magomedov, pushing him back against the cage.
Massey is trying to maintain a safe position but Magomedov gets an underhook and turns Massey into the cage.

Magomedov has hold of one of Massey's legs. Massey is fighting the takedown attempt but Magomedov gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.

Massey is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Magomedov presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Massey can't break the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Massey tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Massey fails to pull guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Elroy Massey. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Magomedov successfully pulls guard.
Magomedov is trying to control the position but Massey postures up.
Magomedov lands a good elbow from the bottom.

Massey avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Massey accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Magomedov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Magomedov has momentary wrist control but Massey slips an elbow through the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov lands a good elbow from the bottom.
Magomedov tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Magomedov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Magomedov has his foot on Massey's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Massey works his way back into a safe position though.
Massey working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Magomedov's head.
Magomedov throws a nice elbow from the bottom.

Massey got a little sloppy there for a moment and Magomedov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Massey has managed to get both his arms back between Magomedov's legs - danger averted.
Massey has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Magomedov is proving hard to escape from.
Magomedov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Massey 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.
Magomedov striking off his back.
Magomedov will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Massey working some strikes from top position.
Magomedov keeping moving, preventing Massey from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov striking off his back.
Magomedov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Magomedov throws a shot from downtown. Massey moves away and avoids it.

Magomedov gets a double leg takedown into Massey's guard.

Massey manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.

Magomedov manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Massey in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Massey avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Magomedov throwing rabbit punches from the bottom - showing the judges that he's keeping busy.
Elroy Massey has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Abdulrashid Magomedov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Magomedov wants to stand up but Massey is controlling him.

Magomedov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Elroy Massey.
I think Magomedov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Abdulrashid Magomedov!