PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jamal Gazimagomedov (ranked 3100 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ethaward Taufiqurohman (ranked 2859 p4p, 0 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Gazimagomedov
vs
Taufiqurohman

182 cm
25
158 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

177 cm
25
159 lbs
2 - 6 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jamal Gazimagomedov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ethaward Taufiqurohman!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Anthony Taglia and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gazimagomedov clinches with his opponent.
Taufiqurohman tries for a takedown. No joy.
Taufiqurohman is working for takedown but Gazimagomedov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Gazimagomedov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman.
Jamal Gazimagomedov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ethaward Taufiqurohman.
Gazimagomedov working aggressively here.
Gazimagomedov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Taufiqurohman is looking to take this one to the mat.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.
Taufiqurohman fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Gazimagomedov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Taufiqurohman moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Taufiqurohman has a takedown stuffed.
As Taufiqurohman looks to move away, Gazimagomedov throws a big counter combo but Taufiqurohman just gets out of the way.
Taufiqurohman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Taufiqurohman shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gazimagomedov as he avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gazimagomedov instigates a clinch.
Taufiqurohman is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Gazimagomedov pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Gazimagomedov stalling in the clinch.
Gazimagomedov just leaning against Taufiqurohman, taking a breather.
Nice elbow from Gazimagomedov.
Taufiqurohman is looking for a takedown.
Gazimagomedov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Taufiqurohman looks winded!
Gazimagomedov is pushing Taufiqurohman up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov stalling in the clinch.
Gazimagomedov gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
Taufiqurohman is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Gazimagomedov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Gazimagomedov controlling the action here for a moment.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch.
Taufiqurohman dives in for a single leg takedown but Gazimagomedov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Taufiqurohman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gazimagomedov throws a right and a left that Taufiqurohman avoids nicely.
Taufiqurohman will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Gazimagomedov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Taufiqurohman, pushing him back against the cage.
Gazimagomedov has Taufiqurohman pressed against the cage.
Taufiqurohman wants to take the fight to the mat but Gazimagomedov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Gazimagomedov slows down the pace here.
Gazimagomedov pressing his opponent against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Jamal Gazimagomedov.

Gazimagomedov clinches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taufiqurohman has Gazimagomedov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Gazimagomedov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch.
Gazimagomedov throws a jab when Taufiqurohman was well out of range.
Gazimagomedov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Taufiqurohman.

Gazimagomedov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Taufiqurohman moves away from the strike by Gazimagomedov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Taufiqurohman shoots in for a takedown but Gazimagomedov shows good takedown defense.
Gazimagomedov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman.

Gazimagomedov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Taufiqurohman closes this distance looking for a takedown but Gazimagomedov circles away.
Gazimagomedov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Gazimagomedov moves into the clinch successfully.
The referee is keeping an eye on Gazimagomedov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taufiqurohman tries for a takedown but Gazimagomedov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Gazimagomedov clinches up against the cage.
Gazimagomedov is pushing Taufiqurohman up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Gazimagomedov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Taufiqurohman backwards.
Taufiqurohman blocking some punches.
Gazimagomedov has Taufiqurohman pushed against the cage.
Gazimagomedov effectively controlling the action here.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch.
Taufiqurohman darts in looking for a takedown but Gazimagomedov gets double underhooks and turns Taufiqurohman into the cage.

Gazimagomedov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Taufiqurohman is looking to take this one to the mat.
Taufiqurohman wants a takedown but no success here.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch.
Taufiqurohman shoots for a takedown but Gazimagomedov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Jamal Gazimagomedov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Gazimagomedov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Gazimagomedov throws a right hand that Taufiqurohman ducks under and follows up with a left that Taufiqurohman also avoids with ease.

Gazimagomedov gets a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taufiqurohman takes a knee right on the jaw!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A short left from Gazimagomedov.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Taufiqurohman fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Gazimagomedov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Gazimagomedov will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Taufiqurohman up against the cage.
Gazimagomedov throws an elbow that misses.
Gazimagomedov controlling the action here for a moment.
Taufiqurohman is working for takedown but Gazimagomedov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Gazimagomedov prevents the takedown attempt.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Taufiqurohman drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jamal Gazimagomedov dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and clinches.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Gazimagomedov rushes Taufiqurohman and presses him up against the cage.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Gazimagomedov gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Gazimagomedov breaks from the clinch.
Gazimagomedov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Taufiqurohman swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Taufiqurohman misses with a head kick.
Gazimagomedov avoids the head kick by Taufiqurohman.
Taufiqurohman moves out of range as Gazimagomedov strikes.
Gazimagomedov slaps away a takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Gazimagomedov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Taufiqurohman can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gazimagomedov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Jamal Gazimagomedov is winning the standup battle so far.
Taufiqurohman tries a head kick but it misses.

Gazimagomedov takes the fight into the clinch.
A short left from Gazimagomedov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Taufiqurohman changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Gazimagomedov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Taufiqurohman is breathing heavily.

Gazimagomedov forces Taufiqurohman back against the cage and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov working aggressively here.
Gazimagomedov is pressed up against the cage. Taufiqurohman has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Gazimagomedov down to the mat. Gazimagomedov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Jamal Gazimagomedov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ethaward Taufiqurohman.
Gazimagomedov shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Taufiqurohman eats them both and turns towards Gazimagomedov to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

It looks like Ethaward Taufiqurohman has been cut.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Taufiqurohman fails with a takedown attempt.

Gazimagomedov has Taufiqurohman up against the cage in a clinch.
Taufiqurohman has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Gazimagomedov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.

Gazimagomedov drives through and clinches with Taufiqurohman against the cage.
Gazimagomedov dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Gazimagomedov tries to clinch but Taufiqurohman is having none of it.
Gazimagomedov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Taufiqurohman manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taufiqurohman is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Gazimagomedov is defending well.
Taufiqurohman goes for a takedown attempt but Gazimagomedov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Gazimagomedov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Gazimagomedov wants it to stay on the feet.

Gazimagomedov has Taufiqurohman up against the cage in a clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A short right hand to the side of the head by Gazimagomedov.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Gazimagomedov throws out a loose jab but Taufiqurohman uses good head movement to avoid it.
Gazimagomedov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Taufiqurohman tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Gazimagomedov defends well and Taufiqurohman ends up having to push Gazimagomedov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Gazimagomedov has closed the distance and engaged Taufiqurohman in a clinch.
Gazimagomedov slows down the pace here.
Gazimagomedov stalls.
Gazimagomedov stalling.

Gazimagomedov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Jamal Gazimagomedov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
The fighters circling - Gazimagomedov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Gazimagomedov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

Gazimagomedov clinches up against the cage.
Gazimagomedov gets through Taufiqurohman's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Gazimagomedov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Taufiqurohman slips a straight right by Gazimagomedov.
A head kick misses from Taufiqurohman.

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and pushes Taufiqurohman back into the cage.
Jamal Gazimagomedov has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Gazimagomedov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nice takedown defense from Gazimagomedov. No joy for Taufiqurohman on that attempt.

Gazimagomedov instigates a clinch.
Taufiqurohman blocks an elbow strike from Gazimagomedov.
The referee is keeping an eye on Gazimagomedov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Gazimagomedov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Gazimagomedov taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Taufiqurohman is looking for a takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gazimagomedov landing knees to the head.
Gazimagomedov stalling in the clinch.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.
Gazimagomedov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Gazimagomedov looks to land a combination but Taufiqurohman avoids it well.
Taufiqurohman connects with a jab.
Taufiqurohman lands a high kick!
Taufiqurohman misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Gazimagomedov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Taufiqurohman is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Gazimagomedov pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.

Gazimagomedov rushes Taufiqurohman and presses him up against the cage.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.
Taufiqurohman shoots in for a double leg but Gazimagomedov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Gazimagomedov forces Taufiqurohman back against the cage and clinches.
Taufiqurohman blocking some punches.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch.

Gazimagomedov takes the fight into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jamal Gazimagomedov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ethaward Taufiqurohman's cut.
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. This is the final round!

Gazimagomedov rushes Taufiqurohman and presses him up against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Gazimagomedov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Gazimagomedov comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Gazimagomedov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman.

Gazimagomedov breaks from the clinch.
Taufiqurohman fails with the takedown.

Gazimagomedov has closed the distance and engaged Taufiqurohman in a clinch.

Gazimagomedov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Taufiqurohman takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taufiqurohman throws a head kick that misses.
Taufiqurohman throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gazimagomedov's waist but Gazimagomedov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Taufiqurohman off to one side.
Jamal Gazimagomedov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ethaward Taufiqurohman.

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and clinches.
Gazimagomedov slowing the pace effectively.
Gazimagomedov prevents a takedown attempt there.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gazimagomedov moves into range and clinches up with Taufiqurohman.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Gazimagomedov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Taufiqurohman throws out a counter right but Gazimagomedov avoids it with no problem.
Taufiqurohman throws a head kick but Gazimagomedov moves out of range.
Gazimagomedov avoids the head kick by Taufiqurohman.
Gazimagomedov is looking for a counter combo.

Gazimagomedov pushes Taufiqurohman up against the cage in a clinch.

Gazimagomedov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman.
Gazimagomedov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Taufiqurohman looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Taufiqurohman slips a jab and a cross from Gazimagomedov.
Gazimagomedov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman.

Gazimagomedov has closed the distance and engaged Taufiqurohman in a clinch.
Gazimagomedov pressing his opponent against the cage.
Gazimagomedov misses with a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Taufiqurohman is working for takedown but Gazimagomedov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Taufiqurohman has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Gazimagomedov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Gazimagomedov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Sloppy strikes from Gazimagomedov. Those never looked like landing.
Taufiqurohman shoots in for a double leg but Gazimagomedov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Gazimagomedov forces Taufiqurohman back against the cage and clinches.
Taufiqurohman being controlled against the cage.
Gazimagomedov taking a breather.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.
Gazimagomedov tries to clinch but Taufiqurohman is having none of it.
No luck for Taufiqurohman with that takedown attempt.
Taufiqurohman gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Gazimagomedov.
Gazimagomedov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and pushes Taufiqurohman back into the cage.
Gazimagomedov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Taufiqurohman has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Gazimagomedov gets underhooks to prevent Taufiqurohman's takedown attempt.
Gazimagomedov throws a head punch that misses.
Gazimagomedov is struggling to control the position.
Gazimagomedov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Taufiqurohman blocks it with crossed arms.
Taufiqurohman tries to score a body lock takedown but Gazimagomedov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman is defended easily by Gazimagomedov.

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Gazimagomedov stops a takedown attempt from Taufiqurohman.

Gazimagomedov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Taufiqurohman tries to keep at a distance but Gazimagomedov has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch.

Gazimagomedov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Taufiqurohman has Gazimagomedov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Gazimagomedov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Gazimagomedov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Gazimagomedov gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Taufiqurohman is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Gazimagomedov can't fight it off and eventually Taufiqurohman manages to take the fight to the floor. Gazimagomedov looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gazimagomedov throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Gazimagomedov wants to sweep but no luck.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

Taufiqurohman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Taufiqurohman drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Taufiqurohman jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Gazimagomedov lands a couple of decent looking body shots there.
Gazimagomedov striking from the bottom.
Ethaward Taufiqurohman has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jamal Gazimagomedov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Taufiqurohman drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Taufiqurohman jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jamal Gazimagomedov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Gazimagomedov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 John Roberts scores the fight 30:26
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 30:26
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jamal Gazimagomedov!