PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rashid Magomedhanov (ranked 3623 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov (ranked 5873 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Magomedhanov
vs
Gazimagomedov

170 cm
25
158 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

175 cm
25
158 lbs
2 - 11 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
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, Rashid Magomedhanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 11 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Alyssa Summers and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Magomedhanov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Gazimagomedov.
Gazimagomedov moves in looking to clinch but Magomedhanov pushes him off.
A big right from Magomedhanov misses.

Magomedhanov moves into range and clinches up with Gazimagomedov.
Gazimagomedov looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Magomedhanov ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Magomedhanov no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Gazimagomedov wants to stand but Magomedhanov is controlling his posture from full guard.
Gazimagomedov trying to control but Magomedhanov is working from the bottom.
Magomedhanov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Magomedhanov tries to get out of the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gazimagomedov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Let's hope that Gazimagomedov has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We're seeing a lot of stalling here from Gazimagomedov.
Gazimagomedov is looking to work some ground and pound but Magomedhanov has wrist control.
Gazimagomedov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Magomedhanov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Magomedhanov clinches up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Gazimagomedov wants to take the fight to the mat but Magomedhanov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Gazimagomedov fails to pull guard.
Gazimagomedov misses with a body punch.
Gazimagomedov stalling.

Gazimagomedov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Magomedhanov uses from the top position.
Magomedhanov looking to pass the guard.
Gazimagomedov 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.

Magomedhanov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Gazimagomedov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Magomedhanov has managed to get both his arms back between Gazimagomedov's legs - danger averted.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Gazimagomedov looking for a sweep. Not yet Gazimagomedov, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gazimagomedov looking to control.
Magomedhanov tries to free his leg and advance position but Gazimagomedov is retaining full guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Magomedhanov stopping the sweep attempt from Gazimagomedov.

Magomedhanov drops back, looking for a kneebar! Gazimagomedov looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Gazimagomedov looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Gazimagomedov!

Magomedhanov is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Gazimagomedov off and has taken his back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Magomedhanov is hanging on to Gazimagomedov's back as he tries to escape.
Gazimagomedov turns into Magomedhanov and is now in his guard.

Gazimagomedov postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Magomedhanov is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Gazimagomedov, into his guard.

Magomedhanov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Gazimagomedov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Gazimagomedov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rashid Magomedhanov dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Magomedhanov loads up on a big right hand but Gazimagomedov slips the punch.

Magomedhanov closes the distance and pushes Gazimagomedov back into the cage.
Magomedhanov is trying to force a seperation but Gazimagomedov has the dominant position.
Magomedhanov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Gazimagomedov's efforts to push away.
Gazimagomedov keeps control of Magomedhanov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Magomedhanov stops a takedown attempt from Gazimagomedov.
Gazimagomedov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Magomedhanov jumps guard but Gazimagomedov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gazimagomedov is trying to drag Magomedhanov to the mat but Magomedhanov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Rashid Magomedhanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov.
Magomedhanov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Magomedhanov manages to pull guard.

Gazimagomedov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Magomedhanov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Gazimagomedov has managed to get both his arms back between Magomedhanov's legs - danger averted.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Gazimagomedov wants to stand but Magomedhanov is controlling his posture from full guard.

Gazimagomedov 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.
Magomedhanov keeping moving, preventing Gazimagomedov from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Magomedhanov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Gazimagomedov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Magomedhanov's guard.
Magomedhanov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gazimagomedov can do to turn this around?
Gazimagomedov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Magomedhanov keeps working.
Gazimagomedov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Magomedhanov is trying to stand up here but Gazimagomedov is controlling him well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magomedhanov is staying active underneath Gazimagomedov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Magomedhanov throws a nice looking combination but Gazimagomedov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Gazimagomedov shoots for a takedown but Magomedhanov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Magomedhanov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

Magomedhanov moves into range and clinches up with Gazimagomedov.
Magomedhanov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Gazimagomedov.

Gazimagomedov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Gazimagomedov shoots in looking for a takedown but Magomedhanov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Gazimagomedov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Gazimagomedov shoots in and drives through. Magomedhanov sprawls well.
Magomedhanov scores with a jab to the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Magomedhanov moves into the clinch.
Magomedhanov will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Gazimagomedov up against the cage.
Magomedhanov tries to land knees in the clinch but Gazimagomedov avoids the damage to the body.
Come on Magomedhanov - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Magomedhanov is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Gazimagomedov tries to land knees in the clinch but Magomedhanov avoids the damage to the body.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gazimagomedov fails to pull guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rashid Magomedhanov dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Magomedhanov has Gazimagomedov up against the cage in a clinch.
Gazimagomedov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Gazimagomedov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gazimagomedov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Magomedhanov smiles and moves away.
Magomedhanov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gazimagomedov.
Rashid Magomedhanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gazimagomedov throws a right and a left that Magomedhanov avoids nicely.
Gazimagomedov fails with a takedown attempt.
Gazimagomedov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Magomedhanov lands a nice shot that snaps Gazimagomedov's head back.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Magomedhanov has managed to clinch.

Magomedhanov jumps into guard, dragging Gazimagomedov to the mat.
Gazimagomedov trying to control but Magomedhanov is working from the bottom.
Magomedhanov throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Gazimagomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Magomedhanov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gazimagomedov controlling from the top position.
Gazimagomedov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gazimagomedov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Magomedhanov looking for a guillotine here but Gazimagomedov defends easily.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Gazimagomedov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Magomedhanov defends well and Gazimagomedov ends up having to push Magomedhanov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Magomedhanov throws a nice looking combination but Gazimagomedov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Magomedhanov defending well as Gazimagomedov loads up on a big left hand.
Magomedhanov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Gazimagomedov fails with a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magomedhanov lunges at Gazimagomedov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Gazimagomedov's hand.
Magomedhanov stuffs the takedown.

Magomedhanov clinches up against the cage.
Gazimagomedov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Magomedhanov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Rashid Magomedhanov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Gazimagomedov prevents the takedown attempt.
Gazimagomedov is trying to pull guard but Magomedhanov has him pressed against the cage.
Magomedhanov prevents a takedown attempt there.

Magomedhanov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Gazimagomedov uses from the top position.
Gazimagomedov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Magomedhanov keeping full guard, as Gazimagomedov tries to pass.
Gazimagomedov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Magomedhanov pushes Gazimagomedov away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Gazimagomedov gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rashid Magomedhanov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Magomedhanov, 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 Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 30:27
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 30:27
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rashid Magomedhanov!