PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Khalabib Magomedov (ranked 3287 p4p, 1561 weight class) and Khalabib Emelianenko (ranked 395 p4p, 201 weight class). Emelianenko has chosen Song for Denise as his entrance music. The key to victory for Khalabib Magomedov has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Magomedov
vs
Emelianenko

178 cm
25
155
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
26
165
4 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Self confident

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Very confident

The Dirty Needle Project

Concrete Clothing (Laundry Re Stock Coming Soon)

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Khalabib Magomedov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Khalabib Emelianenko!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Anthony Taglia and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Magomedov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Emelianenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Magomedov.
Emelianenko is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

Magomedov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Emelianenko is trying to defend but Magomedov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Magomedov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Magomedov tries to pass to full mount but Emelianenko defends it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magomedov working Emelianenko over with strikes.
Magomedov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Magomedov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko tries to kick Magomedov off but Magomedov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Magomedov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Magomedov lands strikes from half guard.
Magomedov is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Emelianenko tries to kick Magomedov off but Magomedov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Magomedov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Viking Bizorkers in the buildup to the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Magomedov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Emelianenko.

Emelianenko gets caught napping as Magomedov dives in and scores a takedown. Emelianenko manages to retain guard.
Magomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Emelianenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Magomedov throws a big elbow that misses.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Magomedov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Emelianenko is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Magomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Emelianenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Magomedov closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Emelianenko's guard.
Magomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Emelianenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Magomedov stops Emelianenko from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko keeping moving, preventing Magomedov from controlling successfully.
Emelianenko is looking to stand up but Magomedov isn't so interested in that idea.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Magomedov throws a strike but Emelianenko rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khalabib Magomedov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Magomedov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Emelianenko counters with a takedown into side control.
Magomedov wants to get back to his feet but Emelianenko is dominant here and he's now got Magomedov's back!
Emelianenko biding his time, controlling Magomedov.
Magomedov is trying to get back to his feet but Emelianenko has full control of the position and if anything, Magomedov has just worked his way into a worse spot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Khalabib Magomedov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Magomedov is trying to get back to his feet but Emelianenko has full control of the position and if anything, Magomedov has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Magomedov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Emelianenko can do to turn this around?
Emelianenko controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Magomedov trying to get back to his feet but Emelianenko is in full control for now.
Emelianenko controlling from the back.
Magomedov is trying to get back to his feet but Emelianenko has full control of the position and if anything, Magomedov has just worked his way into a worse spot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Magomedov is trying to stand back up.
Emelianenko biding his time, looking for the opening.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Magomedov is trying to stand back up.
Emelianenko keeps control of the position easily here as Magomedov tries to buck him off.
Magomedov wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khalabib Emelianenko showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

A combination from Magomedov does no damage.
Emelianenko with the counter takedown but Magomedov avoids it easily.
Emelianenko stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Emelianenko wants it to stay on the feet.
And Emelianenko tries to counter it with a takedown but Magomedov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Nice takedown defense from Emelianenko. No joy for Magomedov on that attempt.

Magomedov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Emelianenko is trying to defend but Magomedov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Emelianenko kicks Magomedov off and gets back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Magomedov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Emelianenko tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khalabib Magomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Magomedov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Emelianenko defends it nicely.
Emelianenko drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Magomedov defends it well.
Magomedov misses with a takedown

and Emelianenko counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Magomedov!
Emelianenko takes a little break here. Magomedov wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Magomedov is looking to get back to his feet here but Emelianenko is keeping cool and he's managed to take Magomedov's back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov is trying to stand back up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Magomedov trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Emelianenko trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Magomedov doesn't escape.
Magomedov wants to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Emelianenko controlling the position well here. Magomedov rolled but Emelianenko kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

And that's the end of the fight!
Khalabib Emelianenko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Emelianenko 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 Chad Campbell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Khalabib Emelianenko!
Khalabib Emelianenko took to the mic in his post fight interview and said 'Translator: I have a lot of respect for Patrick Star, we had a great fight and I wish him all the best.'.