PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Vicente Escalante (ranked 185 p4p, 168 weight class) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 21 p4p, 17 weight class). Nurmagomedov is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Dagestan (Remix). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Escalante
vs
Nurmagomedov

183 cm
26
192
14 - 1 - 0

178 cm
34
185
21 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Brooklyn Apothecary
Brooklyn Threads

Brooklyn Apothecary

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vicente Escalante!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fray, Roger Salmon and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Escalante was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Escalante staying out of range there.
Escalante scores with a hook.

It looks like Khabib Nurmagomedov has been cut.
Nurmagomedov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Escalante.
Escalante fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Nurmagomedov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Nurmagomedov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Escalante manages to avoid it.
Escalante fires out a quick counter leg kick but Nurmagomedov just manages to avoid it.
Nurmagomedov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A chopping leg kick lands by Escalante.
Nurmagomedov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Nurmagomedov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nurmagomedov scores with a shot to the body.
Escalante throws a lazy uppercut
and Nurmagomedov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Sloppy strikes from Nurmagomedov. Those never looked like landing.
Nurmagomedov walks into a jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nurmagomedov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Escalante.
Nurmagomedov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov lands a right hook to the body.
Escalante misses the shot to the body.
Escalante keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Escalante misses with a head kick.
Escalante wants to land a leg kick but Nurmagomedov is out of range.
Nurmagomedov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Nurmagomedov slips under a jab from Escalante.
Escalante swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Escalante misses with a looping right.
Nurmagomedov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Nurmagomedov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Escalante sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Nurmagomedov scores with a hook to the body. Escalante takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Escalante bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Nurmagomedov's head.
Nice straight punches there by Nurmagomedov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Nurmagomedov.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Escalante takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Escalante jabs at Nurmagomedov's body.
Escalante takes a shot to the body in his stride.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Escalante lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Escalante takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Escalante scores with a three punch combo!
Nurmagomedov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Escalante's head backwards.
Escalante throws out a loose jab but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nurmagomedov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Escalante.
Nurmagomedov dives in for a single leg takedown but Escalante sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Vicente Escalante has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Escalante throws a big shot that misses.
Nurmagomedov throws a lazy right hand but Escalante sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Escalante throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Nurmagomedov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Escalante throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nurmagomedov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Nurmagomedov works Escalante's body with a nice hook.
Vicente Escalante is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Escalante ducks under a wild hook from Nurmagomedov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Escalante swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Nurmagomedov lands a body shot.
Escalante defending well as Nurmagomedov loads up on a big left hand.
Nurmagomedov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Escalante manages to avoid it.
Escalante throws a solid leg kick but Nurmagomedov takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Escalante.
Nurmagomedov scores with a hook to the body. Escalante takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Escalante changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Nurmagomedov keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Nurmagomedov throws a lazy right hand but Escalante sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Escalante misses the shot to the body.
Nurmagomedov tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Nurmagomedov fails with a takedown attempt.
Escalante gets cracked there but stands up to it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Escalante avoids the body shot from Nurmagomedov.
Escalante tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nurmagomedov was well out of range. Poor timing from Escalante.
Escalante keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nurmagomedov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Nurmagomedov slips a straight right by Escalante.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A good leg kick by Escalante.
Nurmagomedov avoids the body shot from Escalante.
Nice sprawl there from Escalante as Nurmagomedov shoots in.
Escalante tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nurmagomedov fails to land the takedown.
Nurmagomedov swings for the body but Escalante moves out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Escalante misses with a hook.
Nurmagomedov throws out a counter right but Escalante avoids it with no problem.
Escalante throws a nice inside leg kick.
Escalante takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Escalante tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nurmagomedov was well out of range. Poor timing from Escalante.
Nurmagomedov appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Vicente Escalante dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Khabib Nurmagomedov's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Nurmagomedov slips a jab and a cross from Escalante.
Nurmagomedov moves out of range as Escalante strikes.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Nurmagomedov might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Escalante has got the better of the exchanges.
Nurmagomedov connects with a body shot that sends Escalante's belly button to the back.
Nurmagomedov throws a lazy right hand but Escalante sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Escalante loads up on a big right hand but Nurmagomedov slips the punch.
Nurmagomedov throws a shot to the body.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
We've been told by Escalante's head coaches at Brooklyn Mixed Martial Arts that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Escalante defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov lands a nice looking body shot.
Escalante is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Nurmagomedov.
Escalante on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Escalante misses the shot to the body.
Nurmagomedov ducks under a wild hook from Escalante.
Escalante ducks right into an uppercut from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
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!
Escalante scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Nurmagomedov takes a swing at Escalante's ribcage but misses.
Vicente Escalante is winning the standup battle so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Escalante counters with an outside leg kick.
Nurmagomedov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Nurmagomedov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Nurmagomedov throws a right hand that Escalante ducks under and follows up with a left that Escalante also avoids with ease.
Escalante scoring well with a low kick there.
Escalante lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Nurmagomedov circles away quickly and effectively.
Nurmagomedov misses with a wild combination.
Nurmagomedov lands with a nice body punch.
Escalante keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Escalante moves out of range as Nurmagomedov strikes.
Nurmagomedov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Escalante moves away.
Escalante avoids the body shot from Nurmagomedov.
Escalante appears to be looking for a big counter.
Nurmagomedov misses with a hook. Escalante ducked under it nicely.
Escalante lands an overhand right.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Escalante.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Escalante moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Nurmagomedov swings for the body but Escalante moves out of range.
Nurmagomedov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Escalante throws out a loose jab but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
A jab from Escalante misses.
Nurmagomedov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Escalante moves away.
A low kick lands for Escalante.
Escalante throws a low kick but Nurmagomedov moves out of range easily.
Escalante waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Nurmagomedov.
Escalante avoids the body shot from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Escalante as he avoids it easily.
Nurmagomedov lands a nice shot to the body.
Nurmagomedov looks to score with a jab to the body but Escalante is just out of range.
Nurmagomedov on the wrong end of a nice jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov dips to his left and cracks Escalante with an uppercut!
Nurmagomedov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Escalante.
Nurmagomedov lands a nice shot to the body.
Escalante throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nurmagomedov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Escalante.
Nurmagomedov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nurmagomedov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Nurmagomedov appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Escalante uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nurmagomedov.
The crowd cheers as Escalante lands an impressive looking overhand right. Nurmagomedov doesn't seem phased though.

That has opened up Khabib Nurmagomedov's cut even more.
Nurmagomedov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Escalante was well out of range. Poor timing from Nurmagomedov.
It looked like Escalante was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov scores with a jab. Escalante acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
A decent looking cross lands there for Escalante.
Escalante takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Escalante slips a straight right by Nurmagomedov.
A chopping leg kick lands by Escalante.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Escalante misses with a head kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov takes one to the side of the head.
A big left from Escalante misses.
Escalante takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Nurmagomedov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Vicente Escalante has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov shoots in looking for a takedown. Escalante tries to sprawl out of it but Nurmagomedov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Escalante manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Escalante throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
That kick from Escalante tenderised Nurmagomedov's leg. Nurmagomedov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Escalante lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Nurmagomedov circles away quickly and effectively.
No joy there for Nurmagomedov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Nice body punch from Nurmagomedov.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Escalante avoids the body shot from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Khabib Nurmagomedov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Khabib Nurmagomedov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Escalante throws a hook but Nurmagomedov blocks it.
Nurmagomedov with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Nurmagomedov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nurmagomedov is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Escalante rather than just go for the knockout.
Nice uppercut lands for Escalante. That snapped Nurmagomedov's head back.
Escalante takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Escalante looks to land a left hand but Nurmagomedov moved out of range nicely.
Nurmagomedov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Escalante throws out a loose jab but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Escalante walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Escalante throws a body shot but no joy.
Escalante uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Nurmagomedov.
Escalante tries a low kick but Nurmagomedov avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Escalante tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nurmagomedov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Nurmagomedov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Nurmagomedov throws a body punch but Escalante moves out of range.
Escalante thows a leg kick but Nurmagomedov checks it
and Nurmagomedov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jab, jab by Nurmagomedov - just one landing.
Escalante lands a lovely overhand right.
Escalante ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Escalante keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A solid leg kick lands there for Escalante.
Escalante throws the left hand but Nurmagomedov avoids the punch easily.
Nurmagomedov scores with a hook to the body. Escalante takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
A jab from Escalante finds it's way through Nurmagomedov's defenses.
Nurmagomedov misses with a few strikes there.
Escalante throws a hook but Nurmagomedov avoids it easily.
Escalante dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Nurmagomedov. That did some damage!
Nurmagomedov checks a low kick from Escalante.
Escalante sizes up Nurmagomedov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
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!
No joy there for Nurmagomedov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Escalante lands a left and a right that send Nurmagomedov crashing to the mat, dazed. Escalante thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Nurmagomedov is rocked!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook but Escalante blocks it.
Nurmagomedov is still on wobbly legs! Can Escalante finish him?
Escalante throws a leg kick but Nurmagomedov moved away.
A slow jab from Escalante misses its intended target.
Nurmagomedov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Nurmagomedov checks the leg kick.
Nurmagomedov moves away from the strike by Escalante.
Nurmagomedov seems to have recovered his senses.
Escalante misses with a hook. Nurmagomedov ducked under it nicely.
Escalante throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Escalante misses the shot to the body.

Nurmagomedov feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Escalante kicks Nurmagomedov off and gets to his feet.
Escalante with a hook.
A telegraphed right hand from Escalante misses the target.
Nurmagomedov misses with a double jab.
Escalante has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Nurmagomedov finds it's way round the side to connect with Escalante's head.
Nurmagomedov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Nurmagomedov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Escalante.
Escalante gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Nurmagomedov.
Escalante looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Nurmagomedov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nurmagomedov scores with a shot to the body.
Nurmagomedov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nurmagomedov misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Escalante counters with a nice uppercut.
Escalante throws a hook but Nurmagomedov avoids it easily.
Nurmagomedov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Nurmagomedov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A jab from Nurmagomedov finds it's way through Escalante's defenses.
Escalante throws a body punch but Nurmagomedov moves out of range.
Escalante throws out a loose jab but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Escalante misses with a leg kick.
Nurmagomedov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Nurmagomedov jabs at Escalante's body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov lands a jab to Escalante's midsection.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nurmagomedov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Escalante has time to react.
Nurmagomedov digs a good hook to Escalante's body.
Nurmagomedov lands a jab to Escalante's midsection.
Nurmagomedov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Escalante lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Nurmagomedov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Escalante throws a quick inside leg kick.
A left lands for Escalante.
Nurmagomedov punishes Escalante's body with a nice straight punch.
Nurmagomedov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Escalante.
You can see that Nurmagomedov has visibly slowed down as a result of the leg kicks
Nurmagomedov misses the shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nurmagomedov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Escalante swivels and escapes.
Escalante on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Nurmagomedov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Escalante.
A nice side step and Nurmagomedov releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Vicente Escalante did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Khabib Nurmagomedov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov is defended easily by Escalante.

Nurmagomedov shoots in and bounces Escalante off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Nurmagomedov wants to control from the top but Escalante keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Escalante keeping full guard, as Nurmagomedov tries to pass.
Nurmagomedov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Escalante's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Escalante keeping moving, preventing Nurmagomedov from controlling successfully.
Escalante utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Nurmagomedov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Nurmagomedov tries to free his leg and advance position but Escalante is retaining full guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Nurmagomedov misses with an uppercut.
Escalante comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Nurmagomedov shoots in but no luck this time.
Good work by Nurmagomedov as he checks the leg kick.
A slow jab from Escalante misses its intended target.
Nurmagomedov swings away with a body shot that misses
and Escalante counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A telegraphed right hand from Nurmagomedov misses the target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Escalante misses with an uppercut. Nurmagomedov saw that one coming.
Escalante is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Nurmagomedov.
Escalante dodges the punch combination from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov lands a really nice looking cross but Escalante seems unphased.
Good shot there by Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Escalante looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Nurmagomedov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Escalante has escaped the position, nice work there.
I wouldn't like to be where Escalante is right now.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The strikes coming from Nurmagomedov are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Escalante parries the strikes from Nurmagomedov easily there. Nurmagomedov is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Escalante to escape.
Nurmagomedov in side control lands a decent elbow.
Nurmagomedov sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Escalante is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Check out the look on Nurmagomedov's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Nurmagomedov throws a strike aimed at the side of Escalante's head but Escalante avoids it well.
Nurmagomedov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Nurmagomedov cracks Escalante with a big elbow.
Escalante defending against the ground and pound.

That's four 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.
Nurmagomedov is putting a hurting on Escalante here, landing some big shots from side control.
Nurmagomedov tries to score with some ground and pound. Escalante controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Escalante trying to control but Nurmagomedov flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back!
Nurmagomedov scores with punches from the back.
Nurmagomedov struggling to land strikes to the head as Escalante covers up.
Nurmagomedov tries to keep control of the position but Escalante is staying busy.
Our spies down at at 3Band MMA inform us that Nurmagomedov has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Well, with Nurmagomedov on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Escalante is tapping out... Can he escape the position?

Nurmagomedov tightening his grip on Escalante, looking for the choke.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Escalante defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Nurmagomedov's arms.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Khabib Nurmagomedov dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Khabib Nurmagomedov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Escalante throws a one two combo.
Nurmagomedov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Escalante circles away quickly and effectively.
Escalante on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Escalante pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nurmagomedov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Escalante.
Escalante throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nurmagomedov moves away from the strike by Escalante.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Escalante will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Good standup being displayed there by Nurmagomedov as he connects with a hook.
Nurmagomedov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Escalante.
Nurmagomedov misses the body punch
and Escalante makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Escalante sprawls well. Escalante wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Nurmagomedov gets slowly back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Escalante misses with a left hand
and Nurmagomedov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Escalante connects with a high kick.
Escalante misses with a right hand
and Escalante takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nurmagomedov throws a body punch but Escalante moves out of range.
Nurmagomedov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

Nurmagomedov closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Escalante is refusing to be controlled, as Nurmagomedov sits in half guard.
Nurmagomedov throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Escalante to regain full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Escalante has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Nurmagomedov is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Escalante blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Escalante fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Escalante breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nurmagomedov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And Nurmagomedov tries to counter it with a takedown but Escalante pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Escalante connects with a leg kick.
Escalante is looking to score with low kicks.
Nurmagomedov now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Escalante takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Escalante throws a right and a left that Nurmagomedov avoids nicely.
A nice leg kick from Escalante, right into the meat of the thigh.
Nurmagomedov throws a body shot but no joy.
Escalante was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nurmagomedov lands a body shot.
Escalante on the wrong end of a nice hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

Nurmagomedov scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Escalante explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
A big right from Escalante misses.
Nurmagomedov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nurmagomedov looks to land a combination but Escalante avoids it well.
Nurmagomedov avoids the head kick by Escalante.
Escalante keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Escalante was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Escalante tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nurmagomedov was well out of range. Poor timing from Escalante.
Escalante slips under a jab.
Escalante lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Escalante throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Nurmagomedov. Escalante does a little dance to reset his feet.
A swing and a miss from Escalante.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Escalante connects with a body shot.
Nurmagomedov fails with a takedown attempt.
Nurmagomedov slips under a jab from Escalante.
Nurmagomedov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Escalante tries to score with a low kick but Nurmagomedov moves his leg out of the way.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nurmagomedov! But no joy.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Escalante drops his hands momentarily and Nurmagomedov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Escalante throws out a loose jab but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Escalante stuffs the takedown.
Vicente Escalante has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Escalante thows a leg kick but Nurmagomedov checks it

so Nurmagomedov counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nurmagomedov wants to control from the top but Escalante keeps moving.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vicente Escalante showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Escalante has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 49:47
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight 49:47
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vicente Escalante!
Vicente Escalante retains his middleweight title!
Vicente Escalante really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that Brooklyn Apothecary logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.