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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 239 p4p, 671 weight class) and Malik El Shabazz (ranked 36 p4p, 96 weight class). Nurmagomedov's entrance music is Dagestan (Remix). A fine choice. Khabib Nurmagomedov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Malik El Shabazz's chin.
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| 178 cm
35
170
24 - 5 - 0 |
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185 cm
29
183
16 - 7 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Malik El Shabazz!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, James Ackerman and Richard Clark.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
El Shabazz swings for the body but Nurmagomedov moves out of range.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
El Shabazz lands a really nice looking cross but Nurmagomedov seems unphased.
El Shabazz scores with a leg kick.
El Shabazz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nurmagomedov throwing a counter right hand but El Shabazz manages to avoid it.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from El Shabazz.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from El Shabazz! But no joy.
Nurmagomedov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
El Shabazz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from El Shabazz! But no joy.
Nurmagomedov moves out of range of the strikes.
El Shabazz throws a leg kick but Nurmagomedov moved away.
Nurmagomedov moves out of range of the strikes.
El Shabazz misses with a straight right.
Nurmagomedov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
El Shabazz comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
El Shabazz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz forces Nurmagomedov back against the cage and clinches.
The referee calls for Nurmagomedov to work.
El Shabazz tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
El Shabazz is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Nurmagomedov is defending well for now.
El Shabazz misses with a knee strike.
El Shabazz misses with a body punch.
Nurmagomedov blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Nurmagomedov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
El Shabazz looks to land a combination but Nurmagomedov avoids it well.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown but El Shabazz shows good takedown defense.
El Shabazz scores with a jab to the jaw.
Nurmagomedov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Nurmagomedov avoids the body shot from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz works the jab nicely.
Nurmagomedov shoots in looking for a takedown but El Shabazz manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Nurmagomedov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
El Shabazz scores with the left hand. Nurmagomedov knows he should have avoided that one.
El Shabazz misses with a straight left.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
El Shabazz thuds a left hand into Nurmagomedov's body.
Nurmagomedov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
El Shabazz misses with a body shot.
Nurmagomedov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Nurmagomedov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Nurmagomedov connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused El Shabazz some visible discomfort.
The ground and pound from Nurmagomedov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Nurmagomedov postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
El Shabazz regains half guard, as Nurmagomedov was trying to land strikes.
El Shabazz avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov is thwarting El Shabazz's attempts to control the position.
El Shabazz is trying is best to control the position here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Nurmagomedov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. El Shabazz defending well though.
Nurmagomedov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, El Shabazz has managed to free his arm - good work.
Nurmagomedov wants to take a breather but El Shabazz is having none of it.
El Shabazz avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov trying to control from half guard but El Shabazz is working away.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
El Shabazz is looking to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nurmagomedov trying to pass the guard but El Shabazz defending well.
El Shabazz blocking the ground and pound attempt from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
El Shabazz felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Nurmagomedov performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Nurmagomedov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Malik El Shabazz will probably get the nod.
That's time! Nurmagomedov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
El Shabazz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a double leg but El Shabazz sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Nurmagomedov is looking to wear down El Shabazz with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Nurmagomedov works El Shabazz's body with a nice hook.
El Shabazz tries to score with a low kick but Nurmagomedov moves his leg out of the way.
El Shabazz swings for the body but Nurmagomedov moves out of range.
El Shabazz misses with the combination.
It looked like Nurmagomedov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Nice defenses there by Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
El Shabazz misses with a hook. Nurmagomedov ducked under it nicely.
El Shabazz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
El Shabazz doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Nurmagomedov just misses with a punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov fails to land the takedown.
Nurmagomedov throws a right and a left that both miss.
El Shabazz throws a predictable looking body shot
and Nurmagomedov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Nurmagomedov lands the left hand.
El Shabazz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Nurmagomedov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nurmagomedov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz throws an overhand right that lands on Nurmagomedov's shoulder, as Nurmagomedov tries to avoid the shot.
Nurmagomedov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from El Shabazz.
Malik El Shabazz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
El Shabazz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Nurmagomedov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Malik El Shabazz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body shot.
Nurmagomedov throws a lazy right hand but El Shabazz sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nurmagomedov looks to land a combination but El Shabazz avoids it well.
Nurmagomedov scores with a decent looking hook.
El Shabazz throws a lazy right hand but Nurmagomedov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
El Shabazz misses with a series of wild punches.
El Shabazz scores with a jab.
Nurmagomedov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
El Shabazz misses the shot to the body.
Nurmagomedov misses with a straight right.
El Shabazz missing with a left hand there. Nurmagomedov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Nurmagomedov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as El Shabazz throws out the jab.
Nurmagomedov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
El Shabazz fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Nurmagomedov is out of range.
Nurmagomedov misses with a looping left.
Nurmagomedov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but El Shabazz was well out of range. Poor timing from Nurmagomedov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nurmagomedov misses with a looping left.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body shot.
Nurmagomedov takes a swing at El Shabazz's ribcage but misses.
A little jabbing left from El Shabazz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Nurmagomedov just misses with a punch to the body.
El Shabazz misses with a looping right.
A looping hook to the body misses from Nurmagomedov. El Shabazz does a little dance to reset his feet.
El Shabazz is looking for the big counter here.
El Shabazz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A slow jab from El Shabazz misses its intended target.
El Shabazz throws a hook but Nurmagomedov blocks it.
El Shabazz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
El Shabazz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Nurmagomedov throws a right hand that El Shabazz ducks under and follows up with a left that El Shabazz also avoids with ease.
Nurmagomedov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body shot.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov gets a takedown into half guard.
Nurmagomedov wants to lay and pray for a moment but El Shabazz keeps working.
Khabib Nurmagomedov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
El Shabazz moves into full guard.
Nurmagomedov looking to sit in guard and control but El Shabazz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
El Shabazz stopping the sweep attempt from Nurmagomedov.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
El Shabazz tries to free his leg and advance position but Nurmagomedov is retaining full guard.
El Shabazz passes Nurmagomedov's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
El Shabazz with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
El Shabazz is thwarting Nurmagomedov's attempts to control the position.
Nurmagomedov manages to get to full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Malik El Shabazz will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action!
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz throws out a loose jab but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
El Shabazz scores with a crisp jab that stopped Nurmagomedov in his tracks.
Nurmagomedov blocks a jab.
El Shabazz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but El Shabazz manages to avoid it.
El Shabazz scores with a jab.
El Shabazz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nurmagomedov was well out of range. Poor timing from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Nurmagomedov counters with a nice uppercut.
El Shabazz misses with a hook
and Nurmagomedov counters with a stiff right hand.
El Shabazz throws the left hand but Nurmagomedov avoids the punch easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov takes a swing at El Shabazz's ribcage but misses.
A slow jab from Nurmagomedov misses its intended target.
Nurmagomedov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but El Shabazz manages to avoid it.
It seemed like El Shabazz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Nurmagomedov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but El Shabazz defends well and Nurmagomedov ends up having to push El Shabazz into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from El Shabazz! But no joy.
Nurmagomedov blocking some punches.
That's one minute gone in the round.
El Shabazz throws a knee to the head but misses.
Nurmagomedov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
El Shabazz lands a knee to the head.
El Shabazz blocking some punches.
El Shabazz misses with a knee to the head.
El Shabazz tries to land a knee to the head but Nurmagomedov blocks with his arms.
Nurmagomedov misses with a hook from the clinch.
El Shabazz misses with a hook to the ribs.
El Shabazz with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
It looks like Khabib Nurmagomedov has been cut.
Nurmagomedov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body punch.
Stalling in the clinch from Nurmagomedov.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
El Shabazz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Nurmagomedov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
El Shabazz landing knees to the head.
Nurmagomedov can't find room to land a body shot as El Shabazz controls the action.
Nurmagomedov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
El Shabazz throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Nurmagomedov blocks it with crossed arms.
A short body shot lands from El Shabazz as the two fighters clinch.
El Shabazz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
El Shabazz misses with a knee to the head.
El Shabazz tries to land a knee to the head but Nurmagomedov blocks with his arms.
El Shabazz breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nurmagomedov lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Nurmagomedov keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov misses the jab.
El Shabazz misses with a body shot.
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Nurmagomedov lands with a straight right. El Shabazz didn't see that one coming.
Nurmagomedov misses with an uppercut.
El Shabazz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nurmagomedov was well out of range. Poor timing from El Shabazz.
It looked like Nurmagomedov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
El Shabazz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Nurmagomedov throws a body shot but no joy.
El Shabazz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Nurmagomedov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
The fighters circling - Nurmagomedov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and clinches up with El Shabazz, looking for a takedown. Nurmagomedov pushes El Shabazz against the cage but El Shabazz circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khabib Nurmagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
El Shabazz misses with a looping right.
El Shabazz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
El Shabazz misses with a wild combination.
El Shabazz lands with a hook. Nurmagomedov tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
This has been an exciting period of action!
El Shabazz stuns Nurmagomedov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
El Shabazz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
El Shabazz throws out a loose jab but Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid it.
El Shabazz looks to land a right hand but Nurmagomedov moved out of range.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook but El Shabazz blocks it.
Nurmagomedov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
El Shabazz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Nurmagomedov throws out a loose jab but El Shabazz uses good head movement to avoid it.
It seemed like El Shabazz was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Nurmagomedov looks to score with a jab to the body but El Shabazz is just out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from El Shabazz. Nurmagomedov does a little dance to reset his feet.
El Shabazz lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Nurmagomedov looks for a takedown but El Shabazz sprawls well.
Nice defenses there by Nurmagomedov.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Malik El Shabazz really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Khabib Nurmagomedov's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
El Shabazz throws a low kick but it's checked well by Nurmagomedov.
Malik El Shabazz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nurmagomedov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
El Shabazz misses with a looping right.
An attempted straight right counter from Nurmagomedov misses the target.
Nurmagomedov walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Nurmagomedov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but El Shabazz moves away.
Nurmagomedov misses with a looping right.
El Shabazz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
El Shabazz misses with a hook.
Nurmagomedov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
El Shabazz jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
El Shabazz throws a big shot that misses.
Nurmagomedov punishes El Shabazz's body with a nice straight punch.
El Shabazz swings away with a leg kick that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov misses with an uppercut.
Nurmagomedov jabs at El Shabazz's body.
El Shabazz tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Nurmagomedov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
El Shabazz misses the shot to the body.
El Shabazz ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
El Shabazz throws an overhand right that lands on Nurmagomedov's shoulder, as Nurmagomedov tries to avoid the shot.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov misses with a hook. El Shabazz ducked under it nicely.
El Shabazz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Nurmagomedov's sensitive parts.
Nurmagomedov thows a left - swing and a miss!
El Shabazz slips under a jab.
El Shabazz keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Nurmagomedov.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts El Shabazz, as that shot connected.
Nurmagomedov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
El Shabazz throws out a counter right but Nurmagomedov avoids it with no problem.
Nurmagomedov throws a big shot that misses.
Nurmagomedov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Some wild striking there from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov misses with a wild body shot.
Nurmagomedov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nurmagomedov connects with a nice looking jab.
El Shabazz with a nice cross.
El Shabazz ducks right into an uppercut from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - El Shabazz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nurmagomedov misses with a wild combination.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
El Shabazz scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Nurmagomedov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
El Shabazz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz cracks Nurmagomedov with a good jab.
Nurmagomedov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Nurmagomedov checks a leg kick.
Nurmagomedov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but El Shabazz was well out of range. Poor timing from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov cracks El Shabazz with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Nurmagomedov missing with a left hand there. El Shabazz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Nurmagomedov looks to throw the jab but El Shabazz is out of range.
A low kick lands for El Shabazz.
Donk. Nurmagomedov catches El Shabazz right on the button with a cross.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A left lands for El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov shoots in and gets a takedown into El Shabazz's guard.
Nurmagomedov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Nurmagomedov throws an elbow that misses. El Shabazz uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Nurmagomedov's guard. Nice move by El Shabazz!
El Shabazz is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
El Shabazz must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. El Shabazz manages to get himself to full guard.
Nurmagomedov throwing strikes from guard but El Shabazz blocks nicely.
Nurmagomedov trying to control but El Shabazz is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close fourth round but I would say that Khabib Nurmagomedov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Khabib Nurmagomedov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
Nurmagomedov looks to score with a jab to the body but El Shabazz is just out of range.
A little jabbing left from El Shabazz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Nurmagomedov misses with a straight right.
El Shabazz's jab looks to have found its range, popping Nurmagomedov under the eye.
El Shabazz swings for the body but Nurmagomedov moves out of range.
El Shabazz attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
El Shabazz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Nurmagomedov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Nurmagomedov moves out of range of the strikes.
Nurmagomedov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as El Shabazz throws out the jab.
El Shabazz lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Nurmagomedov circles away quickly and effectively.
El Shabazz lands with a nice body punch.
El Shabazz connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Nurmagomedov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
El Shabazz avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
El Shabazz staying out of range there.
Nurmagomedov misses with the combination.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from El Shabazz! But no joy.
Nurmagomedov looks to throw the jab but El Shabazz is out of range.
Nurmagomedov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
That's one minute gone in the round.
El Shabazz misses with a series of wild punches.
El Shabazz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says El Shabazz as he avoids it easily.
El Shabazz wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
El Shabazz takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Nurmagomedov looks to score with a jab to the body but El Shabazz is just out of range.
Nurmagomedov misses with a wild body shot.
Nurmagomedov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Nurmagomedov on the side of the head.
Nurmagomedov has a takedown stuffed.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
El Shabazz flicks out a counter leg kick but Nurmagomedov steps away.
El Shabazz throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Nurmagomedov on the side of the head.
El Shabazz with a hook.
Nurmagomedov misses with a body shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Nurmagomedov with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khabib Nurmagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
El Shabazz looks to land a combination but Nurmagomedov avoids it well.
El Shabazz cracks Nurmagomedov with an open hand slap.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nurmagomedov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Nurmagomedov throws a combination. El Shabazz tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Nice body punch from Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz blocks a jab.
Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz throws a body shot but no joy.
Sloppy strikes from El Shabazz. Those never looked like landing.
Nurmagomedov lands a two punch combo.
El Shabazz misses with a looping left.
A looping hook to the body misses from El Shabazz. Nurmagomedov does a little dance to reset his feet.
A quick step to the side and Nurmagomedov tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nurmagomedov misses with a looping right.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov throws an off balance right hand
and El Shabazz counters with a lovely shot to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Nurmagomedov. El Shabazz does a little dance to reset his feet.
Nurmagomedov ducks under a wild hook from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz looks to throw the jab but Nurmagomedov is out of range.
Nurmagomedov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but El Shabazz moves away.
El Shabazz throws a jab but it's blocked by Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov tries to counter with a takedown but El Shabazz is quick to defend against it.
Nurmagomedov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
El Shabazz is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
El Shabazz misses the jab.
Nurmagomedov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
El Shabazz bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Nurmagomedov's head backwards.
El Shabazz fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Nurmagomedov on the side of the head.
El Shabazz chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Nurmagomedov misses with a wild body shot.
Nurmagomedov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Nurmagomedov misses the shot to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
El Shabazz has taken the fight to the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
El Shabazz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
El Shabazz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nurmagomedov misses with an uppercut. El Shabazz saw that one coming.
El Shabazz lands with an uppercut that bounces Nurmagomedov off the cage and back into range.
El Shabazz scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
El Shabazz throws a leg kick which misses Nurmagomedov's front leg but catches the back leg as Nurmagomedov tries to avoid it.
Nurmagomedov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Nurmagomedov misses the shot to the body.
Nurmagomedov tries to bum rush El Shabazz with a series of wild strikes but El Shabazz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown but El Shabazz saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
El Shabazz uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Nurmagomedov.
A little jabbing left from El Shabazz on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Malik El Shabazz is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Nurmagomedov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nurmagomedov takes a jab right on the kisser.
A jab from El Shabazz finds it's way through Nurmagomedov's defenses.
And that's the end of the fight!
Malik El Shabazz comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think El Shabazz 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 46:49
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 48:47
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 46:49
In favor of your winner, by split decision... Malik El Shabazz!
Malik El Shabazz is the new welterweight champion!
A less than humble Malik El Shabazz misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
61% |
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