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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jeff Baker (ranked 1273 p4p, 471 weight class) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 170 p4p, 66 weight class). Baker comes to the cage accompanied by When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin. Nurmagomedov has chosen Dagestan (Remix) as his entrance music. Jeff Baker had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business
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| 179 cm
33
180
16 - 15 - 0 |
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178 cm
38
185
26 - 8 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine |
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Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jeff Baker!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Elvis Blanc and William Peck.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Baker looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Jeff Baker seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Baker lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Baker throws a series of punches but Nurmagomedov moves 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.
It looks like Khabib Nurmagomedov has been cut.
Good work by Nurmagomedov as he checks the leg kick.
Nurmagomedov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Baker throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Nurmagomedov counters with a one-two to the body.
Baker lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Nurmagomedov ducks under a wild hook from Baker.
Baker throws a head kick but Nurmagomedov moves out of range.
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!
Nurmagomedov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Baker throws a left and a right that both miss
and Nurmagomedov counters with a nice uppercut.
Nurmagomedov throws a right hand that Baker ducks under and follows up with a left that Baker also avoids with ease.
Nurmagomedov swats away the attempt to clinch by Baker.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov closes this distance looking for a takedown but Baker circles away.
Nurmagomedov misses with a wild body shot.
Nurmagomedov ducks under a wild hook from Baker.
Nurmagomedov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
An attempted straight right counter from Baker misses the target.
Baker throws a hook but Nurmagomedov blocks it.
Baker misses with the combination.
Baker throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Nurmagomedov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
The fight stays on the outside here - Baker looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baker lands an overhand right.
Baker throws a right hand that misses
and Nurmagomedov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Baker thinking.
Nurmagomedov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Baker.
Nurmagomedov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Baker misses with a combination
and Nurmagomedov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Baker swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Nurmagomedov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Baker scores with a jab. Nurmagomedov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
A jab from Nurmagomedov misses.
Baker throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Nurmagomedov.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good exchange - Baker coming out on top.
Baker thuds his shin into the meat of Nurmagomedov's side.
A lazy body kick from Baker
and Nurmagomedov counters with a straight right hand.
Nurmagomedov takes one to the side of the head.
Baker swings widly with a right hand
and Nurmagomedov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nurmagomedov ducks under a wild hook from Baker.
Nurmagomedov misses with a double jab.
Baker throws a hook to the side of Nurmagomedov's head but Nurmagomedov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A little jabbing left from Nurmagomedov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Baker doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Baker, as that shot connected.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Baker misses with the combination.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov shoots and misses
and Nurmagomedov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Jeff Baker has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov scores with a nice strike.
Baker throws a sloppy head kick
and Nurmagomedov counters with a nice double leg into side control. Baker won't be happy with that.
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 creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the action but Baker is working from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov working the body and head with strikes.
Nurmagomedov controlling the position.
Baker is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Baker is trying to control Nurmagomedov's posture but Nurmagomedov avoids it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Jeff Baker will probably get the nod.
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!
Baker cracks Nurmagomedov with a good jab.
Baker moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
A combination from Nurmagomedov does no damage.
Nurmagomedov gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Baker.
Baker wants to clinch up but Nurmagomedov keeps it at a distance.
A little jabbing left from Nurmagomedov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Baker uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nurmagomedov.
Baker went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Baker throws a nice inside leg kick.
Nurmagomedov slips a straight right by Baker.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov moves out of range of the leg kick from Baker.
Nurmagomedov throws a looping overhand right but Baker ducks down to avoid it.
Baker throws a big counter combination but Nurmagomedov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Nurmagomedov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Baker defending well as Nurmagomedov loads up on a big left hand.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Baker bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Nurmagomedov's head.
Baker will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Baker throws a right and a left that Nurmagomedov avoids nicely.
Nurmagomedov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Baker tries to clinch up.
Baker throws an overhand right that lands on Nurmagomedov's shoulder, as Nurmagomedov tries to avoid the shot.
Baker throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A little jabbing left from Nurmagomedov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Baker is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov throws out a counter right but Baker avoids it with no problem.
Baker misses with a leg kick
and Nurmagomedov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Baker takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Baker throws a good cross that connects.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baker blocks a jab.
Nurmagomedov takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The fighters circle momentarily. Baker darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Baker throws a lazy uppercut
and Nurmagomedov counters with a left to the body.
Nurmagomedov catches Baker with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Baker gets a clinch.
I was talking to Baker's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Baker using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Nurmagomedov has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baker trying to land knees to the body.
Nurmagomedov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Baker lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Baker tries to bum rush Nurmagomedov with a series of wild strikes but Nurmagomedov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A big right from Baker misses.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov throws an overhand right that lands on Baker's shoulder, as Baker tries to avoid the shot.
Nurmagomedov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Baker thows a left - swing and a miss!
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nurmagomedov! But no joy.
Nurmagomedov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Baker jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Baker wants to clinch but Nurmagomedov slips to the side
and Nurmagomedov counters with a stiff right hand.
Baker slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Nurmagomedov moves out of range as Baker strikes.
Jeff Baker is winning the standup battle so far.
Baker throws a leg kick that is checked
and Nurmagomedov counters with a straight right hand.
Nurmagomedov shoots in looking for a takedown. Baker tries to sprawl out of it but Nurmagomedov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Baker manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov loads up on a big right hand but Baker slips the punch.
A lazy left from Nurmagomedov finds it's target.
Nurmagomedov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Some wild striking there from Baker.
Nurmagomedov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Baker with a body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A jab from Nurmagomedov misses.
Nurmagomedov works Baker's body with a nice hook.
A head kick misses from Baker.
Nurmagomedov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Nurmagomedov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Baker manages to avoid it.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Baker, as that shot connected.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jeff Baker dominated that second 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!
Baker stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Baker slips a jab from Nurmagomedov.
Baker appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Baker uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nurmagomedov.
Baker was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nurmagomedov throws a body punch but Baker moves out of range.
Baker misses with a combination
and Nurmagomedov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Nurmagomedov is nestled in close to Baker, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Nurmagomedov wants to pass the guard but Baker is defending well.
Baker wants to control but Nurmagomedov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Baker tries to roll over but Nurmagomedov keeps him under control.
Nurmagomedov is pressing down on Baker's thigh, looking to free his foot. Baker is holding on for now.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Baker is looking for a sweep. Nurmagomedov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nurmagomedov working over Baker with some ground and pound. Baker looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Nurmagomedov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Nurmagomedov scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Nurmagomedov is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Baker keeping control of the position.
Baker wants to control but Nurmagomedov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Nurmagomedov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Baker has managed to free his arm - good work.
Nurmagomedov working over Baker with some ground and pound. Baker looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
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.
Baker wants to control but Nurmagomedov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Baker tries to get to full guard but Nurmagomedov has control of the leg.
Baker is looking to control Nurmagomedov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Baker avoid being mounted?
Nurmagomedov is looking to take a break and control but Baker is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Baker gets off balance looking for a body kick
letting Nurmagomedov counter with a right hand.
Baker misses with a combination
and Nurmagomedov counters with a nice body shot.
Baker takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Baker tries to clinch there but Nurmagomedov circles away.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baker throws an off balance right hand
and Nurmagomedov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Baker uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Nurmagomedov has time to react.
Baker misses with a looping right.
Nurmagomedov is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Nurmagomedov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Baker's hands.
Baker with a jab.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nurmagomedov is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
The fighters circling - Baker throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Nurmagomedov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Baker tries to clinch there but Nurmagomedov circles away.
Nurmagomedov feints the counter takedown.
Baker keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov throws a jab when Baker was well out of range.
Nurmagomedov connects with a crisp jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Baker gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Baker with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baker working aggressively here.
Baker throws a knee to the head but misses.
Baker fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Still in the clinch, Baker scores with a nice short uppercut.
Nurmagomedov is trying to pull guard but Baker has him pressed against the cage.
Baker misses with the head strike.
A head punch on the inside from Baker fails to land.
Nurmagomedov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Baker blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nurmagomedov takes a knee right on the jaw!
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
I think Baker 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 29:28
Judge William Peck scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jeff Baker!
Our winner, Jeff Baker, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
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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
59% |
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