PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Malik El Shabazz (ranked 523 p4p, 181 weight class) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 68 p4p, 25 weight class). Nurmagomedov has chosen Dagestan (Remix) as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Khabib Nurmagomedov has the eye of the tiger tonight.

El Shabazz
vs
Nurmagomedov

185 cm
33
183
24 - 12 - 0

178 cm
39
185
30 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Brooklyn Apothecary
Urban Fighter

Shadow Realm Apparel
Bondi MMA 🏝️

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 24 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Malik El Shabazz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, Steve Erwin and Topper Green.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
El Shabazz lunges at Nurmagomedov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Nurmagomedov's hand.
El Shabazz fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Nurmagomedov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
El Shabazz moves out of range of the strikes.
Nurmagomedov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nurmagomedov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
El Shabazz lands a slapping body shot.
El Shabazz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nurmagomedov throws the left hand but El Shabazz avoids the punch easily.
El Shabazz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
El Shabazz throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
El Shabazz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Nurmagomedov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov lands a nice hook to El Shabazz's body. El Shabazz takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Nurmagomedov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Nurmagomedov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from El Shabazz.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nurmagomedov throws a series of strikes that have El Shabazz backpedaling.
Nurmagomedov misses with a straight left.
Khabib Nurmagomedov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
El Shabazz throws a quick inside leg kick.
El Shabazz cracks Nurmagomedov with a right hand to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
El Shabazz lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
El Shabazz misses with a wild body shot.
Nurmagomedov appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Nurmagomedov on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

A momentary lapse in concentration from El Shabazz enables Nurmagomedov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. El Shabazz manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but El Shabazz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
El Shabazz is pulling down on Nurmagomedov's head. It's preventing any offense from Nurmagomedov, at least for the moment.
Nurmagomedov controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Nurmagomedov looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
It looks like Nurmagomedov might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
El Shabazz is controlling Nurmagomedov's posture.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov moves forwards but El Shabazz connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Nurmagomedov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Nice body punch from El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov closes this distance looking for a takedown but El Shabazz circles away.
Nurmagomedov throws a series of punches but El Shabazz avoids them all with ease.
Malik El Shabazz is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
El Shabazz lands a jab to Nurmagomedov's midsection.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
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.
Nurmagomedov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but El Shabazz was well out of range. Poor timing from Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz misses with a wild body shot.
Nice shot lands for El Shabazz.
El Shabazz is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
El Shabazz lands a jab to the head.
Good exchange - El Shabazz coming out on top.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fight stays on the outside here - El Shabazz looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
El Shabazz lands a jab.
Nurmagomedov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
El Shabazz sizes up Nurmagomedov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
El Shabazz connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
El Shabazz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nurmagomedov was well out of range. Poor timing from El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts El Shabazz as he jumps to the side.
El Shabazz is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
A jab from El Shabazz finds it's way through Nurmagomedov's defenses.
El Shabazz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Nurmagomedov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Malik El Shabazz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
A combination from Nurmagomedov does no damage.
El Shabazz avoids the body shot from Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz with a jab.
Nurmagomedov drops his hands momentarily and El Shabazz takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Malik El Shabazz dominated that round.
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 connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
El Shabazz misses with a hook
and El Shabazz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
El Shabazz swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
El Shabazz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Nurmagomedov.
Nice uppercut there from El Shabazz.
El Shabazz misses the jab.
Sloppy strikes from Nurmagomedov. Those never looked like landing.
El Shabazz misses with a combination
and El Shabazz takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
El Shabazz tries a low kick but Nurmagomedov avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov swings away with a body shot that misses
and El Shabazz counters with a stiff right hand.
Nurmagomedov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
El Shabazz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nurmagomedov can do to turn this around?
El Shabazz lands the left hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nurmagomedov throws a right hand that misses
and El Shabazz counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but El Shabazz manages to avoid it.
El Shabazz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A looping hook to the body misses from Nurmagomedov. El Shabazz does a little dance to reset his feet.
El Shabazz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Nurmagomedov moves away.
El Shabazz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nurmagomedov was well out of range. Poor timing from El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov is trying hard to land a takedown here. El Shabazz sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
El Shabazz was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Nurmagomedov misses with the combination.
It looked like El Shabazz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Nurmagomedov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A solid leg kick lands there for El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov gets cracked with a nice right hand there by El Shabazz.
Nurmagomedov missing with a left hand there. El Shabazz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
El Shabazz throws a jab but it's blocked by Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz cracks Nurmagomedov with an open hand slap.
El Shabazz thuds his right hand into Nurmagomedov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
El Shabazz connects with a nice looking jab.
El Shabazz steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
El Shabazz fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
El Shabazz throws a right and a left that Nurmagomedov avoids nicely.
Nice cross by El Shabazz.
Malik El Shabazz is winning the standup battle so far.
A slow jab from Nurmagomedov misses its intended target.
Nurmagomedov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Nurmagomedov misses with an uppercut
and El Shabazz counters with a right hand to the body.
El Shabazz ducks under a wild hook from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but El Shabazz was well out of range. Poor timing from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov just misses with a punch to the body.
El Shabazz appears to be looking for a big counter.
Nurmagomedov defending well as El Shabazz loads up on a big left hand.
El Shabazz missing with a left hand there. Nurmagomedov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
El Shabazz throws a jab when Nurmagomedov was well out of range.
El Shabazz throws a hook but Nurmagomedov avoids it easily.
A countering left hand to the body from Nurmagomedov misses.
Nurmagomedov misses with a straight right.
El Shabazz defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov.
Malik El Shabazz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract El Shabazz.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Nurmagomedov shoots in and gets a takedown into El Shabazz's guard.
El Shabazz being controlled here, momentarily.
El Shabazz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Nurmagomedov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Nurmagomedov throwing strikes but missing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Nurmagomedov trying to control but El Shabazz is working from the bottom.
El Shabazz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
El Shabazz connects with the punch.
Nice shot lands for El Shabazz.

Nurmagomedov gets a double leg takedown into El Shabazz's guard.
El Shabazz tries to land a sweep but no joy.
El Shabazz preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Malik El Shabazz will probably get the nod.
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. This is the final round!

Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nurmagomedov takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Nurmagomedov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A shot to the body from Nurmagomedov misses
and El Shabazz connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
El Shabazz scores with a decent looking hook.
El Shabazz cracks Nurmagomedov with a good jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from Nurmagomedov. El Shabazz does a little dance to reset his feet.

Nurmagomedov closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. El Shabazz quickly recovers to half guard.
Nurmagomedov working the head and body with strikes.
El Shabazz is trying to get back to full guard.
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!
El Shabazz keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the action but El Shabazz is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Nurmagomedov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Nurmagomedov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Nurmagomedov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Nurmagomedov wants to control but El Shabazz is keeping him busy.
Nurmagomedov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Nurmagomedov looks to land a strike but El Shabazz avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
El Shabazz keeping full guard, as Nurmagomedov tries to pass.
Nurmagomedov trying to control but El Shabazz is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

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.
Nurmagomedov lands with a hook. El Shabazz tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Nurmagomedov throws a right and a left that El Shabazz avoids nicely.

El Shabazz fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Nurmagomedov, pushing him back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Nurmagomedov fails to land.
El Shabazz with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
El Shabazz misses with a knee to the head.
El Shabazz with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Nurmagomedov struggles to land a body shot inside as El Shabazz controls his hands.
Nurmagomedov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Nurmagomedov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
El Shabazz misses with a knee strike.
El Shabazz scores a nice knee to the body.

Nurmagomedov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
El Shabazz misses with a hook.
Nurmagomedov cracks El Shabazz with a right hand to the side of the head.
El Shabazz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Nurmagomedov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Nurmagomedov with a lazy takedown attempt
and El Shabazz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Malik El Shabazz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz ducks under a wild hook from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov misses with a wild body shot.
A little feinted left hand from El Shabazz on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
El Shabazz feints a jab promting Nurmagomedov to slip. El Shabazz then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Nurmagomedov slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nurmagomedov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Nurmagomedov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but El Shabazz moves away.
El Shabazz tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Nurmagomedov is able to avoid easily.
Nurmagomedov doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
El Shabazz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz connects with a good right hand that stumbles Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Nurmagomedov darts in looking for a takedown but El Shabazz gets double underhooks and turns Nurmagomedov into the cage.
Nurmagomedov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nurmagomedov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but El Shabazz was well out of range. Poor timing from Nurmagomedov.
El Shabazz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nurmagomedov missing with a left hand there. El Shabazz was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
El Shabazz works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
El Shabazz lands a body shot.
Nurmagomedov lands a jab.
Nurmagomedov throws an overhand right that lands on El Shabazz's shoulder, as El Shabazz tries to avoid the shot.
El Shabazz connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Nurmagomedov momentarily.
Nurmagomedov misses the shot to the body.
El Shabazz lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
El Shabazz connects with a looping right hand.
El Shabazz misses with a wild body shot.
El Shabazz stalks Nurmagomedov and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Nurmagomedov's face. Nurmagomedov staggers backwards, shaken.
Nurmagomedov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Nurmagomedov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
El Shabazz stalks Nurmagomedov and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Nurmagomedov's face. Nurmagomedov staggers backwards, shaken.

Nurmagomedov is rocked!

It looks like Khabib Nurmagomedov has been cut.
El Shabazz throws the left hand but Nurmagomedov avoids the punch easily.
Malik El Shabazz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Nurmagomedov is still on wobbly legs! Can El Shabazz finish him?
Nurmagomedov throws a hook but El Shabazz avoids it easily.
Nurmagomedov seems to have recovered his senses.
El Shabazz connects with a crisp jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Malik El Shabazz showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for El Shabazz, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Erwin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Topper Green scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Malik El Shabazz!
Malik El Shabazz spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.