PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Khadem Abdul Karim (ranked 1397 p4p, 1528 weight class) and Marc Tong Panong (ranked 168 p4p, 179 weight class). Tong Panong has chosen Tetris Song as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Abdul Karim
vs
Tong Panong

190 cm
29
203
14 - 6 - 0

183 cm
26
192
10 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

Groove Gear
HELL'S BALLS NUTRITION

Black Lab Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Khadem Abdul Karim!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Marc Tong Panong!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Jeff Smith and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from Tong Panong misses.

Abdul Karim clinches up with Tong Panong and pushes him back against the cage.
Tong Panong lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Abdul Karim drops down looking for an ankle pick but Tong Panong pulls his leg out and moves away.

Abdul Karim closes the distance and clinches.
Abdul Karim blocks an uppercut.
Tong Panong blocks a body shot from Abdul Karim.

Abdul Karim breaks from the clinch.
Tong Panong tries to score a power double leg takedown but Abdul Karim sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tong Panong somewhat.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Tong Panong closes the distance and clinches up with Abdul Karim, looking for a takedown. Tong Panong pushes Abdul Karim against the cage but Abdul Karim circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Tong Panong manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Abdul Karim on his heels. He'll look to pass Abdul Karim's guard now, I'm sure.

Abdul Karim looking for a guillotine here but Tong Panong defends easily.
Tong Panong controlling from the top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tong Panong wants to pass the guard but Abdul Karim is keeping the position.
Tong Panong wants to control from the top but Abdul Karim keeps moving.
Abdul Karim wants to sweep but no luck.
Tong Panong is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tong Panong preventing the sweep.
Abdul Karim keeping moving, preventing Tong Panong from controlling successfully.

Tong Panong decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Abdul Karim, up you get!

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.
Tong Panong scores with a one two! Abdul Karim had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Abdul Karim clinches up against the cage.
Abdul Karim stops a takedown attempt from Tong Panong.
Khadem Abdul Karim has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marc Tong Panong.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Tong Panong.
Tong Panong goes for a takedown in the clinch but Abdul Karim prevents it.
Abdul Karim has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tong Panong is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Abdul Karim lands with a short head shot on the inside.

Abdul Karim breaks from the clinch.
Abdul Karim looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Tong Panong throws a combination that misses
and Abdul Karim makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

Tong Panong rushes Abdul Karim and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Tong Panong throws an elbow that misses.
Abdul Karim is looking for a takedown.
Abdul Karim has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Tong Panong avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Abdul Karim is trying to drag Tong Panong to the mat but Tong Panong just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A nice left hand lands by Abdul Karim.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Abdul Karim gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Tong Panong is trying to stand.
Tong Panong is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Abdul Karim not doing much here.
Tong Panong pushes Abdul Karim off looking to stand but Abdul Karim dives back in and keeps control.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abdul Karim throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tong Panong scores with the left hand. Abdul Karim knows he should have avoided that one.
Tong Panong tries to land a leg kick but Abdul Karim saw it coming and moves away.
Tong Panong is trying hard to land a takedown here. Abdul Karim sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Abdul Karim lands a head kick. Tong Panong smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Khadem Abdul Karim is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Tong Panong closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee asks Tong Panong politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Tong Panong prefers to stall for the moment though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Abdul Karim sneaks back into half guard.
Abdul Karim trying to control from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Marc Tong Panong will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Tong Panong tries to clinch but Abdul Karim moves out of range.
Abdul Karim fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tong Panong manages to avoid it.
Tong Panong waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Abdul Karim.
Tong Panong tries to clinch up.

Abdul Karim clinches up with Tong Panong and pushes him back against the cage.

Tong Panong turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Marc Tong Panong has got the better of the ground game so far.
Abdul Karim is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Tong Panong's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Abdul Karim is staying active underneath Tong Panong, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Tong Panong tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Abdul Karim.
Abdul Karim wants to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tong Panong content to control rather than advance.
Abdul Karim slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Abdul Karim is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Tong Panong defends well.
Tong Panong stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Abdul Karim swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tong Panong won't allow Abdul Karim to sweep him here.
Tong Panong trying to stand up but can't free himself from Abdul Karim's guard.
Abdul Karim looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Tong Panong not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Abdul Karim not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Tong Panong fails in his attempt to clinch.
Abdul Karim throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
As Abdul Karim backs off Tong Panong throws a huge counter combo but Abdul Karim manages to avoid it all.
A head kick misses from Abdul Karim.
Khadem Abdul Karim is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Abdul Karim takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Abdul Karim stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Abdul Karim wants it to stay on the feet.
Abdul Karim looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Tong Panong throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Abdul Karim.
Abdul Karim went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Tong Panong is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Abdul Karim throws a head kick but Tong Panong moves out of range.
Abdul Karim moves away from the strike by Tong Panong.
Abdul Karim lands a jab to Tong Panong's midsection.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tong Panong.
Abdul Karim with a hook.
Tong Panong ducks under a wild hook from Abdul Karim.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tong Panong slips a jab and a cross from Abdul Karim.
Abdul Karim slips under a jab.

Tong Panong fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Abdul Karim, pushing him back against the cage.
Tong Panong lands a good knee to the midsection. Abdul Karim won't want to take too many of those.
Tong Panong lands with a right to the head.
Nice body punch from Abdul Karim - that landed with a thud.
Abdul Karim scores with a nice hook to the head.
Tong Panong prevents a takedown attempt there.
Abdul Karim looking for a takedown.
Abdul Karim working hard to break the clinch.

Tong Panong gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Tong Panong is taking a breather. Abdul Karim says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Tong Panong seems to be working for a kimura but Abdul Karim defends the submission attempt.
Tong Panong wants to free his trapped foot but Abdul Karim is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tong Panong is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Abdul Karim is pressing down on Tong Panong's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Abdul Karim tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Abdul Karim looking to control.
Abdul Karim has a closed guard, preventing Tong Panong from standing up.
Tong Panong is fighting to break Abdul Karim's control of his arms but Abdul Karim is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Tong Panong slips nicely into half guard.
Abdul Karim is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Marc Tong Panong will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Tong Panong ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Abdul Karim moves away.
Marc Tong Panong is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Tong Panong moves into the clinch.

Abdul Karim breaks the clinch.
Abdul Karim connects with a looping right hand.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Tong Panong.

Abdul Karim takes the fight into the clinch.
Abdul Karim has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tong Panong is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Tong Panong is pressed up against the cage. Abdul Karim has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Tong Panong down to the mat. Tong Panong avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Abdul Karim lands a head kick. Tong Panong smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Abdul Karim is looking to wear down Tong Panong with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

Tong Panong darts in and clinches Abdul Karim up against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A short uppercut from Abdul Karim.
Abdul Karim tries for a takedown but Tong Panong manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Khadem Abdul Karim. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Abdul Karim lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Abdul Karim is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Tong Panong gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tong Panong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Abdul Karim takes an elbow to the forehead.

Abdul Karim pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Abdul Karim misses with the combination.

Tong Panong clinches up against the cage.
Tong Panong is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Abdul Karim has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tong Panong is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A short right from Abdul Karim on the inside.
Marc Tong Panong seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Abdul Karim goes for a takedown in the clinch but Tong Panong prevents it.
Abdul Karim fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tong Panong misses with a knee strike.
Khadem Abdul Karim has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Abdul Karim changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Tong Panong fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Nice defenses there by Tong Panong.
Tong Panong now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Abdul Karim circles away from the clinch attempt.
An attempted straight right counter from Abdul Karim misses the target.
Abdul Karim throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tong Panong scores with a jab to the body.
Abdul Karim lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Tong Panong circles away quickly and effectively.

Tong Panong rushes Abdul Karim and presses him up against the cage.
Nice body punch from Tong Panong.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Abdul Karim.
Abdul Karim can't get the takedown.

Abdul Karim escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Khadem Abdul Karim is winning the standup battle so far.
Tong Panong lands a jab to the nose.
Tong Panong fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Tong Panong ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdul Karim throws a body shot but no joy.
Tong Panong darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Abdul Karim throws a sloppy head kick and Tong Panong moves out of range easily.
Tong Panong shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Abdul Karim as he avoids it easily.
Abdul Karim lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.

Tong Panong manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Abdul Karim on his heels. He'll look to pass Abdul Karim's guard now, I'm sure.
Tong Panong wants to get up but he can't break Abdul Karim's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Abdul Karim looking for a guillotine here but Tong Panong defends easily.
Tong Panong being controlled here momentarily.
Tong Panong controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tong Panong would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Tong Panong's corner is telling him to maintain position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Tong Panong has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Abdul Karim is proving hard to escape from.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Tong Panong misses with a hook. Abdul Karim ducked under it nicely.
Abdul Karim throws a big counter combination but Tong Panong scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Tong Panong tries to bum rush Abdul Karim with a series of wild strikes but Abdul Karim uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Tong Panong fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Abdul Karim checks it well.

Abdul Karim closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Abdul Karim misses with a body punch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tong Panong.

Abdul Karim breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Marc Tong Panong.
I've got Tong Panong winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Josh West scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Marc Tong Panong!
Marc Tong Panong was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.