PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Carter Gray (ranked 2568 p4p, 3355 weight class) and Lyubof Nurmagomedov (ranked 280 p4p, 343 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Gray
vs
Nurmagomedov

185 cm
24
155
3 - 1 - 0

179 cm
20
169
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Carter Gray!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Lyubof Nurmagomedov!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nurmagomedov digs a good hook to Gray's body.
Gray scores with a head kick. Nurmagomedov tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

It looks like Lyubof Nurmagomedov has been cut.

Gray gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nurmagomedov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gray works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position from guard on top but Gray is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nurmagomedov prevents Gray from getting back to his feet.
Nurmagomedov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Nurmagomedov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov won't allow Gray to get back to his feet.
Nurmagomedov's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Nurmagomedov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gray works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gray is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nurmagomedov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Nurmagomedov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Nurmagomedov throws a big elbow that misses.
Nurmagomedov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Nurmagomedov cracks Gray with a solid left hand.
Nurmagomedov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Gray keeping moving, preventing Nurmagomedov from controlling successfully.
Nurmagomedov stands and throws Gray's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Nurmagomedov swings around for an armbar but Gray sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Nurmagomedov's guard.
Gray trying to stand up but can't free himself from Nurmagomedov's guard.
Nurmagomedov 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.

Nurmagomedov looking to try and escape his hips here, looking for a submission. It looks like he's going for a triangle but Gray is defending well. Nurmagomedov quickly switches to an armbar and extends the arm! Gray has no choice but to tap, to a very quick submission! Wow, that was lightning fast! Nurmagomedov celebrates on the cage, with the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:44 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Lyubof Nurmagomedov!
Lyubof Nurmagomedov looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'Alhamdulillah, all respect to my opponent. He try very hard.'.