PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Arctic Dirksz (ranked 4194 p4p, 3415 weight class) and Hamza Alghool (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hamza Alghool will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Dirksz
vs
Alghool

190 cm
21
190
0 - 0 - 0

179 cm
25
188
1 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Arctic Dirksz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hamza Alghool!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Saam Ante and Daniel Blasius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Dirksz shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Alghool wants to get back to his feet.
Alghool is refusing to be controlled, as Dirksz sits in half guard.
Alghool pushes Dirksz off looking to stand but Dirksz dives back in and keeps control.
Dirksz missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Alghool is trying to stand back up but Dirksz is controlling him
Alghool really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Dirksz. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Dirksz lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Alghool tries to kick Dirksz off but Dirksz keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Alghool can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alghool on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

It looks like Hamza Alghool has been cut.
Dirksz wants to get back to his feet.
Dirksz trying to control the action but Alghool is working from the bottom.
Dirksz is really struggling to control Alghool but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Alghool is trying to stand up here but Dirksz is controlling him well.
Dirksz wants to stand up but Alghool has a hold of him and won't allow it.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Alghool tries to clinch there but Dirksz circles away.

Alghool moves into range and clinches up with Dirksz.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Dirksz has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A hook to the body from Alghool.
Dirksz jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Alghool walks away with a smile on his face. Dirksz gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Alghool has closed the distance and engaged Dirksz in a clinch.
Alghool digs a right hand into Dirksz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Dirksz's gas tank.
Alghool presses Dirksz against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Dirksz tries to break free but Alghool pushes him back against the cage.
Dirksz jumps guard but Alghool turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Dirksz trying to control the position but instead, Alghool has worked for underhooks and has pushed Dirksz into the cage.
Alghool pressing his opponent against the cage.

Alghool pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dirksz misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Dirksz gets tackled into the cage by Alghool. Alghool maintains the clinch.
Alghool lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Dirksz wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Dirksz tries for a takedown but Alghool manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arctic Dirksz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A left hand lands to the body for Alghool.
Alghool lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Alghool works on Dirksz's body with a couple of short punches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Alghool.
Dirksz is trying to pull guard but Alghool has him pressed against the cage.
A right handed body shot lands from Alghool.
Dirksz is breathing heavily.
Alghool scores with a hook to the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Alghool.
Alghool lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Dirksz.

Alghool breaks the clinch.

Alghool gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alghool scores with a hook to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Alghool is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Alghool digs a right hand into Dirksz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Dirksz's gas tank.
Dirksz being controlled against the cage.
Good body shot from Alghool.
Alghool scores with a shoulder strike.
Alghool lands a shot to the body.
Dirksz can't get the takedown.
Alghool pushes Dirksz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Nice body punch from Alghool.
Alghool leaning against his opponent.

Alghool breaks the clinch.

Alghool has taken the fight to the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hamza Alghool dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Hamza Alghool's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Alghool tries to clinch up.
Dirksz changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Alghool clinches up with Dirksz and pushes him back against the cage.
Alghool is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Dirksz is defending well for now.
Alghool prevents the takedown attempt.
Alghool digs a right hand into Dirksz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Dirksz's gas tank.
Alghool digs a right hand underneath Dirksz's ribcage. Dirksz let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Alghool lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Alghool stalling.
Alghool leaning his opponent against the cage.
Dirksz is trying to break the clinch but Alghool is controlling him.
Alghool has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A right handed body shot lands from Alghool.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alghool tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Dirksz avoids it.
Dirksz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Alghool holding his opponent close, against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Alghool - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Hamza Alghool.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Dirksz.

Alghool clinches.
Alghool is working Dirksz over against the cage.
Alghool lands a hook that snaps the head of Dirksz backwards.
Alghool effectively controlling the action here.
Dirksz is looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arctic Dirksz. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alghool taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

Alghool's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Alghool is looking to clinch but Dirksz is avoiding it.

Alghool rushes Dirksz and presses him up against the cage.
Dirksz is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Alghool gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Alghool works on Dirksz's body with a couple of short punches.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Dirksz wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Alghool has him pressed against the cage.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Dirksz misses with a short punch on the inside.
Dirksz tries for a takedown but Alghool manages to get underhooks.
A short body shot lands from Alghool as the two fighters clinch.
Hamza Alghool seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A short body shot lands from Alghool as the two fighters clinch.
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!
Nice body punch from Alghool - that landed with a thud.
Alghool stalling in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dirksz tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Alghool just stands there and leans against the cage.
Alghool lands a body shot.
Dirksz has had enough of the clinch but Alghool keeps him there for the moment.
Alghool stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Alghool landing knees to the body.
Alghool slowing the pace effectively.
Alghool lands an elbow inside.
Alghool lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Dirksz.

Alghool breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Alghool tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Dirksz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Dirksz feinted with a counter takedown.

Alghool clinches up with Dirksz and pushes him back against the cage.
Dirksz avoids a wild elbow strike from Alghool.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Alghool.
Dirksz tries to pull guard but Alghool holds him up against the cage and eventually Dirksz drops back down to his feet.

Alghool pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dirksz circles away from the clinch attempt.
Alghool tries to clinch but Dirksz moves out of range.
Dirksz throws a big counter combination but Alghool scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

Alghool moves into the clinch successfully.
Nice body punch from Alghool.
Dirksz is trying to pull guard but Alghool turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
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!
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Alghool.
Alghool lands a body punch in the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Alghool.
Dirksz takes a shot to the head.
A right hand to the body from Alghool.
The referee calls for Alghool to work.
A short left from Alghool.
Alghool has Dirksz pressed against the cage.

Alghool breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hamza Alghool showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Hamza Alghool's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Dirksz has a takedown stuffed.
Hamza Alghool is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Dirksz moves into the clinch successfully.
Alghool pushes Dirksz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Dirksz wants a takedown but no success here.
Dirksz looking to slow down the pace here.
Dirksz is stalling here.
Alghool gets through Dirksz's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Alghool lands a right hand that snaps the head of Dirksz backwards.

Alghool's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Alghool clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dirksz fails to pull guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arctic Dirksz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Alghool pushes Dirksz back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Alghool is pushing Dirksz up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Alghool lands a shot to the body.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Dirksz wants to break free but Alghool has control.
Alghool lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

Alghool escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hamza Alghool is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Dirksz swats away the attempt to clinch by Alghool.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Alghool clinches up against the cage.
Alghool lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Alghool blocks a body shot from Dirksz.
Dirksz tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Alghool smiles and moves away.
Dirksz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Dirksz throws the kick towards the body but Alghool avoids it.

Alghool has Dirksz up against the cage in a clinch.
Dirksz is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Alghool is keeping busy.
Dirksz is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Alghool to keep the fight standing.
Alghool digs a right hand into Dirksz's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Dirksz's gas tank.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Dirksz fails to pull the fight into his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dirksz on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Alghool pressing his opponent against the cage.
Alghool is working Dirksz over against the cage.
Dirksz wants to break the clinch but can't.
Dirksz is working for takedown but Alghool is calmly controlling the position for now.

Alghool breaks the clinch.

Alghool closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Alghool blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Dirksz tries to stall but Alghool uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Alghool scores with a shot to the side of Dirksz's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.

Alghool's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Hamza Alghool seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Alghool clinches.
Alghool lands a body shot.
Alghool throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A hook to the body from Alghool.
Good body shot from Alghool.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Dirksz looking to slow down the pace here.
A hook to the body from Alghool.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hamza Alghool comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Alghool 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 26:30
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hamza Alghool!