PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Roman Ghambaryan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rory Markman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ghambaryan's entrance music is Right Said Fred - I`m Too Sexy. A fine choice. Roman Ghambaryan could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Rory Markman's chin.

Ghambaryan
vs
Markman

188 cm
22
199 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

178 cm
23
186 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Dangerous knees
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Roman Ghambaryan!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rory Markman!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, Franklyn Lucas and Steve Montenegro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Markman shoots in but Ghambaryan avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Ghambaryan has managed to clinch.
Ghambaryan throws a punch but it's blocked by Markman.
Ghambaryan missing with knees to the body.
Markman is looking to break free of the clinch but Ghambaryan has double underhooks.
Ghambaryan displaying some good clinch control by pressing Markman up against the cage.
Ghambaryan throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ghambaryan is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Markman goes for a takedown attempt but Ghambaryan pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Ghambaryan misses with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Markman tries to keep at a distance but Ghambaryan has taken the fight into the clinch.
Markman is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ghambaryan gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Roman Ghambaryan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rory Markman.
Markman tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Ghambaryan has Markman pushed against the cage.
Markman fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Ghambaryan looking to throw knees to the head but Markman is blocking nicely.
Ghambaryan stalling in the clinch.
Markman avoiding damage as Ghambaryan throws knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Markman jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Ghambaryan walks away with a smile on his face. Markman gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Ghambaryan will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Markman moves out of range of the leg kick from Ghambaryan.
Markman shoots in looking for a takedown. Ghambaryan tries to sprawl out of it but Markman keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ghambaryan manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Roman Ghambaryan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Markman lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Ghambaryan at a distance.
Markman fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Markman just misses with a punch to the body.
Ghambaryan chopping away at his opponent's legs.

Ghambaryan rushes Markman and presses him up against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Markman drags the fight down to the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Ghambaryan passes Markman's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Markman is pressing down on Ghambaryan's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Markman trying to control the position.
Ghambaryan wants to control from the top but Markman keeps moving.
Markman seems keen to control Ghambaryan's posture.
Markman keeping full guard, as Ghambaryan tries to pass.
Ghambaryan stopping the sweep attempt from Markman.
Ghambaryan's corner is telling him to maintain position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Markman closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ghambaryan circles away.

Markman shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Ghambaryan's guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Ghambaryan holds on and takes a little breather.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Markman tries to free his leg and advance position but Ghambaryan is retaining full guard.
Ghambaryan looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Roman Ghambaryan wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Markman changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ghambaryan tries to avoid it but Markman manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ghambaryan to the ground. Ghambaryan escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ghambaryan displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Markman.

Markman looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Roman Ghambaryan will probably get the nod.
That's time! Ghambaryan's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Ghambaryan thumps Markman with a low kick.
Markman swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ghambaryan scores with a hook to the body. Markman takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Markman misses the shot to the body.
Ghambaryan looking to land some kicks to the body here.

Markman tries to keep at a distance but Ghambaryan has taken the fight into the clinch.
Markman goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ghambaryan prevents it.
Ghambaryan tries to land a knee to the head but Markman blocks with his arms.
Markman takes a knee right on the jaw!

It looks like Rory Markman has been cut.
Ghambaryan lands a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ghambaryan scores with a shot to the side of Markman's head.
Ghambaryan is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

Markman pulls guard.
Markman has Ghambaryan pulled in close to control his posture.
Markman wants to sweep here but Ghambaryan controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Ghambaryan looking to pass the guard.
Ghambaryan has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Markman is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Markman keeping moving, preventing Ghambaryan from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Markman misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ghambaryan.
Markman throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ghambaryan's waist but Ghambaryan gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Markman off to one side.
Markman shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ghambaryan as he jumps to the side.
Roman Ghambaryan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rory Markman.
Markman shoots in looking for a takedown. Ghambaryan tries to sprawl out of it but Markman keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ghambaryan manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Markman connects with a body shot that sends Ghambaryan's belly button to the back.
Markman fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Ghambaryan delivers a nice body kick.
Markman fails with a takedown attempt.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ghambaryan cracks a nice hook into Markman's ribs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Markman tries to bum rush Ghambaryan with a series of wild strikes but Ghambaryan uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Markman misses with a hook.
Some wild striking there from Markman.
Markman throws a body punch but Ghambaryan moves out of range.
Ghambaryan throws a leg kick but Markman sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Ghambaryan lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Ghambaryan stuffs the takedown.
A looping hook to the body misses from Markman. Ghambaryan does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ghambaryan fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Markman is breathing heavily.
Ghambaryan throws a quick inside leg kick.
Ghambaryan pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ghambaryan shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ghambaryan.
Ghambaryan fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Markman checks it well.
Ghambaryan slaps away a takedown attempt from Markman, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Ghambaryan's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Ghambaryan duly obliges.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ghambaryan tries to clinch up but Markman circles away and keeps his distance.
Ghambaryan tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ghambaryan connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Ghambaryan bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Markman's head backwards.
A slow jab from Ghambaryan misses its intended target.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Ghambaryan gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Markman to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Ghambaryan working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Roman Ghambaryan dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rory Markman's cut.
That's time! Ghambaryan's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Markman is defended easily by Ghambaryan.
Markman is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Ghambaryan rather than just go for the knockout.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Markman checks a leg kick.
Ghambaryan scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A good leg kick by Ghambaryan.
Markman fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ghambaryan pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A jab from Ghambaryan misses.
Markman fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Roman Ghambaryan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rory Markman.
Ghambaryan fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Markman checks it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ghambaryan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Markman shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Ghambaryan but Ghambaryan pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Ghambaryan goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Markman misses with a takedown attempt - Ghambaryan sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Ghambaryan walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Markman checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Ghambaryan tries a head kick but it misses.
Markman shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ghambaryan as he jumps to the side.
Roman Ghambaryan is winning the standup battle so far.
Ghambaryan scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Markman doesn't seem bothered though.
Ghambaryan misses with a jab, cross combination.
Markman closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ghambaryan circles away.
Ghambaryan jabs at Markman's body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ghambaryan throws a chopping leg kick but Markman manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Markman throws a body punch but Ghambaryan moves out of range.
Ghambaryan tries to work over Markman's front leg with a kick but Markman checks it.
Markman misses with a wild body shot.
Ghambaryan darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Roman Ghambaryan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Markman misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Markman moves out of range of the leg kick from Ghambaryan.
Ghambaryan throws a head kick that Markman semi-blocks.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Markman fails with a takedown attempt.
Ghambaryan tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ghambaryan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Markman.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghambaryan walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Markman checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Horrible takedown by Markman or perhaps it was just good defense by Ghambaryan which made him look bad.
Markman shoots in but Ghambaryan avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Markman takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Markman shoots in but Ghambaryan avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Ghambaryan throws a half hearted mid kick.
Ghambaryan throws a nice outside leg kick.
Ghambaryan bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Ghambaryan misses with a leg kick.
Ghambaryan wants to clinch.
Ghambaryan tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ghambaryan keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ghambaryan cracks the inside of Markman's front leg.
Ghambaryan misses with a low kick as Markman jumps back.
A chopping leg kick lands by Ghambaryan.
Ghambaryan tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ghambaryan doesn't manage to clinch there - Markman circles away.
Ghambaryan thumps Markman with a low kick.
Markman fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Ghambaryan throws a nice outside leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ghambaryan throws a head kick but Markman moves out of range.
Ghambaryan leaves Markman with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ghambaryan tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Roman Ghambaryan clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Rory Markman's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Markman shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Ghambaryan sprawls well. Ghambaryan wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Markman gets slowly back to his feet.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Markman.

Ghambaryan has closed the distance and engaged Markman in a clinch.
Markman fails to pull guard.
Roman Ghambaryan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rory Markman.
Ghambaryan looking to throw knees to the head but Markman is blocking nicely.
Ghambaryan throws a knee to the head but misses.
Markman goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ghambaryan prevents it.
Ghambaryan has Markman pushed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ghambaryan working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Markman's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Ghambaryan is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Ghambaryan tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Markman jumps guard but Ghambaryan stands there with Markman around his waist. Markman gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Ghambaryan misses with a knee to the head.
Ghambaryan misses with a knee to the head.
Ghambaryan lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Markman prevents a body shot from Ghambaryan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ghambaryan trying to land knees to the body.
Ghambaryan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Ghambaryan just leaning against Markman, taking a breather.
Ghambaryan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Ghambaryan tries to stall but Markman uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Ghambaryan using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Markman has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Ghambaryan with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Roman Ghambaryan has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Ghambaryan tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Ghambaryan leaning against his opponent.
Markman tries for a takedown. No joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghambaryan crunches a lovely knee into Markman's ribcage.
Ghambaryan stalling in the clinch but Markman improves position.

Markman has clasped his hands together around Ghambaryan's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Ghambaryan wants to control but Markman postures up.
Markman lands some shots froms side control.
Markman lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.

Markman is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Ghambaryan knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Markman throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
You can see the frustration on Ghambaryan's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Markman in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Ghambaryan's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ghambaryan takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Markman creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Ghambaryan sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
The strikes coming from Markman are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Markman throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Ghambaryan is not content to let Markman control the position.
Ghambaryan tries to buck Markman off but Markman is having none of it.
Markman landing a few strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ghambaryan defending against the ground and pound.
Ghambaryan is trying to control Markman's posture but Markman avoids it.
Markman working the head with strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Rory Markman will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Rory Markman's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Markman blocks a leg kick.
Ghambaryan attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Markman misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ghambaryan.
Markman looks for a takedown but Ghambaryan sprawls well.
Ghambaryan throws a shot to the body.
Ghambaryan is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Markman shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ghambaryan as he jumps to the side.

Ghambaryan closes the distance and pushes Markman back into the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Ghambaryan.
Ghambaryan is looking to control Markman's arms but Markman gets an underhook and turns him. Now Ghambaryan has his back to the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ghambaryan lands a knee to the head.
Markman blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Markman tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Ghambaryan just stands there and leans against the cage.
Roman Ghambaryan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rory Markman.
Ghambaryan stalling in the clinch.
Ghambaryan is trying to stall.
The referee calls for Ghambaryan to work.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Roman Ghambaryan.
Ghambaryan throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ghambaryan avoids a kick to the body.
Ghambaryan throws out a loose jab but Markman uses good head movement to avoid it.
Markman looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Markman shoots in for a takedown but Ghambaryan shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Markman has a takedown stuffed.
Markman fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Ghambaryan avoids it really well and circles away.
Markman is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Markman throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ghambaryan's waist but Ghambaryan gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Markman off to one side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ghambaryan fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Markman.
Good work by Markman as he checks the leg kick.
Markman avoids the head kick by Ghambaryan.
Markman thows a body shot but no joy.
Markman throws a series of punches but Ghambaryan avoids them all with ease.
Markman loads up on a big right hand but Ghambaryan slips the punch.
A low kick from Ghambaryan misses

and Markman counters with a shoot takedown. Ghambaryan fights it but they end up in guard.
Markman postures up in Ghambaryan's guard and throws a big left but Ghambaryan blocks it.
Markman pushing down on Ghambaryan's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Ghambaryan trying to control from the bottom.
Markman is trying to control the action in half guard but Ghambaryan is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Markman wants to pass the guard but Ghambaryan is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Markman is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Markman seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Ghambaryan does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Ghambaryan is trying to maintain the position but Markman is very close to passing his half guard.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Markman defending well as Ghambaryan loads up on a big left hand.
Markman stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Ghambaryan.
Markman rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ghambaryan moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Markman misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ghambaryan.
Ghambaryan buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Markman shoots in looking for a takedown. Ghambaryan tries to sprawl out of it but Markman keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ghambaryan manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ghambaryan fails in his attempt to clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Roman Ghambaryan.
I think Ghambaryan 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 49:46
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 47:48
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Rory Markman!
Rory Markman is the new middleweight champion!