PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ilham Aliyev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Seamus Fergus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Aliyev comes to the cage accompanied by Hollywood Undead - Sell Your Soul. The key to victory for Ilham Aliyev has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Aliyev
vs
Fergus

185 cm
34
185 lbs
21 - 10 - 2

188 cm
23
179 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Determined

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 21 - 10 - 2, fighting out of Amsterdam, Ilham Aliyev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Seamus Fergus!
The judges for this bout are Albert Achterberg, Patrick Alders and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Aliyev closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Fergus did well to prevent Aliyev getting side control.
Fergus pushes Aliyev off looking to stand but Aliyev dives back in and keeps control.

Fergus is defending against the submission attempts here by Aliyev.
Aliyev trying to control from half guard but Fergus is working away.
Aliyev throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Fergus keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Fergus blocking the ground and pound attempt from Aliyev.

Aliyev is trying to work for a kimura but Fergus is defending well.
Fergus is controlling Aliyev's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Aliyev thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Fergus's head.
Aliyev prevents Fergus from improving his position.

Aliyev is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Fergus has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fergus is looking for a sweep. Aliyev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Fergus slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Aliyev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Aliyev pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fergus is keeping the position for now.
Fergus really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Aliyev. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Fergus utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Aliyev throws a big right hand that misses.
Fergus preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fergus avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Aliyev postures up in Fergus's guard and throws a big left but Fergus blocks it.
Aliyev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Aliyev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Fergus works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Aliyev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aliyev landing some decent shots from guard.
Aliyev throwing strikes but missing.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Aliyev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Aliyev chips away with some ground and pound.
Fergus working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Aliyev.
Fergus working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Aliyev.
Fergus looking for a sweep. Not yet Fergus, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Fergus preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fergus tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Aliyev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Fergus working a defensive guard but Aliyev passes into half guard.
Fergus keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Fergus trying to hold on to Aliyev's head to control him but Aliyev postures up.
Aliyev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aliyev throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Aliyev lands a nice short elbow.
Aliyev wants to free his trapped foot but Fergus is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Fergus is trying to stand up here but Aliyev is controlling him well.
The fighters are battling for position here. Fergus manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Aliyev throwing strikes but missing.
Aliyev throws a big elbow that misses.
Aliyev throws a big elbow that misses.
Aliyev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Aliyev scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Aliyev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Aliyev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Aliyev postures up in Fergus's guard and throws a big left but Fergus blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aliyev wants to control from the top but Fergus keeps moving.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aliyev prevents Fergus from getting back to his feet.
Aliyev is in close to Fergus's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Aliyev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Aliyev is in close to Fergus's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Aliyev sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Fergus's guard.
Aliyev has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Fergus tries to roll over but Aliyev keeps him under control.
Aliyev throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Fergus is holding on to half guard well.
Fergus is staying active underneath Aliyev, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Fergus is trying to stand up here but Aliyev is controlling him well.
Aliyev looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Fergus with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Fergus is defending against the submission attempts here by Aliyev.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ilham Aliyev dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Aliyev keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Nice takedown defense from Fergus. No joy for Aliyev on that attempt.

Aliyev closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Fergus did well to prevent Aliyev getting side control.
Aliyev thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Aliyev connects with a nice short shot to Fergus's temple.
Aliyev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Aliyev scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Fergus is trying to control but can't.

Aliyev is looking for a kimura but Fergus is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Aliyev to get the leverage.
Aliyev is looking to take a break and control but Fergus is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fergus gets full guard.
Aliyev throws a big elbow that misses.
Aliyev prevents Fergus from getting back to his feet.
Aliyev won't allow Fergus to sweep him here.
Aliyev makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Aliyev throws a big right hand that misses.
Aliyev chips away with some ground and pound.
Aliyev in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Aliyev lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Fergus avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Aliyev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Fergus is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Fergus is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Aliyev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aliyev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Fergus looking for a sweep. Not yet Fergus, not yet.
Aliyev is in close to Fergus's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Fergus looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Aliyev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Aliyev postures up in Fergus's guard and throws a big left but Fergus blocks it.
Fergus working a defensive guard here.

Fergus scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Fergus is breathing heavily.
A punch combination from Fergus misses.
Fergus ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Aliyev moves away.
Aliyev shoots in but no luck this time.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Aliyev is defended easily by Fergus.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ilham Aliyev. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fergus misses with a right hand

and Aliyev decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Fergus's guard.
Aliyev throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Aliyev controls from within his opponent's guard.
Aliyev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Fergus's head.
Aliyev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Aliyev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Aliyev lands a couple of elbows.
Fergus looking to hit a scissor sweep but Aliyev is one step ahead there.
Aliyev looking to sit in guard and control but Fergus gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fergus keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Aliyev's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aliyev controlling Fergus's posture.
Aliyev working a defensive guard here.
Fergus throws a big right hand that misses.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Fergus avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Aliyev is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ilham Aliyev dominated that second round.
That's time! Aliyev's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. 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.

Fergus slaps away a takedown attempt from Aliyev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A big right from Aliyev misses.
Fergus misses with a right hand

and Aliyev counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Aliyev is looking for a kimura but Fergus is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Aliyev to get the leverage.
Aliyev is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Aliyev thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Aliyev throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Aliyev throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Aliyev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Fergus keeps working.
Fergus is trying to get back to full guard.
Fergus trying to control here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Aliyev seems to be working for a kimura but Fergus defends the submission attempt.
Fergus wants to improve his position but Aliyev is controlling well.

Aliyev is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Fergus doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Aliyev.
Fergus wants to control but Aliyev is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Aliyev thows a huge punch but Fergus dodges it nicely.
Aliyev is keen to just control but Fergus is a slippery customer.
Fergus looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Aliyev there.
Fergus is looking to improve his position.
Fergus blocking the ground and pound attempt from Aliyev.
Fergus keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Aliyev not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Fergus on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Fergus blocking the ground and pound attempt from Aliyev.
Fergus is trying to control but can't.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fergus is not content to let Aliyev control the position.

Aliyev is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Fergus sees it coming and defends easily.
Aliyev prevents Fergus from improving his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fergus taking some punishment here, with Aliyev in his half guard.
Fergus wants to improve his position but Aliyev is controlling well.
Aliyev thows a huge punch but Fergus dodges it nicely.
Fergus avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Aliyev.
Fergus is looking for a sweep. Aliyev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Aliyev trying to control the action but Fergus is working from the bottom.
Aliyev is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Aliyev is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Fergus can do to turn this around?
Aliyev looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Fergus wants to control but Aliyev is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Aliyev is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Aliyev connects with a nice short shot to Fergus's temple.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Fergus manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fergus wants to stand and escape but Aliyev is having none of it.
Fergus takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Aliyev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ilham Aliyev is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Aliyev postures up in Fergus's guard and throws a big left but Fergus blocks it.
Fergus wants to sweep but no luck.
Fergus is pulling down on Aliyev's head. It's preventing any offense from Aliyev, at least for the moment.
Aliyev wants to control from the top but Fergus keeps moving.
Aliyev is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Fergus is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Aliyev with a nice head shot there.
Seamus Fergus has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Aliyev wants to control from the top but Fergus keeps moving.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ilham Aliyev showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Aliyev, 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 Albert Achterberg scores the fight 30:27
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 30:27
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ilham Aliyev!
During a confident post fight interview, Ilham Aliyev thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.