PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Mohammad Al Nasser (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jacques Gabriel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mohammad Al Nasser had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Al Nasser
vs
Gabriel

178 cm
28
190 lbs
10 - 11 - 0

182 cm
26
200 lbs
11 - 4 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Experienced

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

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 10 - 11 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mohammad Al Nasser!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jacques Gabriel!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Matti Vanhoillinen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gabriel throws a jab when Al Nasser was well out of range.
Mohammad Al Nasser seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Al Nasser fails with the takedown

and Gabriel counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Gabriel is trying to control. Al Nasser wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Gabriel content to control rather than advance.
Gabriel is looking to pass Al Nasser's guard but actually Al Nasser recovers to full guard.
Gabriel in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Gabriel trying to control but Al Nasser is working from the bottom.
Gabriel controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Jacques Gabriel has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Al Nasser.
Gabriel scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Gabriel throws a shot from downtown. Al Nasser moves away and avoids it.
Al Nasser shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Gabriel counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Gabriel.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mohammad Al Nasser. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gabriel with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gabriel wants to control from the top but Al Nasser keeps moving.
Gabriel tries to free his leg and advance position but Al Nasser is retaining full guard.
Gabriel postures up and lands a big shot to Al Nasser's brow.
Gabriel wants to pass the guard but Al Nasser is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gabriel trying to control the position from guard on top but Al Nasser is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gabriel postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Gabriel throws a big right hand that misses.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Gabriel stands and throws Al Nasser's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Gabriel tries to score with some ground and pound. Al Nasser controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Al Nasser is looking to regain half guard here but Gabriel keeps moving and retains side control.
Gabriel trying to control the position but Al Nasser is working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Al Nasser's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Gabriel postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Gabriel sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Al Nasser is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Al Nasser tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Gabriel wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Gabriel is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Al Nasser is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Gabriel in side control lands a decent elbow.
Gabriel looks up at the clock and then as Al Nasser takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Gabriel smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Al Nasser takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Al Nasser is trying to control Gabriel's posture but Gabriel avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser is not content to let Gabriel control the position.
Gabriel lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Al Nasser down.
Al Nasser dodges the ground and pound from Gabriel.
Gabriel tries to move into full mount but can't pass Al Nasser's legs.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gabriel working the ground and pound but Al Nasser is defending the strikes.

Gabriel goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Al Nasser rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Gabriel's guard! Nice work there by Al Nasser!
Gabriel is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gabriel preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jacques Gabriel dominated that round.
That's time! Al Nasser's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Gabriel loads up on a big right hand but Al Nasser slips the punch.

Gabriel changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Al Nasser looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Gabriel blocks the strikes from Al Nasser.
Gabriel lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Sloppy strikes there by Gabriel.
Jacques Gabriel has got the better of the ground game so far.
Gabriel trying to control the action but Al Nasser is working from the bottom.

Gabriel tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Gabriel working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Al Nasser sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel is taking a breather. Al Nasser 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.

Gabriel is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Al Nasser regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Gabriel.
Al Nasser keeping moving, preventing Gabriel from controlling successfully.
Gabriel throws a big elbow that misses.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gabriel tries to free his leg and advance position but Al Nasser is retaining full guard.
Al Nasser is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel passes into half guard.
Al Nasser wants to control but Gabriel is keeping busy.
Gabriel wants to free his trapped foot but Al Nasser is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Gabriel wants to lay and pray for a moment but Al Nasser keeps working.
Gabriel is looking to advance position but Al Nasser won't allow it.
Gabriel moves nicely into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser struggling a bit here.
Al Nasser prevents Gabriel from moving into mount.
Al Nasser gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Gabriel throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Gabriel is looking to take a break and control but Al Nasser is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gabriel is just content to waste time from the top position. Al Nasser takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Gabriel trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gabriel pushes down on Al Nasser's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel works his way into side control.
Gabriel lands an elbow.
Gabriel tries to move to mount but Al Nasser blocks the move with his legs.
Gabriel wants to lay and pray for a moment but Al Nasser keeps working.
Al Nasser on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Gabriel is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Al Nasser knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
You can see the frustration on Al Nasser's face as Gabriel controls the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jacques Gabriel showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Al Nasser's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Gabriel feints and as Al Nasser raises his hands in defense, Gabriel changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Gabriel must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Al Nasser keeping moving, preventing Gabriel from controlling successfully.
Gabriel pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Al Nasser is keeping the position for now.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gabriel accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gabriel trying to control but Al Nasser is working from the bottom.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Gabriel landing with the ground and pound.
Gabriel has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Al Nasser working a defensive guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Nasser tries to strike from the bottom.
Gabriel trying to control but Al Nasser is working from the bottom.
Gabriel looking to pass the guard.
Al Nasser not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Gabriel throws a big right hand that misses.
Al Nasser throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Gabriel looking to pass the guard.
Gabriel trying to control the position from guard on top but Al Nasser is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Gabriel trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gabriel accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Al Nasser wants to sweep here but Gabriel controlling him for the moment.
Gabriel tries to free his leg and advance position but Al Nasser is retaining full guard.
Gabriel throws a big right hand that misses.
Gabriel with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gabriel loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gabriel accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Gabriel missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gabriel advances to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel tries to pass to full mount but Al Nasser defends it.
Gabriel looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Gabriel working the head and body with strikes.
Gabriel takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Al Nasser punching from the bottom.
Gabriel thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Gabriel works his way into side control.
Al Nasser regains half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Gabriel tries to pass the half guard into mount. Al Nasser knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel misses with a head shot. Al Nasser uses the momentum to regain guard.
Al Nasser keeping full guard, as Gabriel tries to pass.
Gabriel trying to control but Al Nasser is working from the bottom.
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.
Gabriel looking to pass the guard.
Al Nasser will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jacques Gabriel really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Al Nasser has a takedown stuffed.

Al Nasser scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Al Nasser tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Gabriel is looking to regain half guard here but Al Nasser keeps moving and retains side control.
You can see the frustration on Gabriel's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Gabriel is not content to let Al Nasser control the position.
Gabriel tries to bench press Al Nasser off him but Al Nasser keeps the position.
Gabriel is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Al Nasser's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Gabriel wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Gabriel wants to control but Al Nasser is keeping busy.
Al Nasser missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Al Nasser is thwarting Gabriel's attempts to control the position.
Al Nasser wants to stand but Gabriel has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Al Nasser thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Al Nasser wants to stand up but Gabriel is controlling the position.
Gabriel is looking for a sweep. Al Nasser is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel is still trying to improve position.
Gabriel is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Al Nasser wants to stand up but Gabriel is controlling the position.

Gabriel looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Gabriel is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser wants to stand up but Gabriel is controlling the position.
Gabriel keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Gabriel wants to get back to full guard but Al Nasser has mounted him!
Al Nasser looking to control but Gabriel is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Gabriel regains half guard.
Gabriel tries to get to full guard but Al Nasser has control of the leg.
Al Nasser is pressing down on Gabriel's thigh, looking to free his foot. Gabriel is holding on for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel works his way to full guard. Good work.

Gabriel looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Al Nasser has picked Gabriel up and slammed him! Gabriel can't keep hold of the triangle and Al Nasser manages to pass to side control!
Gabriel is looking for a sweep.
Gabriel wants to control but Al Nasser postures up.
Al Nasser wants to stand but Gabriel is controlling his arm.
Gabriel tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Al Nasser presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
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.
Al Nasser looking to control but Gabriel is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Gabriel gets back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Jacques Gabriel will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Al Nasser shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Gabriel but Gabriel pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Al Nasser avoids the body shot from Gabriel.
Gabriel throws a hook but Al Nasser avoids it easily.
Al Nasser avoids the body shot from Gabriel.

Al Nasser closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Gabriel quickly recovers to half guard.
Al Nasser prevents Gabriel from improving his position.
Gabriel moves into full guard.
Al Nasser trying to control but Gabriel is working from the bottom.
Gabriel looking to hit a scissor sweep but Al Nasser is one step ahead there.
Gabriel is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel keeps trying to improve his position.

Gabriel is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Al Nasser defends well.

Gabriel looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Gabriel 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.
Al Nasser trying to stand up but can't free himself from Gabriel's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser won't allow Gabriel to sweep him here.
Al Nasser postures up.
Al Nasser trying to control the position from guard on top but Gabriel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Al Nasser is defended easily by Gabriel.
Gabriel misses with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel misses with a body shot.
Gabriel stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mohammad Al Nasser. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gabriel misses with a wild body shot.
Gabriel takes a swing at Al Nasser's ribcage but misses.
Al Nasser is trying hard to land a takedown here. Gabriel sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Gabriel is looking to score with low kicks.
Al Nasser with a lazy takedown attempt

and Gabriel counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Gabriel.
Gabriel trying to control the position from guard on top but Al Nasser is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gabriel advances position into side control!
Gabriel controls the position.
Al Nasser trying his best to control but Gabriel has mounted him.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Al Nasser takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel working the ground and pound effectively.
Gabriel landing strikes from the mount and Al Nasser is in trouble!
Gabriel controlling from mount.
Al Nasser tries to hold on but Gabriel postures up.
Gabriel has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Al Nasser's face.
Mohammad Al Nasser has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gabriel with good strikes from the mount here!

Gabriel looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Gabriel is in the full mount, landing strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jacques Gabriel comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Gabriel has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 45:50
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 45:50
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacques Gabriel!
Jacques Gabriel is the new middleweight champion!
Jacques Gabriel seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.