PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shamil Abdurahimov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tony O Rangers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Abdurahimov comes into the arena with Michael Jackson - Thriller blaring out of the sound system. O Rangers has chosen Hold on to you as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Tony O Rangers has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Shamil Abdurahimov's chin.

Abdurahimov
vs
O Rangers

208 cm
21
243 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

195 cm
22
224 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Mohito Fightwear
Sun-Tzu

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Shamil Abdurahimov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tony O Rangers!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Abdurahimov tries to clinch there but O Rangers circles away.
O Rangers bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Abdurahimov's head.
A punch combination from Abdurahimov misses.
O Rangers looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

O Rangers throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Abdurahimov was covering up waiting for the punch and O Rangers finishes the takedown easily into guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
O Rangers trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Abdurahimov manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

O Rangers is trying to keep Abdurahimov in close.
Abdurahimov slips nicely into half guard.
O Rangers is trying to maintain the position but Abdurahimov is very close to passing his half guard.
Abdurahimov will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
O Rangers is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
O Rangers trying to control from the bottom.
O Rangers is trying to get back to full guard.
O Rangers is pressing down on Abdurahimov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
O Rangers pulls Abdurahimov in close to prevent any damage.
O Rangers working a defensive guard here.

O Rangers throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Abdurahimov wants to get up but he can't break O Rangers's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now O Rangers is on top in guard.

O Rangers is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
O Rangers passes into half guard.
Abdurahimov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
O Rangers throwing shots but Abdurahimov is blocking nicely.
Abdurahimov is looking to escape.
O Rangers sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Abdurahimov defending well though.
O Rangers not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

O Rangers is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Abdurahimov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time O Rangers.
Abdurahimov looks like he's trying to stand up.
Abdurahimov throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Abdurahimov won't allow O Rangers to pass to mount.
O Rangers thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
O Rangers has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
O Rangers throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Nice strikes from O Rangers there.
O Rangers missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
O Rangers trying to mount his opponent but Abdurahimov defends it.
Abdurahimov is trying to stand back up but O Rangers is controlling him
O Rangers is controlling the pace.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
O Rangers thows a huge punch but Abdurahimov dodges it nicely.
O Rangers missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Abdurahimov looks like he's trying to stand up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Abdurahimov doesn't manage to clinch there - O Rangers circles away.
Shamil Abdurahimov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
O Rangers darts in looking for a takedown but Abdurahimov gets double underhooks and turns O Rangers into the ropes.
Abdurahimov takes a jab right on the kisser.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tony O Rangers dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

O Rangers scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Abdurahimov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Abdurahimov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Abdurahimov gets cracked with a nice right hand there by O Rangers.
O Rangers tries for a takedown but Abdurahimov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Abdurahimov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
O Rangers fails with the takedown.
Abdurahimov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but O Rangers was well out of range. Poor timing from Abdurahimov.
Abdurahimov thows a leg kick but O Rangers checks it
and O Rangers cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
O Rangers slips under a jab.
O Rangers swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
A combination from Abdurahimov does no damage.
Abdurahimov gets off balance looking for a body kick
and O Rangers cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
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!
A head kick misses from Abdurahimov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdurahimov throws a shot from downtown. O Rangers moves away and avoids it.
O Rangers changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

O Rangers shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
O Rangers missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
O Rangers throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Abdurahimov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
O Rangers trying to control the position from guard on top but Abdurahimov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Abdurahimov looking for a guillotine here but O Rangers defends easily.
We've been hearing good reports from Abdurahimov's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
O Rangers loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
O Rangers throwing strikes but missing.
O Rangers sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Abdurahimov's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Abdurahimov blocking the ground and pound attempt from O Rangers.

O Rangers is looking for a kimura but Abdurahimov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for O Rangers to get the leverage.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with O Rangers in particular looking to stall.
Abdurahimov is trying to stand.
O Rangers is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Abdurahimov!
O Rangers postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Abdurahimov looks a forlorn figure.
O Rangers landing strikes, looking to finish!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
O Rangers is in the full mount, landing strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You get the feeling that Abdurahimov really doesn't like being in this position too much.
O Rangers lands a nice shot to the head.
O Rangers fails to advance to Abdurahimov's back.
Abdurahimov holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as O Rangers tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
O Rangers postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Abdurahimov looks a forlorn figure.

It looks like Shamil Abdurahimov has been cut.
O Rangers raining down shots from the mount!

Abdurahimov is rocked!
O Rangers throwing strikes here but Abdurahimov is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.

O Rangers goes for an armbar but Abdurahimov turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Abdurahimov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
O Rangers is trying to keep Abdurahimov in close.
O Rangers 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.
O Rangers manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Abdurahimov manages to get himself to full guard.

O Rangers missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
O Rangers trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Abdurahimov is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and O Rangers defends well.
O Rangers advances to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tony O Rangers showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Shamil Abdurahimov's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Nice sprawl there from Abdurahimov as O Rangers shoots in.
O Rangers staying out of range there.
O Rangers walks into a straight right hand from Abdurahimov.
O Rangers has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Abdurahimov.
A swing and a miss from Abdurahimov.
O Rangers changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
O Rangers lands a jab to the head.

Shamil Abdurahimov's cut is getting worse.
Abdurahimov moves in looking to clinch but O Rangers pushes him off.
O Rangers connects with a single shot there.

Shamil Abdurahimov's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Abdurahimov scores with a crisp jab that stopped O Rangers in his tracks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Abdurahimov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from O Rangers.
Abdurahimov doesn't manage to clinch there - O Rangers circles away.
Abdurahimov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
O Rangers with the counter takedown but Abdurahimov avoids it easily.
O Rangers checks the leg kick.
O Rangers changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdurahimov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
O Rangers tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Abdurahimov throws a chopping leg kick but O Rangers manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
O Rangers stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Abdurahimov.
Abdurahimov misses with a straight left.
O Rangers looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Abdurahimov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. O Rangers sees it coming and avoids it easily.
O Rangers uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Abdurahimov.
O Rangers shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
O Rangers lands with an overhand left.
O Rangers avoids the head kick by Abdurahimov.
Abdurahimov scores with a punch to the head.
Abdurahimov tests O Rangers's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Abdurahimov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

O Rangers looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Abdurahimov!
Well,Abdurahimov is on his way to losing a decision here. Can he use his experience to pull something off in the closing minutes?
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!
O Rangers is looking to take a break and control but Abdurahimov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
O Rangers controlling the position from side mount.
O Rangers postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
O Rangers has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
O Rangers trying to control the position but Abdurahimov is working away.
O Rangers working the body and head with strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdurahimov is not content to let O Rangers control the position.
Abdurahimov managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by O Rangers.
O Rangers throws an elbow but Abdurahimov slips to the side and avoids it well.
Abdurahimov is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
O Rangers wants to control but Abdurahimov is keeping him busy.
O Rangers sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Abdurahimov is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Abdurahimov dodges the ground and pound from O Rangers.
O Rangers working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

O Rangers wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Abdurahimov, who protects the arm well.
O Rangers wants to lay and pray for a moment but Abdurahimov keeps working.
O Rangers misses with the ground and pound.
Abdurahimov is looking to regain half guard here but O Rangers keeps moving and retains side control.
O Rangers wants to control but Abdurahimov is keeping him busy.
O Rangers looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Abdurahimov is avoiding damage well.

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 Shamil Abdurahimov.
I think O Rangers has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight for Tony O Rangers!
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight for Tony O Rangers!
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight for Tony O Rangers!

Tony O Rangers wins by unanimous decision!
A relieved looking Tony O Rangers thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
Shamil Abdurahimov spoke after the fight, saying 'I was robbed'.