PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Henry Bickle (ranked 1928 p4p, 184 weight class) and Khalib Nuragomidova (ranked 2484 p4p, 222 weight class). Henry Bickle has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Bickle
vs
Nuragomidova

170 cm
23
155 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

181 cm
22
156 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Henry Bickle!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Khalib Nuragomidova!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Francis DeMontford and Darius Henderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nuragomidova looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nuragomidova throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Bickle's waist but Bickle gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Nuragomidova off to one side.
Bickle lands a jab to the head.
Bickle swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Bickle lands a jab to the nose.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Nuragomidova has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Nuragomidova displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bickle throws out the jab.
Nuragomidova is looking for the big counter here.
Nuragomidova's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Nuragomidova duly obliges.
Bickle misses the shot to the body.
A left lands for Bickle.
Bickle throws a body punch but Nuragomidova moves out of range.
Nuragomidova changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Bickle loads up on a big right hand but Nuragomidova slips the punch.
Nuragomidova tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bickle swivels and escapes.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Bickle enables Nuragomidova to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Bickle manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nuragomidova's corner is telling him to maintain position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bickle keeping full guard, as Nuragomidova tries to pass.
Nuragomidova must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Nuragomidova postures up in Bickle's guard and throws a big left but Bickle blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nuragomidova with a nice head shot there.
Nuragomidova showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Bickle is looking to stand up but Nuragomidova isn't so interested in that idea.
Nuragomidova throws a strike but Bickle rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Bickle decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Bickle swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bickle uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Nuragomidova.

Nuragomidova feints and as Bickle raises his hands in defense, Nuragomidova changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Bickle is looking to stand up but Nuragomidova isn't so interested in that idea.
Bickle keeping moving, preventing Nuragomidova from controlling successfully.
Nuragomidova controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Bickle might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bickle preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Nuragomidova controlling from the top position.
Bickle is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Bickle throws a poor cross that misses

and Nuragomidova holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Bickle misses with some punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Nuragomidova is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Bickle pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Henry Bickle has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khalib Nuragomidova.

Nuragomidova has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Bickle regains guard immediately.
Bickle wants to get back to his feet but Nuragomidova passes into half guard.

Nuragomidova perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Let's hope that Nuragomidova has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Bickle is trying to stand up here but Nuragomidova is controlling him well.
Nuragomidova is trying to control the action in half guard but Bickle is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Nuragomidova content to control rather than advance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Khalib Nuragomidova will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Nuragomidova tries to clinch but Bickle is having none of it.

Nuragomidova scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Nuragomidova trying to control the pace.
Nuragomidova not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Nuragomidova takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Nuragomidova is trying to control. Bickle wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nuragomidova throws a strike but Bickle avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Nuragomidova trying to control but Bickle is working from the bottom.
Nuragomidova trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bickle is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Nuragomidova is controlling him.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Nuragomidova sitting in guard, not really doing much.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Bickle misses with a lunging right hand
and Nuragomidova makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Nuragomidova moves out of range as Bickle strikes.
Bickle tests Nuragomidova's chin there with a solid looking shot.
A big right from Bickle misses.
Bickle throws a jab when Nuragomidova was well out of range.
Bickle walks into a left hand.
Bickle throws a big shot that misses.
Bickle connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Henry Bickle is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bickle fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Bickle misses with a left hand
and Nuragomidova cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horrible takedown attempt by Nuragomidova or perhaps it was just good defense by Bickle, which made it look bad.
Bickle takes a swing at Nuragomidova's ribcage but misses.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Bickle enables Nuragomidova to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Bickle manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nuragomidova with a flurry of punches that miss.
Nuragomidova trying to control but Bickle is working from the bottom.
Nuragomidova stops Bickle from standing up.
Bickle being controlled here, momentarily.
Bickle wants to stand and escape but Nuragomidova is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nuragomidova trying to control but Bickle is working from the bottom.
Nuragomidova in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Bickle wants to stand but Nuragomidova is controlling the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Nuragomidova uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Bickle.
Nuragomidova fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Bickle swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Bickle looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Nuragomidova fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Henry Bickle has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khalib Nuragomidova.
A jab from Bickle misses.
Nuragomidova slips a jab from Bickle.
Nuragomidova lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
A shot to the body from Bickle misses
and Nuragomidova connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bickle throws a body punch but Nuragomidova moves out of range.

Nuragomidova closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Bickle did well to prevent Nuragomidova getting side control.
Nuragomidova performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Bickle wants to get back to his feet.
Nuragomidova looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Nuragomidova scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Still in half guard, Nuragomidova seems content to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Khalib Nuragomidova will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Bickle loads up on a big right hand but Nuragomidova slips the punch.
Nuragomidova takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Bickle tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nuragomidova was well out of range. Poor timing from Bickle.
Nuragomidova slips a jab from Bickle.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bickle.
Bickle throws a lazy right hand but Nuragomidova sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nuragomidova scores with a jab to the head.
Nuragomidova throws an off balance right hand
and Bickle connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nuragomidova has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Nuragomidova ducks under a wild hook from Bickle.
Bickle misses with an uppercut

and Nuragomidova counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Nuragomidova.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Nuragomidova breaks from the clinch.

Nuragomidova scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nuragomidova looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Nuragomidova misses with a head shot. Bickle uses the momentum to regain guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bickle wants to stand and escape but Nuragomidova is having none of it.
Bickle working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Nuragomidova.
Nuragomidova throws a strike but Bickle rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Bickle stands up and waves to Nuragomidova to follow him.
Nuragomidova uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Bickle.
Nuragomidova scores with a hook.
Bickle looks to throw the jab but Nuragomidova is out of range.
Henry Bickle has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nuragomidova with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Bickle to score with a decent uppercut.
Bickle misses with a left hand
letting Nuragomidova counter with a right hand.
Nuragomidova fails to land with a series of punches.
Bickle was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nuragomidova tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Bickle paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Nuragomidova swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nuragomidova slips a straight right by Bickle.
Bickle misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Nuragomidova.
A shot to the liver by Bickle. Beautiful body shot.
Bickle misses with a hook. Nuragomidova ducked under it nicely.
Nuragomidova is looking to clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bickle stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bickle wants it to stay on the feet.
Nuragomidova dives in and grabs Bickle's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bickle pushes down on Nuragomidova's head and hops out.
Nuragomidova moves out of range of the strikes.
Nuragomidova gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Bickle.
Nuragomidova slips a jab from Bickle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bickle throws a poor cross that misses

and Nuragomidova counters by moving into the clinch.
Nuragomidova is trying to break the clinch but Bickle is controlling him.
Bickle has a couple of punches blocked by Nuragomidova.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Bickle.
Nuragomidova prevents a body shot from Bickle.
Bickle tries a body shot but Nuragomidova blocks it.
Bickle throws a punch but it's blocked by Nuragomidova.
Nuragomidova can't get the takedown.
Khalib Nuragomidova is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Henry Bickle has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khalib Nuragomidova.
Nuragomidova blocks an uppercut.
Nuragomidova blocks a body shot from Bickle.
Bickle misses with a punch on the inside.
Bickle presses Nuragomidova against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Nuragomidova blocks an uppercut.
Bickle lands a body shot in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bickle lands a body punch.
Bickle is working Nuragomidova over against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Bickle fails to land.
Bickle fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Nuragomidova scores with a nice hook to the head.
Bickle doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Bickle struggles to land a body shot inside as Nuragomidova controls his hands.
Nuragomidova prevents a body shot from Bickle.
Bickle lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Bickle misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A left hand lands to the body for Bickle.

And that's the end of the fight!
Henry Bickle showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Nuragomidova 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 John Mangel scores the fight 28:29
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight 28:29
Judge Darius Henderson scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Khalib Nuragomidova!
After the fight, Khalib Nuragomidova was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.