PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between TopOf FoodChain (ranked 2693 p4p, 293 weight class) and Emre Hussain (ranked 2218 p4p, 249 weight class). TopOf FoodChain had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

FoodChain
vs
Hussain

179 cm
28
164 lbs
8 - 8 - 2

171 cm
36
158 lbs
28 - 12 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 8 - 2, fighting out of Hilo, TopOf FoodChain!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Emre Hussain!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Hirohito Nitta and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

FoodChain gets tackled into the cage by Hussain. Hussain maintains the clinch.
FoodChain is trying to drag Hussain to the mat but Hussain just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
FoodChain drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Hussain gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Hussain can't break the clinch.

Hussain escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hussain fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and FoodChain has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
FoodChain sizes up Hussain with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
FoodChain shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hussain as he jumps to the side.
We've been hearing reports that FoodChain has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for TopOf FoodChain. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hussain throws a front kick that sends FoodChain stumbling back into the cage.
FoodChain lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hussain tries to clinch but FoodChain is having none of it.
Hussain scores with the left hand. FoodChain knows he should have avoided that one.
FoodChain throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hussain sees it coming and avoids it easily.
FoodChain displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hussain throws out the jab.
Nice defenses there by FoodChain.
FoodChain looks to land a right hand but Hussain moved out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
FoodChain throws a hook but Hussain avoids it easily.
Hussain lands with a nice body punch.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! FoodChain crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Hussain - the referee stops the clock and FoodChain gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Hussain. FoodChain manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Hussain looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Hussain goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Hussain connects with the punch.
Hussain works FoodChain's body with a nice hook.
Hussain jabs FoodChain right on the nose. FoodChain blinks but takes it well.
Hussain uses good head movement to avoid the hook from FoodChain.
Hussain scores with a kick to the midsection.
Hussain with a jab.
FoodChain steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hussain.
Emre Hussain seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hussain just misses with a punch to the body.
Hussain uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from FoodChain.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hussain tries to clinch up but FoodChain circles away and keeps his distance.
Hussain tries to clinch up but FoodChain circles away and keeps his distance.
Hussain throws the left hand but FoodChain avoids the punch easily.
FoodChain moves forwards but Hussain connects with a nice, crisp jab.
FoodChain keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hussain tries to clinch up but FoodChain circles away and keeps his distance.

FoodChain scores with a takedown into Hussain's guard.
Hussain is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and FoodChain dives into side control.
Hussain is trying to buck FoodChain off.
Hussain is not content to let FoodChain control the position.
Hussain is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, FoodChain asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Hussain stops FoodChain from passing to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hussain wants to get back to his feet but FoodChain drags him back down.
FoodChain trying to control the position but Hussain is working away.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Hussain throws FoodChain to one side and escapes!
FoodChain misses with a straight left.
FoodChain thows a left - swing and a miss!
FoodChain fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hussain manages to avoid it.
Hussain lands an overhand right.
FoodChain looks to land a right hand but Hussain moved out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hussain tries to clinch up.
Emre Hussain is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hussain thows a body kick. FoodChain tries to catch it but that hurt him.
A nice inside leg kick there by Hussain. That's going to slow FoodChain down.
FoodChain throws out a loose jab but Hussain uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hussain connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Nice straight punches there by Hussain. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Hussain.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hussain loads up on a big right hand but FoodChain slips the punch.
FoodChain lands a jab.
Hussain lands with a shot to the body.
Hussain moves out of range of the strikes.
Jab, jab by Hussain - just one landing.
Hussain misses with a looping right.
FoodChain has a takedown stuffed.

Hussain gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Emre Hussain dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Hussain connects with the punch.
Emre Hussain seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nice defenses there by Hussain.
FoodChain is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Hussain with a jab.
FoodChain uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hussain.
No luck for FoodChain with that takedown attempt.
Hussain lands with an overhand left.
Hussain throws an uppercut from half a mile away. FoodChain sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hussain wants to clinch.
FoodChain feinted with a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
FoodChain throws a hook but Hussain blocks it.
FoodChain on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Hussain throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent FoodChain stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Hussain has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
FoodChain swats away the attempt to clinch by Hussain.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
FoodChain has Hussain pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hussain manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Hussain breaks the clinch.
Hussain walks into a left hand.
FoodChain loads up on a big right hand but Hussain slips the punch.
Hussain tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
FoodChain tries to counter with a takedown but Hussain is quick to defend against it.
Hussain slips a straight right by FoodChain.
Hussain scores with a shot to the body.
FoodChain slips a jab from Hussain.
FoodChain drops down looking for a counter takedown but Hussain sprawls and moves away.
Hussain slips a straight right by FoodChain.
Good exchange - Hussain coming out on top.
Hussain lands with a cross.
Hussain digs a good body shot into FoodChain's ribs.
Hussain throws an ugly left hook that misses

and FoodChain counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hussain wants to get back to his feet.
FoodChain sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hussain pushes FoodChain off but FoodChain dives into side control.
Hussain is trying to get back to his feet.
Hussain is looking to get back to his feet here but FoodChain is keeping cool and he's managed to take Hussain's back.

FoodChain looking for the choke but no joy.
TopOf FoodChain overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

FoodChain is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Hussain defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

FoodChain is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Hussain knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Hussain for a finish.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hussain is trying to stand back up.

FoodChain is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Hussain is defending well though. FoodChain let's go of the attempt for now.
Hussain is trying to get back to his feet but FoodChain has full control of the position and if anything, Hussain has just worked his way into a worse spot.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

FoodChain is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

FoodChain is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Hussain has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Hussain is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

FoodChain looking for the RNC.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hussain is trying to stand back up.

FoodChain looking for the choke but no joy.
Hussain is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

FoodChain is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Hussain is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that TopOf FoodChain will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Hussain connects with a right hand. FoodChain shakes it off.
FoodChain looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Hussain tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but FoodChain paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hussain throws an uppercut from half a mile away. FoodChain sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hussain tries to clinch there but FoodChain circles away.

FoodChain gets a double leg takedown into Hussain's guard.
FoodChain wants to pass the guard but Hussain is keeping the position.
FoodChain prevents Hussain from getting back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hussain is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Hussain keeping full guard, as FoodChain tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hussain has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. FoodChain has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Hussain looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
FoodChain changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hussain fights it off and pushes away nicely.
A big left from FoodChain misses.

Hussain has closed the distance and engaged FoodChain in a clinch.

Hussain manages to break the clinch.
Hussain loads up on a big right hand but FoodChain slips the punch.
FoodChain fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hussain avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for TopOf FoodChain. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hussain displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as FoodChain throws out the jab.
FoodChain swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hussain avoids the body shot from FoodChain.
A jab from Hussain finds it's way through FoodChain's defenses.
Hussain is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

FoodChain gets tackled into the cage by Hussain. Hussain maintains the clinch.
Hussain gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from FoodChain.
FoodChain is trying to drag Hussain to the mat but Hussain just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Hussain escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nice shot lands for Hussain.
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!
FoodChain throws a looping overhand right but Hussain ducks down to avoid it.
Hussain throws out a loose jab but FoodChain uses good head movement to avoid it.
FoodChain fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hussain avoids it really well and circles away.
A little jabbing left from Hussain on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
FoodChain looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Hussain is fending him off so far but FoodChain persists. Nope, Hussain circles away and we're back to standing.
It seemed like Hussain was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
FoodChain drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Hussain missing with a left hand there. FoodChain was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
FoodChain takes a jab right on the kisser.
FoodChain fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hussain connects with a solid leg kick.
Hussain jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Hussain sizes up FoodChain with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Hussain throws an overhand right that lands on FoodChain's shoulder, as FoodChain tries to avoid the shot.
FoodChain tries to counter with a takedown but Hussain is quick to defend against it.
FoodChain takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
FoodChain throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
FoodChain takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Hussain ducks under a wild hook from FoodChain.

Hussain darts in and clinches FoodChain up against the cage.

Hussain breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Hussain jabs FoodChain to the body, keeping him at a distance.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hussain uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from FoodChain.
Hussain scores with a crisp jab that stopped FoodChain in his tracks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hussain moves into range and clinches up with FoodChain.
FoodChain has Hussain pressed against the cage, preventing Hussain from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Hussain breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hussain throws a jab when FoodChain was well out of range.
Hussain lands a really nice looking cross but FoodChain seems unphased.
Hussain looking to land some kicks to the body here.
FoodChain ducks under a wild hook from Hussain.
FoodChain throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Hussain clinches up with FoodChain and pushes him back against the cage.
FoodChain has Hussain pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hussain manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Hussain breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Hussain pushes FoodChain up against the cage in a clinch.
FoodChain goes for a takedown in the clinch but Hussain prevents it.
Hussain gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from FoodChain.
FoodChain tries for a takedown but Hussain manages to get underhooks.

Hussain breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Emre Hussain comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hussain 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 28:29
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 28:30
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Emre Hussain!
After the fight, Emre Hussain 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.