PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Richard Mesquita (ranked 243 p4p, 606 weight class) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 36 p4p, 87 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Mesquita
vs
Nurmagomedov

180 cm
25
163
16 - 5 - 0

170 cm
26
162
11 - 5 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Northern Zombie
Brooklyn Apothecary

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Richard Mesquita!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Wagner Zegers and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mesquita digs a good hook to Nurmagomedov's body.
Richard Mesquita seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mesquita misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nurmagomedov feints the counter takedown.
Mesquita changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Mesquita looks to land a left hand but Nurmagomedov moved out of range nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Nurmagomedov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mesquita shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Nurmagomedov as he jumps to the side.
Mesquita throws an off balance right hand
and Nurmagomedov counters with a nice uppercut.
Mesquita ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Mesquita dives in for a single leg takedown but Nurmagomedov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Nurmagomedov with the counter takedown but Mesquita avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Richard Mesquita. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nurmagomedov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Mesquita backwards.
Nurmagomedov cracks Mesquita with a nice body shot.
Mesquita drops down looking for an ankle pick but Nurmagomedov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Nurmagomedov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Mesquita finds it's way through Nurmagomedov's defenses.
Nurmagomedov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Mesquita throws out the jab.
And Nurmagomedov tries to counter it with a takedown but Mesquita pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Mesquita keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Mesquita misses the jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mesquita lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Nurmagomedov at a distance.
Nice jab there from Mesquita.
No luck for Mesquita with that takedown attempt.
A swing and a miss from Mesquita.
It seemed like Nurmagomedov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Nurmagomedov needs to keep his hands up - Mesquita had a free shot at his head there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mesquita slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Mesquita swings for the body but Nurmagomedov moves out of range.
A little jabbing left from Nurmagomedov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Mesquita just misses with a punch to the body.
Mesquita looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A swing and a miss from Mesquita.
Nurmagomedov tries to move into range but Mesquita moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Mesquita scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Mesquita is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Mesquita dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Mesquita throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mesquita throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Nurmagomedov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Mesquita, as that shot connected.

Mesquita gets the takedown into side control.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a sweep.
Nurmagomedov felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Mesquita is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Nurmagomedov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Mesquita is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nurmagomedov can do to turn this around?
Nurmagomedov tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mesquita lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Nurmagomedov down.
Nurmagomedov wants to control but Mesquita postures up.
Nurmagomedov regains half guard.
Mesquita trying to control the action but Nurmagomedov is working from the bottom.
Mesquita is controlling the pace.
Mesquita lands with a punch from half guard.
Mesquita is taking a breather. Nurmagomedov 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mesquita thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Mesquita looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Mesquita is trying to control. Nurmagomedov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Mesquita is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Mesquita not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mesquita wants to free his trapped foot but Nurmagomedov is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Mesquita passes to full mount!
Mesquita controlling the position easily from mount.
Mesquita can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Nurmagomedov is looking to escape.
Mesquita looking to control and managing it successfully.

Mesquita is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Nurmagomedov to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Nurmagomedov shrugs it off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mesquita lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Mesquita working the ground and pound effectively.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Mesquita working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.

Nurmagomedov defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Mesquita.
Nurmagomedov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Mesquita. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Mesquita is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Nurmagomedov can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Nurmagomedov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Mesquita darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Nurmagomedov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Mesquita is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Nurmagomedov is just riding it out for now. Mesquita eventually gives up the hold.
Still in half guard, Mesquita seems content to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov manages to get to full guard.
Nurmagomedov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Mesquita is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mesquita is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Mesquita trying to control but Nurmagomedov is working from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Mesquita wants to control from the top but Nurmagomedov keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Mesquita stopping the sweep attempt from Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the position here.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Mesquita trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Mesquita scores with a body shot.

Mesquita manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Nurmagomedov on his heels. He'll look to pass Nurmagomedov's guard now, I'm sure.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov wants to sweep here but Mesquita controlling him for the moment.
Mesquita engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Nurmagomedov 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.
Nurmagomedov keeping moving, preventing Mesquita from controlling successfully.
Mesquita won't allow Nurmagomedov to sweep him here.
Nurmagomedov is still trying to improve position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Nurmagomedov being controlled here, momentarily.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Mesquita shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Nurmagomedov pinned against the cage. Nurmagomedov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Mesquita fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Nurmagomedov on the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Mesquita clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Mesquita misses with a hook. Nurmagomedov ducked under it nicely.
Nurmagomedov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Mesquita lands a nice hook to Nurmagomedov's body. Nurmagomedov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Nurmagomedov avoids the body shot from Mesquita.
Mesquita fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nurmagomedov manages to avoid it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nurmagomedov! But no joy.

Mesquita looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Nurmagomedov!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mesquita is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Nurmagomedov has escaped the position, nice work there.
Mesquita in side control, throwing shots but Nurmagomedov defends.
Mesquita trying to control the action but Nurmagomedov is working from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov is trying to work for a sweep but Mesquita has mounted him!
Mesquita tries to control but Nurmagomedov wriggling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Nurmagomedov keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Nurmagomedov is squirming around, avoiding Mesquita's attempts to control the action.
Mesquita prevents Nurmagomedov from getting the reversal.
Mesquita controlling the pace for now.
Mesquita can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Nurmagomedov is looking to escape.
Nurmagomedov is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mesquita has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Nurmagomedov's face.

Mesquita looking for a guillotine from mount but Nurmagomedov is having none of it.
Mesquita looking to control and managing it successfully.

Mesquita is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Nurmagomedov has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Nurmagomedov bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

Mesquita working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Nurmagomedov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Nurmagomedov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov is working Mesquita over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Nurmagomedov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Mesquita is on top in guard.

Mesquita wants to pass the guard but Nurmagomedov is keeping the position.
Nurmagomedov keeping moving, preventing Mesquita from controlling successfully.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Nurmagomedov seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Mesquita had his way with Khabib Nurmagomedov in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Mesquita fails with the takedown.
Nurmagomedov with the counter takedown but Mesquita avoids it easily.
Mesquita misses with a takedown attempt
and Nurmagomedov counters with a stiff right hand.
Mesquita gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Nurmagomedov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Richard Mesquita. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mesquita throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Nurmagomedov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mesquita shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Nurmagomedov as he avoids it easily.
Nurmagomedov steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Mesquita.
A looping hook to the body misses from Mesquita. Nurmagomedov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mesquita is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Nurmagomedov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Nurmagomedov stuffs the takedown.
A nice side step and Nurmagomedov releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Mesquita throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Nurmagomedov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nurmagomedov feints the counter takedown.
Richard Mesquita is winning the standup battle so far.
Mesquita lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mesquita connects with a looping right hand.
Mesquita lands a body shot.
Mesquita fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nurmagomedov manages to avoid it.

Mesquita closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Nurmagomedov quickly recovers to half guard.
Mesquita looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Mesquita is trying to work for a kimura but Nurmagomedov is defending well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mesquita seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Nurmagomedov does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mesquita not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Nurmagomedov won't allow Mesquita to pass to mount.
Nurmagomedov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Nurmagomedov wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Mesquita missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Mesquita looking to pass the guard.
Nurmagomedov can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Mesquita controls the pace.

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.
Nurmagomedov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Mesquita.
Richard Mesquita overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mesquita stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nurmagomedov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Mesquita works over Nurmagomedov with some ground and pound from guard.
Mesquita trying to control the position from guard on top but Nurmagomedov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Mesquita cracks Nurmagomedov with a solid left hand.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Richard Mesquita is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Mesquita trying to control but Nurmagomedov is working from the bottom.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Mesquita slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Nurmagomedov is looking to reverse the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Richard Mesquita showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Mesquita, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 50:44
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 50:44
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 50:44

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Richard Mesquita!
Richard Mesquita retains his lightweight title!