PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Heliodoro Zuberi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jack Hammer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jack Hammer will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Zuberi
vs
Hammer

160 cm
26
140 lbs
12 - 5 - 0

220 cm
21
140 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Heliodoro Zuberi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jack Hammer!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Ben Zyskovitsi and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hammer checks a low kick from Zuberi.
Hammer tries to bum rush Zuberi with a series of wild strikes but Zuberi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Zuberi misses with a few strikes there.
Hammer pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hammer pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hammer throws a sloppy body shot

and Zuberi counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Zuberi thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Hammer's head.
Zuberi is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Hammer reverses the position - he's now on top in Zuberi's guard.
Zuberi has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Hammer stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Zuberi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Zuberi looking for a sweep. Not yet Zuberi, not yet.

Zuberi is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Hammer is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Zuberi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hammer manages to get himself to full guard.
Zuberi throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zuberiis looking to pass into half guard but Hammer pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Hammer is in guard.
Hammer trying to control the position from guard on top but Zuberi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hammer preventing the sweep.

Hammer gets to his feet. Zuberi looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Zuberi swings for the body but Hammer moves out of range.
Hammer fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Zuberi looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

Zuberi shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Zuberi is looking for a kimura here.
Zuberi thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Hammer's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zuberi prevents Hammer from standing back up.

Zuberi is trying to work for a kimura but Hammer is defending well.
Zuberi frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Zuberi goes for an armbar but Hammer turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Hammer.
Hammer trying to control the position from guard on top but Zuberi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Hammer stands and steps away. Zuberi gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Hammer stuffs the takedown.
Hammer comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Hammer rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Zuberi counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Hammer's guard now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zuberi is looking for a sweep. Hammer is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Zuberi is not content to let Hammer control the position.
Zuberi won't allow Hammer to pass to mount.
Hammer seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Zuberi does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Zuberi is looking to improve his position.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Jack Hammer.
Hammer misses with a wild body shot.
Hammer throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Zuberi tries to move into range but Hammer moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hammer throws a lazy right hand but Zuberi sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Zuberi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hammer lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Hammer on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Hammer dodges the punch combination from Zuberi.
Hammer avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hammer throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zuberi sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A punch combination from Zuberi misses.
Hammer uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Hammer lands a body shot.
Zuberi shoots in but no luck this time.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zuberi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Heliodoro Zuberi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hammer swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Zuberi counters with a shoot takedown. Hammer fights it but they end up in guard.
Zuberi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hammer is looking to stand up but Zuberi isn't so interested in that idea.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Heliodoro Zuberi dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Zuberi feints and as Hammer raises his hands in defense, Zuberi changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Zuberi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hammer swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Zuberi drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Hammer manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Zuberi has Hammer in his guard.
Zuberi might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Zuberi has his foot on Hammer's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hammer works his way back into a safe position though.
Zuberi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Zuberi keeping moving, preventing Hammer from controlling successfully.
Zuberi wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammer wants to stand but Zuberi is controlling his posture from full guard.
Hammer stopping the sweep attempt from Zuberi.
Hammer looking to pass the guard.

Zuberi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hammer can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Hammer is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Hammer stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Zuberi takes one on the chin but seems OK.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hammer slips a straight right by Zuberi.
Hammer scores with a body shot.
Zuberi throws a left and a right that both miss
and Hammer counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Zuberi uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hammer.
Hammer throws a left and a right that both miss

and Zuberi counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Hammer's guard now.
Zuberi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hammer swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Zuberi stops Hammer from standing up.
Zuberi trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Hammer manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Hammer wants to control from the top but Zuberi keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zuberi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Zuberi has an active guard here but Hammer has managed to pass into half guard.
Hammer sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Zuberi tries to get to full guard but Hammer has control of the leg.
Zuberi gets full guard.
Hammer tries to stand but Zuberi is controlling from the bottom.

Hammer avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zuberi is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hammer defends well.
Hammer won't allow Zuberi to sweep him here.

Zuberi is working an open guard so Hammer takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Hammer jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hammer. Zuberi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hammer throws a body punch but Zuberi moves out of range.
Hammer misses with a wild combination.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zuberi. Hammer does a little dance to reset his feet.
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 Heliodoro Zuberi will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Hammer ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Hammer bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Zuberi's head backwards.
Hammer throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zuberi.
Hammer with a body punch. A glancing blow.

Zuberi looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Hammer!
Zuberi wants to take his opponent's back but Hammer doesn't allow it.
Zuberi prevents Hammer from getting the reversal.

Zuberi is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Hammer has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Hammer!

Zuberi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Hammer pushes down on Zuberi's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zuberi looking for submissions off his back.
Hammer keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Hammer is pressing down on Zuberi's thigh, looking to free his foot. Zuberi is holding on for now.

Zuberi looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Still in half guard, Hammer seems content to control.
Zuberi makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Zuberi.
Zuberi 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.
Zuberi keeping full guard, as Hammer tries to pass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hammer works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Heliodoro Zuberi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Zuberi makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Zuberi.
Zuberi can't keep his opponent in guard - Hammer advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Hammer decides to stand up.
Hammer jabs Zuberi to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Hammer jabs at Zuberi's body.
Zuberi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hammer pinned against the cage. Hammer gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Heliodoro Zuberi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hammer lands a jab to Zuberi's midsection.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zuberi takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hammer. Zuberi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zuberi throws a body punch but Hammer moves out of range.
Hammer misses with a wild body shot.
Hammer throws a shot to the body.
Hammer lands a jab to the nose.
Hammer misses with a wild body shot.
Hammer connects with a nice looking jab.
Hammer connects with the punch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Zuberi is defended easily by Hammer.
Zuberi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammer connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

Zuberi closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Hammer did well to prevent Zuberi getting side control.
Hammer is in trouble now - Zuberi has advanced to mount!

Zuberi swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Hammer is now in Zuberi's guard. A big mistake from Zuberi there, giving up the dominant position!
Hammer wants to control from the top but Zuberi keeps moving.

Zuberi throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hammer wants to control from the top but Zuberi keeps moving.
Hammer looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Hammer really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A looping hook to the body misses from Hammer. Zuberi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hammer connects with a single shot there.
Hammer throws out a powerful jab.
Hammer throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zuberi throws an overhand right that lands on Hammer's shoulder, as Hammer tries to avoid the shot.
Zuberi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hammer.
Hammer moves out of range as Zuberi strikes.
Zuberi has a takedown stuffed.
Zuberi has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hammer throws a right hand that misses

and Zuberi counters with a shoot takedown. Hammer fights it but they end up in guard.
Hammer controls Zuberi momentarily but Zuberi frees himself.
Zuberi thows a big elbow that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zuberi tries to free his leg and advance position but Hammer is retaining full guard.
Hammer looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zuberi is one step ahead there.
Zuberi wants to pass the guard but Hammer is keeping the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zuberi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Zuberi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hammer swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Zuberi stands and throws Hammer's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Zuberi wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Hammer, who protects the arm well.
Zuberi looks up at the clock and then as Hammer takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Zuberi smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Zuberi tries to advance to mount but Hammer instead regains half guard.

Zuberi 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Zuberi's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Zuberi's back!
Hammer tries to get the hooks in deep but Zuberi pushed the leg off.
Zuberi tries to escape the position.
Zuberi manages to reverse the position and now he's in Hammer's guard. Nice work there by Zuberi.

Zuberi drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Hammer manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Zuberi has Hammer in his guard.
Hammer not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammer wants to control from the top but Zuberi keeps moving.

Hammer got a little sloppy there for a moment and Zuberi has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Hammer has managed to get both his arms back between Zuberi's legs - danger averted.

Zuberi has his foot on Hammer's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hammer works his way back into a safe position though.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

Hammer gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Jack Hammer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hammer moves into range and connects with a jab.
Zuberi has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Zuberi there as he acknowledges the shot.
Hammer defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zuberi.
Zuberi throws a sloppy body shot
and Hammer counters with a nice uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Heliodoro Zuberi will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

A decent looking cross lands there for Hammer.
Hammer missing with a left hand there. Zuberi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Zuberi fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hammer avoids it really well and circles away.
Zuberi looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Zuberi swings away with a body shot that misses
and Hammer counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
A jab from Hammer does it's job there.

Zuberi shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Zuberi trying to mount his opponent but Hammer defends it.

Zuberi is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Hammer sees it coming and defends easily.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammer keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Zuberi trying to advance position but Hammer counters by regaining guard.
Zuberi is fighting to break Hammer's control of his arms but Hammer is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Hammer wants to stand but Zuberi is controlling the position.
Hammer has control of Zuberi's left arm, preventing Zuberi from doing any damage.

Zuberi drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Hammer dives on top into guard.
Hammer looking to pass the guard.
Jack Hammer has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Hammer wants to stand but Zuberi is controlling his posture from full guard.
Hammer won't allow Zuberi to sweep him here.

Hammer is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Zuberi has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Hammer is looking to defend but Zuberi has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Hammer! Zuberi pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Hammer taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:44 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Heliodoro Zuberi!
Heliodoro Zuberi is the new bantamweight champion!