PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Hamid Zaferani (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dr Gonzo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Zaferani
vs
Gonzo

170 cm
21
145 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

167 cm
21
142 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Granite chin

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Rivers Edge Nutrition(Disciples of Pain)

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 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Hamid Zaferani!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Dr Gonzo!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zaferani throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Gonzo takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Zaferani misses with a two punch combination.
A head kick by Gonzo misses
and Zaferani counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Gonzo chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zaferani can pounce on him.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Zaferani.
Zaferani lands with a kick to the temple. Gonzo shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Zaferani throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Gonzo on the side of the head.
An inside leg kick lands from Zaferani.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaferani misses the shot to the body.
Gonzo throws a leg kick but Zaferani checks it.
Gonzo scores with a leg kick.
Zaferani misses with a low kick.
Gonzo thows a body shot but no joy.
Gonzo is looking to score with low kicks.
Zaferani tests Gonzo's chin there with a solid looking shot.

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.

Gonzo fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Zaferani, pushing him back against the cage.
Still in the clinch, Gonzo scores with a nice short uppercut.
Gonzo pressing his opponent against the cage.
Zaferani pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Zaferani pushes off an throws an elbow but Gonzo leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Gonzo.
Gonzo can't find room to land a body shot as Zaferani controls the action.
Zaferani makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Zaferani lands an elbow just above Gonzo 's eye.
Zaferani gets underhooks to prevent Gonzo's takedown attempt.
Gonzo blocks an elbow strike.
Gonzo can't find room to land a body shot as Zaferani controls the action.
Zaferani lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Gonzo backwards.
Gonzo misses with a body punch.
Zaferani lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Gonzo avoids the elbow strike from Zaferani, against the cage.
Gonzo has a couple of punches blocked by Zaferani.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaferani lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Gonzo fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Gonzo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zaferani's elbow.
Gonzo goes for a takedown in the clinch but Zaferani prevents it.
Hamid Zaferani has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dr Gonzo.
Zaferani pushes off an throws an elbow but Gonzo leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Zaferani fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Gonzo swings wildly with an uppercut but Zaferani uses good head movement to avoid it.
Gonzo tries for a takedown but Zaferani manages to get underhooks.
Gonzo blocks the elbow strike.
Gonzo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Zaferani just misses with a elbow thrown towards Gonzo's brow.
Gonzo blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A hook to the body from Gonzo.
Zaferani lands a hook to the side of the head.
Gonzo pushes Zaferani back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Zaferani prevents the takedown attempt.
Zaferani throws an elbow but it misses.
Gonzo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Gonzo jumps guard and drags Zaferani to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Gonzo trying to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gonzo had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Zaferani defends it easily.

Gonzo looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Zaferani stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gonzo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gonzo not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hamid Zaferani 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.

Gonzo throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Zaferani counters with a slapping leg kick.
Zaferani lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Zaferani misses with a leg kick

and Gonzo counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Gonzo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gonzo trying to control the position from guard on top but Zaferani is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gonzo missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gonzo wants to control from the top but Zaferani keeps moving.
Zaferani on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Zaferani tries to get out of the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gonzo is in close to Zaferani's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Gonzo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gonzo is looking to work some ground and pound but Zaferani has wrist control.
Gonzo thows a big elbow that misses.
Gonzo controls from within his opponent's guard.
Gonzo wants to control from the top but Zaferani keeps moving.

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.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Dr Gonzo was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Gonzo misses with a body shot.
Gonzo throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Zaferani stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

Gonzo fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Zaferani sprawls well initially but Gonzo persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo trying to control the pace.
Gonzo seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Gonzo is trying to control. Zaferani wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Gonzo trying to mount his opponent but Zaferani defends it.

Gonzo is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's four 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.

Zaferani is defending against the submission attempts here by Gonzo.
Gonzo thows a huge punch but Zaferani dodges it nicely.
Zaferani is looking to control Gonzo's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Zaferani avoid being mounted?
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zaferani keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dr Gonzo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Zaferani throws a head kick that misses.
Gonzo bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Zaferani defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Gonzo.
A lazy left from Gonzo finds it's target.
Gonzo blocks a low kick nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gonzo rushes Zaferani and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Zaferani throws a punch but it's blocked by Gonzo.
Gonzo is struggling to control the position.
A short right from Zaferani on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gonzo trying to stall but Zaferani improves his position.
Zaferani misses with the head strike.
Gonzo misses with a punch to the body.
Gonzo misses with the head strike.
Gonzo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zaferani throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Zaferani blocks a body shot from Gonzo.
Gonzo swings wildly with an uppercut but Zaferani uses good head movement to avoid it.
Gonzo has a couple of punches blocked by Zaferani.
Gonzo blocks an uppercut.
Zaferani throws an elbow but it misses.
Gonzo blocks an uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Zaferani.
Gonzo takes an elbow to the temple.
Zaferani lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zaferani lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Gonzo dodges an elbow strike from Zaferani.
A bit of stalling here from Gonzo.
Gonzo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Gonzo digs a right hand into Zaferani's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Zaferani's gas tank.
Gonzo tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Zaferani misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, Zaferani throws an elbow but misses.
Gonzo is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Zaferani pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Gonzo works on Zaferani's body with a couple of short punches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Gonzo.
Zaferani blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Gonzo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zaferani lands an elbow that stopped Gonzo in his tracks for a moment.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Zaferani.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Gonzo.
Zaferani swings wildly with an uppercut but Gonzo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Gonzo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Gonzo.
Zaferani lands a left hand that snaps the head of Gonzo backwards.
Zaferani prevents a body shot from Gonzo.
Zaferani misses with a hook from the clinch.
Gonzo can't find room to land a body shot as Zaferani controls the action.
Gonzo misses with a body punch.
Gonzo goes for a takedown attempt but Zaferani pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Hamid Zaferani has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dr Gonzo.
Gonzo throws a leg kick that is checked
and Zaferani counters with a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A nice leg kick lands there from Zaferani.
Zaferani throws a shot to the body.
Gonzo misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Zaferani counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Zaferani fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Gonzo has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Zaferani thows a leg kick but Gonzo checks it
and Gonzo counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaferani throws a right hand that misses
and Gonzo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A low kick from Zaferani misses
and Gonzo makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

Gonzo looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Zaferani!
Gonzo raining down shots from the mount!
Gonzo thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Dr Gonzo just about did enough to take it.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

A low kick from Zaferani is predictable there
letting Gonzo counter with a right hand.
Zaferani lands a nice shot that snaps Gonzo's head back.
Nice straight punches there by Zaferani. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Zaferani.
Gonzo takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Zaferani misses with a right hand
and Gonzo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Zaferani throws a jab when Gonzo was well out of range.
Zaferani misses with a body shot
and Gonzo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaferani tries to work over Gonzo's front leg with a kick but Gonzo checks it.
Gonzo fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Zaferani avoids it really well and circles away.

Gonzo closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Zaferani quickly recovers to half guard.
Gonzo is keen to just control but Zaferani is a slippery customer.
Gonzo has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Zaferani is in trouble now - Gonzo has advanced to mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaferani is wriggling around trying to escape.
Gonzo wants to control the pace but Zaferani is squirming around nicely.
Zaferani tries to lock up and control but Gonzo gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Gonzo goes for an armbar but Zaferani turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Zaferani.
Gonzo manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Zaferani manages to get himself to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo wants to control from the top but Zaferani keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gonzo accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Zaferani can't keep his opponent in guard - Gonzo advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Gonzo is trying to control the action in half guard but Zaferani is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's four 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.

Gonzo is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Zaferani sees it coming and defends easily.
Zaferani is refusing to be controlled, as Gonzo sits in half guard.

Gonzo seems to be looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dr Gonzo dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Gonzo has closed the distance and engaged Zaferani in a clinch.
A short right from Zaferani on the inside.
Zaferani lands an elbow inside.
Gonzo gets through Zaferani's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Gonzo blocks an uppercut.
Gonzo drops down looking for an ankle pick but Zaferani pulls his leg out and moves away.
Zaferani drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaferani misses the jab.
Hamid Zaferani is winning the standup battle so far.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Gonzo lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Zaferani.
Zaferani misses with an elbow over the top.
Gonzo holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Zaferani looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Gonzo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A right hook to the body lands for Gonzo.
Zaferani throws an elbow that misses.
Gonzo struggles to land a body shot inside as Zaferani controls his hands.
A left hand lands to the body for Gonzo.
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.
Gonzo scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Zaferani is pressed up against the cage. Gonzo has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Zaferani down to the mat. Zaferani avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Gonzo thows a body shot but no joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Zaferani counters with a thumping low kick.
Zaferani bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

Zaferani tries to keep at a distance but Gonzo has taken the fight into the clinch.
Zaferani fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Gonzo lands a shot to the body.
Gonzo lands a body punch.

Gonzo has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Zaferani is trying to keep an underhook but Gonzo manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Gonzo with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Zaferani knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Gonzo on the ground.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gonzo missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gonzo is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Gonzo is looking for a kimura but Zaferani is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Gonzo to get the leverage.
Gonzo is trying to control. Zaferani wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zaferani avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gonzo.
Gonzo sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Gonzo thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Zaferani's head.
Gonzo wants to control but Zaferani is keeping him busy.
Gonzo stalling.
Hamid Zaferani has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Dr Gonzo was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Zaferani keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dr Gonzo comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Gonzo 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andi Peters scores the fight 46:49
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 46:49
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dr Gonzo!
Dr Gonzo is the new bantamweight champion!