PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Fahad Al Qarni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Harald Hillgrund (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Al Qarni's entrance music is Hells Bells. A fine choice. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Al Qarni
vs
Hillgrund

180 cm
31
187 lbs
20 - 10 - 1

170 cm
34
164 lbs
25 - 11 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Bullet Proof System

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 10 - 1, fighting out of New York, Fahad Al Qarni!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Harald Hillgrund!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Robert Twigg and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Qarni throws a leg kick but Hillgrund sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Al Qarni feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Hillgrund's calf.
Hillgrund on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
A swing and a miss from Al Qarni.
Al Qarni avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hillgrund missing with a left hand there. Al Qarni was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Fahad Al Qarni seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hillgrund tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Al Qarni was well out of range. Poor timing from Hillgrund.
Sloppy strikes from Hillgrund. Those never looked like landing.
Al Qarni pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Hillgrund misses with a left hand
and Al Qarni counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Al Qarni takes one on the button.
Al Qarni throws a jab but it's blocked by Hillgrund.
Al Qarni misses with a straight right.
Nice body punch from Al Qarni.
Al Qarni lands an overhand right.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Al Qarni lands with a hook. Hillgrund tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Al Qarni rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hillgrund moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Qarni catches Hillgrund with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Hillgrund moves in looking to clinch but Al Qarni pushes him off.
A solid leg kick lands there for Hillgrund.
Hillgrund takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hillgrund throws a jab but it's blocked by Al Qarni.
Al Qarni is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Hillgrund misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Qarni appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Hillgrund needs to keep his hands up - Al Qarni had a free shot at his head there.

It looks like Harald Hillgrund has been cut.
Al Qarni throws a hook to the side of Hillgrund's head but Hillgrund sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Al Qarni gets a takedown into half guard.
Hillgrund is trying to escape back to his feet but Al Qarni uses the scramble to pass into side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hillgrund is looking to reverse the position.
Hillgrund regains half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund wants to get back to his feet.
Hillgrund tries to roll over but Al Qarni keeps him under control.

Al Qarni is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Hillgrund sees it coming and defends easily.
Hillgrund is trying to maintain the position but Al Qarni is very close to passing his half guard.
Al Qarni working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Hillgrund's thigh. Hillgrund counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Al Qarni seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Al Qarni stands and throws Hillgrund's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Al Qarni is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Hillgrund has escaped the position, nice work there.

Al Qarni tries for a kimura but Hillgrund is defending well.
Hillgrund is trying to control Al Qarni's posture but Al Qarni avoids it.
Hillgrund manages to get back to half guard.
Hillgrund is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Hillgrund has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Al Qarni is working away from the top position though.
Hillgrund wants to improve his position but Al Qarni is controlling well.

Al Qarni seems to be looking for submissions.
Hillgrund trying to control but Al Qarni postures up.
Al Qarni wants to free his trapped foot but Hillgrund is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Hillgrund is trying to control but can't.
Hillgrund is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fahad Al Qarni dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Harald Hillgrund's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Hillgrund rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Al Qarni moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Hillgrund rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Al Qarni moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Hillgrund closes the distance and clinches up with Al Qarni, looking for a takedown. Hillgrund pushes Al Qarni against the cage but Al Qarni circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Al Qarni fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Hillgrund.
Hillgrund connects with a good right hand that stumbles Al Qarni. Al Qarni circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Al Qarni misses with a hook. Hillgrund ducked under it nicely.
Hillgrund swings for the body but Al Qarni moves out of range.
A quick step to the side and Al Qarni tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Al Qarni scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Hillgrund throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Al Qarni scores with a nice head shot.
Hillgrund misses with a low kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Qarni scores with a hook.
Al Qarni avoids a punch combination nicely.
Hillgrund walks into a stiff left hand from Al Qarni.
Fahad Al Qarni is winning the standup battle so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Qarni moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Al Qarni is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hillgrund can do to turn this around?
Al Qarni on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Al Qarni misses with a low kick.
Good leg kick by Hillgrund there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Al Qarni ducks under a wild hook from Hillgrund.
Hillgrund throws a leg kick that misses.
Danga de danga de dang - Al Qarni scores with a four punch combination!
Hillgrund swinging wildly here.
Hillgrund looks to land a combination but Al Qarni avoids it well.
Al Qarni tests Hillgrund's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Al Qarni misses with an uppercut.
Al Qarni tries to clinch up but Hillgrund circles away and keeps his distance.
The crowd cheers as Al Qarni lands an impressive looking overhand right. Hillgrund doesn't seem phased though.
A nice inside leg kick there by Hillgrund. That's going to slow Al Qarni down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Al Qarni.
Hillgrund tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Al Qarni is able to avoid easily.
Al Qarni tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hillgrund was well out of range. Poor timing from Al Qarni.
Hillgrund avoids the head kick by Al Qarni.
Hillgrund tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Al Qarni cracks Hillgrund with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
A big left from Al Qarni misses.
Hillgrund dips to his left and cracks Al Qarni with an uppercut!
Harald Hillgrund is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hillgrund takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Al Qarni shoots for a takedown but Hillgrund saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Al Qarni throws a leg kick but Hillgrund moved away.
Nice takedown defense from Hillgrund. No joy for Al Qarni on that attempt.
Al Qarni closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hillgrund circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fahad Al Qarni. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Al Qarni throws a head kick that misses.
Hillgrund drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Al Qarni defends it well.
Hillgrund works Al Qarni's body with a nice hook.
Hillgrund ducks under a wild hook from Al Qarni.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hillgrund lands a nice leg kick that just misses Al Qarni's sensitive parts.
Hillgrund fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Al Qarni is out of range.
Hillgrund throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Al Qarni connects with a crisp jab.
Hillgrund has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hillgrund there as he acknowledges the shot.
Al Qarni throws a head kick but Hillgrund moves out of range.
Al Qarni throws a nice looking combination but Hillgrund bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Hillgrund is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hillgrund misses with a hook. Al Qarni ducked under it nicely.
Hillgrund takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Hillgrund digs a good body shot into Al Qarni's ribs.
Hillgrund fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Al Qarni.
Al Qarni throws a good cross that connects.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Al Qarni tries a head kick but it misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Qarni misses the shot to the body.
Hillgrund staying out of range there.
Hillgrund with the counter takedown but Al Qarni avoids it easily.
Al Qarni takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Al Qarni tries to clinch but Hillgrund moves out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Al Qarni misses the target.
Al Qarni blocks a head kick by Hillgrund.
Hillgrund misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Al Qarni shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hillgrund defends it nicely.
Hillgrund steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Al Qarni.
Hillgrund swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hillgrund throws a right and a left that Al Qarni avoids nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A slapping leg kick lands for Hillgrund.
Al Qarni tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hillgrund was well out of range. Poor timing from Al Qarni.
Hillgrund throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
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 Fahad Al Qarni will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Harald Hillgrund's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! 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.

Al Qarni shoots for a takedown but Hillgrund saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Al Qarni throws a sloppy head kick and Hillgrund moves out of range easily.
Hillgrund looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

Hillgrund has managed to clinch.
A shot in the inside from Hillgrund.
Hillgrund misses with some punches.
Hillgrund misses with a punch to the body.
Hillgrund lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hillgrund tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hillgrund is pressed up against the cage. Al Qarni has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hillgrund down to the mat. Hillgrund avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Al Qarni lands a jab.
Hillgrund finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Hillgrund stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Hillgrund wants it to stay on the feet.
Hillgrund changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fahad Al Qarni. 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.
Al Qarni scores with a jab to the jaw.
Al Qarni looks to land a combination but Hillgrund avoids it well.
Hillgrund thows a left - swing and a miss!
Al Qarni throwing a counter right hand but Hillgrund manages to avoid it.
Hillgrund just misses with a punch to the body.
Al Qarni thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Qarni lands a jab.
Al Qarni tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Al Qarni blocks a leg kick.
Hillgrund misses the shot to the body.
Al Qarni on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Jab by Al Qarni.
Al Qarni lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Hillgrund scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Al Qarni blocks a head kick by Hillgrund.
Hillgrund looks to land a left hand but Al Qarni moved out of range nicely.
Hillgrund looks to land a combination but Al Qarni avoids it well.
Hillgrund drops his hands momentarily and Al Qarni takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Al Qarni keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Al Qarni fails to land with a series of punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Al Qarni throws a big shot that misses.
Hillgrund has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hillgrund there as he acknowledges the shot.
Al Qarni fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Al Qarni rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Hillgrund counters with a nice double leg into side control. Al Qarni won't be happy with that.
Al Qarni tries to buck Hillgrund off but Hillgrund is having none of it.
You can see the frustration on Al Qarni's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Al Qarni regains half guard.
Hillgrund scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Hillgrund wants to work for an arm triangle but Al Qarni is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Al Qarni is looking to control Hillgrund's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Al Qarni avoid being mounted?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Qarni is looking for a sweep. Hillgrund is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Still in half guard, Hillgrund seems content to control.
Al Qarni makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Al Qarni.
Hillgrund throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Al Qarni is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Hillgrund has his hands clasped together but Al Qarni extends and breaks Hillgrund's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Al Qarni.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:51 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Fahad Al Qarni!
A relieved looking Fahad Al Qarni thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
Harald Hillgrund was interviewed post fight and said 'This is a setback, but I will bounce back from it. my eyes are still set on that title, I'll get there, you'll see!'.