PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Terry Tatum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Timur Umarov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Umarov has chosen Rizavdi Ismailov - Vpered Akhmat as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Tatum
vs
Umarov

180 cm
26
180 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

178 cm
26
183 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Terry Tatum!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Timur Umarov!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Stewart Dunkirk and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tatum falls off balance throwing a combination

and Umarov counters with a shoot takedown. Tatum fights it but they end up in guard.
Tatum looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Tatum is working hard here to advance position.

Tatum working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Umarov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Umarov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Umarov throws a big elbow that misses.
Umarov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tatum's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Umarov is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Tatum keeping moving, preventing Umarov from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatum utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Umarov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Umarov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Umarov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tatum wants to sweep here but Umarov controlling him for the moment.
Tatum is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Umarov postures up in Tatum's guard and throws a big left but Tatum blocks it.
Tatum is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Umarov controls from within his opponent's guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Tatum is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Tatum fails with an attempt to clinch.
Umarov wants to clinch but Tatum slips to the side
and Tatum counters with a left and a right that stings Umarov.
Tatum is looking to clinch.
And Umarov tries to counter it with a takedown but Tatum pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Tatum throws a right hand that Umarov ducks under and follows up with a left that Umarov also avoids with ease.

Umarov darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Umarov is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tatum blocking the ground and pound attempt from Umarov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tatum is trying to stand.
Umarov is thwarting Tatum's attempts to control the position.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Umarov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Umarov is looking to advance position but Tatum won't allow it.
Umarov has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Tatum taking shots to the head.
Tatum tries to hold on but Umarov postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Umarov landing shots from mount.
Umarov in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.

Umarov is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Tatum can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Umarov landing punches.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tatum can't escape the position.

Umarov jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Tatum is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Tatum and Umarov has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Umarov is trying to ground and pound but Tatum uses the momentary lack of control by Umarov to regain half guard.
Tatum is not content to let Umarov control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Timur Umarov dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Tatum throws a leg kick but Umarov sees it coming and moves out of range.
Umarov feints the counter takedown.
Umarov shoots and misses
and Umarov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Umarov shoots for a takedown but Tatum saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A little feinted left hand from Tatum on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Tatum fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Tatum is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Tatum misses with a combination

and Umarov counters with a shoot takedown. Tatum fights it but they end up in guard.
Tatum is looking to stand back up but Umarov counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Tatum.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Umarov seems to be looking for submissions.
Timur Umarov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Umarov drops an elbow to the side of Tatum's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatum is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Umarov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Umarov's back!
A lull in the action here.
Umarov trying to control the action but Tatum just sinks the hooks in.
Tatum tries to keep control of the position but Umarov is staying busy.
Umarov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Umarov is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Tatum.
I really don't envy Umarov right now.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Tatum controlling the positon.
Umarov looking very determined here, making life difficult for Tatum.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Umarov is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Tatum wants to control but Umarov is keeping busy.
Umarov tries to roll but Tatum sticks to his back.
Umarov is still trying to improve position.
Umarov trying to control the hands but Tatum won't let him.
You can see the frustration on Umarov's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
A lull in the action here.
Umarov is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Umarov is really stuck here.
Umarov tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Tatum raining down hammerfists from mount.
Umarov bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Umarov throwing strikes but missing.
Umarov wants to control from the top but Tatum keeps moving.
Umarov throws a big elbow that misses.
Umarov distracts Tatum with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Umarov has gone for a leg lock! Tatum slips out almost immediately though and dives into Umarov's guard.

Tatum trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tatum landing with the ground and pound.
Tatum content to stall in guard here.
Tatum is working Umarov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Umarov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Tatum doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Tatum manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Tatum postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Umarov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Tatum counters with a series of strikes. Umarov will be more careful next time no doubt.
Tatum defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Umarov.
Tatum tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Tatum tries to land a body kick

and Umarov counters with a shoot takedown. Tatum fights it but they end up in guard.
Umarov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Umarov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Umarov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Tatum is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Umarov distracts Tatum with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Tatum is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Umarov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatum is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Tatum tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Umarov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Tatum wants to sweep here but Umarov controlling him for the moment.
Tatum is trying to control the position but Umarov postures up.
Umarov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Umarov postures up in Tatum's guard and throws a big left but Tatum blocks it.
Umarov stops Tatum from standing up.

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.
Umarov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tatum's head.
Umarov is looking to pass into half guard but Tatum pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Tatum is in guard.

Umarov wants to control the position but Tatum says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Umarov regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Tatum.

Umarov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Tatum content to stall in guard here.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Umarov can do anything to dispel that myth.
Tatum wants to pass the guard but Umarov is keeping the position.

Umarov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Tatum can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Umarov has his foot on Tatum's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Tatum works his way back into a safe position though.
Tatum wants to control from the top but Umarov keeps moving.

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

Umarov had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Tatum defends it easily.
Tatum trying to control the position from guard on top but Umarov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Umarov looking to control but Tatum passes into half guard.

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.
Tatum passes to side control.

Tatum stands up and beckons Umarov to his feet.
Tatum misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Terry Tatum is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tatum throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tatum throws out a leg kick but Umarov moves out of range and Tatum only half commits.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Umarov shoots in for a takedown but Tatum shows good takedown defense.
Terry Tatum has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Timur Umarov.
Tatum throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Umarov shoots for a double leg takedown but Tatum sprawls well. He's pushed Umarov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Terry Tatum did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Tatum stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Tatum wants it to stay on the feet.
Tatum swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Tatum throws an overhand right that lands on Umarov's shoulder, as Umarov tries to avoid the shot.
Umarov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Tatum looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Tatum leaves Umarov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A low kick from Tatum is predictable there

and Umarov counters with a single leg into guard. Tatum didn't expect that.
Umarov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Tatum looking to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Umarov wants to control from the top but Tatum keeps moving.

Umarov drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Tatum dives on top into guard.

Tatum looking to sit in guard and control but Umarov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Umarov pushing down on Tatum's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Tatum blocking the ground and pound attempt from Umarov.

Umarov is trying to work for a kimura but Tatum is defending well.
Tatum wants to control but Umarov is keeping busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tatum gets back to full guard.
Tatum avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Umarov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Umarov wants to control from the top but Tatum keeps moving.
Umarov stopping the sweep attempt from Tatum.

Tatum is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

Umarov has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Tatum regains guard immediately.

Tatum is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tatum looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Umarov has Tatum pressed against the cage, preventing Tatum from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Tatum prevents the takedown attempt.
Terry Tatum has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Timur Umarov.
Tatum is trying to break the clinch but Umarov is controlling him.
Tatum prevents the takedown attempt.
Tatum working hard to break the clinch.
Tatum looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Tatum tries to circle away but Umarov has him pinned against the cage.
Umarov has Tatum pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Tatum manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Umarov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Umarov can't get the takedown.
Umarov is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Umarov looking for a takedown.

Tatum breaks the clinch.
Tatum misses with a head kick.
Umarov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Tatum fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Umarov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Umarov shoots in and drives through. Tatum sprawls well.
Tatum scores with a head kick. Umarov tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Umarov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Terry Tatum had his way with Timur Umarov in that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Umarov goes for a double leg but Tatum avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Tatum continues to drive forward.
Umarov circles away from the clinch attempt

and Umarov counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Umarov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Tatum has managed to free his arm - good work.
Tatum moves into full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Umarov postures up in Tatum's guard and throws a big left but Tatum blocks it.
Umarov throwing strikes but missing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Umarov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Tatum controls Umarov momentarily but Umarov frees himself.
Umarov throws a strike but Tatum rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Tatum wants to control from the top but Umarov keeps moving.
Tatum throws a big elbow that misses.
Tatum controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Umarov trying to control the position here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tatum trying to control the position from guard on top but Umarov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tatum tries to free his leg and advance position but Umarov is retaining full guard.

Umarov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Tatum can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Tatum preventing the sweep.
Tatum trying to stand up but can't free himself from Umarov's guard.

Umarov looking for a guillotine here but Tatum defends easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Umarov keeping moving, preventing Tatum from controlling successfully.

Umarov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Tatum advances position into side control!

Tatum decides to stand back up.
Tatum tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Tatum is looking to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Umarov avoids the head kick by Tatum.
Umarov is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Tatum.

It looks like Timur Umarov has been cut.
Tatum misses with a low kick.
Terry Tatum is winning the standup battle so far.
Tatum leaves Umarov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Umarov shoots for a double leg takedown but Tatum sprawls well. He's pushed Umarov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Terry Tatum is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Terry Tatum has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Timur Umarov.
Umarov fails to land the takedown.
Timur Umarov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Umarov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tatum tries to close the distance and clinch up but Umarov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Tatum fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

And that's the end of the fight!
Terry Tatum showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Tatum has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 49:46
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 49:46
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Terry Tatum!
Terry Tatum retains his welterweight title!
Terry Tatum thanked the fans post fight for their support.