PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nooh Al Noorani (ranked 4004 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mateh Kazana (ranked 6388 p4p, 0 weight class). Kazana has a niggling injury. He would have liked to come in 100% fit but that's not always possible. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Al Noorani
vs
Kazana

178 cm
25
156 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

173 cm
25
156 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nooh Al Noorani!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mateh Kazana!
The judges for this bout are David Schapiro, Jonathan Paton and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Noorani tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kazana sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Al Noorani somewhat.
Kazana looks winded!
Al Noorani shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kazana sprawls well. Kazana wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Al Noorani gets slowly back to his feet.
Kazana changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Al Noorani tries to avoid it but Kazana manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Al Noorani to the ground. Al Noorani escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Al Noorani shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nooh Al Noorani. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Al Noorani fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kazana avoids it really well and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kazana goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Al Noorani fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Despite the aggression on Kazana's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kazana closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kazana tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Al Noorani smiles and moves away.
Al Noorani fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kazana is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Al Noorani shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kazana as he avoids it easily.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Al Noorani.
Kazana displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Al Noorani.
Kazana thows a left - swing and a miss!
Al Noorani fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kazana stuffs the takedown.
Kazana has a takedown stuffed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Al Noorani shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Kazana really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Al Noorani. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Kazana has hold of Al Noorani's hands but Al Noorani slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Kazana avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Al Noorani.
Al Noorani scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kazana is looking to control Al Noorani's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Kazana avoid being mounted?
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Al Noorani lands a nice short elbow.
Al Noorani scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Al Noorani working the head and body with strikes.
Nice strikes from Al Noorani there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Noorani scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Kazana tries to get to full guard but Al Noorani has control of the leg.
Al Noorani looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Kazana with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Al Noorani is thwarting Kazana's attempts to control the position.
Al Noorani seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Al Noorani winds up and cracks Kazana with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Ground and pound from Al Noorani.
Al Noorani not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Al Noorani lands with a punch from half guard.
Al Noorani lands with a punch from half guard.
Al Noorani working Kazana over with strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Al Noorani takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Noorani working the head and body with strikes.
Kazana has hold of Al Noorani's hands but Al Noorani slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Kazana on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Al Noorani working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Al Noorani working the head and body with strikes.
Al Noorani looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Al Noorani sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Kazana defending well though.
Al Noorani is nestled in close to Kazana, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kazana taking some punishment here, with Al Noorani in his half guard.
Al Noorani not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Al Noorani drops an elbow to the side of Kazana's head.
Al Noorani sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Kazana defending well though.
Al Noorani winds up and cracks Kazana with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Al Noorani scoring with strikes to the body and head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nooh Al Noorani dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kazana throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Al Noorani throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kazana's waist but Kazana gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Al Noorani off to one side.
Kazana thuds his shin into the meat of Al Noorani's side.
Al Noorani fails with the takedown.
Kazana fails with an attempt to clinch.
Al Noorani misses with a takedown
and Kazana counters with a nice low kick that buckles Al Noorani's knee momentarily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nooh Al Noorani. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kazana lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Al Noorani backs up against the cage.

Al Noorani bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Kazana taking punishment in the form of punches.
Al Noorani 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.
Al Noorani landing a few strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Al Noorani misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Al Noorani in side control, throwing shots but Kazana defends.
Kazana takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Noorani working the body and head with strikes.
Kazana is looking for a sweep.
Al Noorani is working Kazana over with some ground and pound from side control.
Al Noorani misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Kazana takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Al Noorani working the ground and pound from side control.
Al Noorani is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kazana can do to turn this around?
Kazana takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Kazana is trying to control Al Noorani's posture but Al Noorani avoids it.
Al Noorani landing strikes.
Al Noorani working away.
Al Noorani lands a nice forearm strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kazana on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Al Noorani working the head and body with strikes.
Kazana on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Kazana dodges the ground and pound from Al Noorani.
Kazana struggling a bit here.
Al Noorani landing strikes.
Kazana struggling a bit here.
Kazana wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Kazana on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Al Noorani scores with punches from side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kazana on the wrong end of some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Noorani working the head and body with strikes.
Kazana tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Al Noorani lands an elbow.
Al Noorani throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Al Noorani is chipping away with strikes.
Nooh Al Noorani overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Al Noorani is working Kazana over with some ground and pound from side control.
Kazana taking punishment in the form of punches.
Al Noorani throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Al Noorani scores with punches from side control.
Al Noorani misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Kazana is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Kazana takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Al Noorani scoring with punches from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Noorani cracks Kazana with a big elbow.
Al Noorani lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Kazana takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Al Noorani landing a few strikes.
Kazana takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kazana is looking for a sweep.
Kazana manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Kazana blocks the strikes from Al Noorani.
Kazana blocks the strikes from Al Noorani.
Al Noorani manages to get to full guard.
Al Noorani lands an upkick as Kazana stands over him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nooh Al Noorani dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Al Noorani shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kazana defends it nicely.
Al Noorani backing away here, and Kazana unleashes a leg kick that just misses.

Al Noorani throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Kazana tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Al Noorani is in Kazana's guard.
Al Noorani postures up.

Al Noorani avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Al Noorani makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Noorani scoring with punches to the head and body.
Al Noorani working some strikes from top position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kazana trying to control the position.
Al Noorani landing with the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Noorani is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Al Noorani throwing strikes but missing.
Al Noorani landing some decent shots from guard.
Al Noorani trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Kazana avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Al Noorani lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Al Noorani's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Al Noorani is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Al Noorani chips away with some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Noorani in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Al Noorani is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Kazana is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Kazana wants to take a breather but Al Noorani is having none of it.
Al Noorani manages to get to full guard.
Al Noorani will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Kazana wants to get up but he can't break Al Noorani's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Al Noorani strikes from his own guard.
Al Noorani throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Al Noorani trying to strike off his back.
Kazana wanted to stand there but Al Noorani had control of the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kazana trying to control but Al Noorani is working from the bottom.
Al Noorani tries to land a sweep but no joy.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Al Noorani is on top in guard.

Kazana has momentary wrist control but Al Noorani slips an elbow through the middle.
Al Noorani is working Kazana over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Al Noorani throws an elbow that misses. Kazana uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Al Noorani's guard. Nice move by Kazana!

Kazana engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Kazana wants to control from the top but Al Noorani keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Noorani throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Kazana must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Al Noorani lands some strikes from the bottom.
Kazana has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Al Noorani is proving hard to escape from.
Al Noorani with a couple of shots from the bottom there - nothing Kazana can't handle though.
Al Noorani on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Al Noorani tries to get out of the position.
Al Noorani tries to strike from the bottom.
Al Noorani striking off his back but it's not causing Kazana any problems.
Kazana is pushing down on Al Noorani's leg trying to pass to half guard. Al Noorani is fighting to maintain full guard but Kazana has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kazana wants to get back to his feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Al Noorani missing with punches from the bottom.
Mateh Kazana has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nooh Al Noorani is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Al Noorani has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kazana is working away from the top position though.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nooh Al Noorani showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Al Noorani, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nooh Al Noorani!