PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Samuel Cooke (ranked 1680 p4p, 197 weight class) and Azar Qasi (ranked 1966 p4p, 223 weight class). Cooke kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Harm's Way - Warriors Will Reign. Qasi has chosen For Whom The Bell Tolls as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Cooke
vs
Qasi

184 cm
27
161 lbs
15 - 11 - 0

180 cm
37
166 lbs
32 - 17 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Sin City Allstars

Perkele!

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 15 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Samuel Cooke!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 17 - 1, fighting out of New York, Azar Qasi!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Steve Erwin and Bruno Hogan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Qasi shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Cooke as he avoids it easily.
Cooke tries to close the distance and clinch up but Qasi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Qasi is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Cooke with a body shot.

Cooke gets a clinch.
A knee to the head by Cooke.
Qasi blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Qasi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Qasi cracks Cooke with an open hand slap.
Qasi swings for the body but Cooke moves out of range.
Cooke connects with a looping right hand.
Cooke throws a body kick that misses.

Cooke gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Qasi lands with a right to the head.
Qasi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Cooke lands an elbow just above Qasi 's eye.
This has been an exciting period of action!
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Qasi creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Qasi blocks the elbow strike.
Cooke lands an elbow inside that Qasi shrugs off.
Qasi throws a head punch that misses.
Qasi lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Qasi misses with a hook from the clinch.

Qasi's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Qasi missing with a left hand there. Cooke was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Qasi lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Cooke has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Cooke and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Qasi looks to land a right hand but Cooke moved out of range.
Qasi slaps away a takedown attempt from Cooke, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Cooke displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Qasi throws out the jab.
Qasi closes the distance and clinches up with Cooke, looking for a takedown. Qasi pushes Cooke against the cage but Cooke circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Qasi throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Cooke looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Cooke jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cooke attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
A big right from Qasi misses.
Qasi misses with a wild body shot.
A quick step to the side and Cooke tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Qasi blocks a head kick by Cooke.
As Cooke backs off Qasi throws a huge counter combo but Cooke manages to avoid it all.
A big right from Cooke misses.
Qasi lands a lovely overhand right.
Qasi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cooke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A solid body kick from Cooke.
Cooke uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Qasi.
Qasi checks the leg kick nicely there.
Nice uppercut there from Cooke.
Cooke lands with a thumping leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Qasi fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Cooke looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Cooke throws a looping overhand right but Qasi ducks down to avoid it.
Qasi misses with a hook. Cooke ducked under it nicely.
Qasi just misses with a punch to the body.
Qasi swings for the body but Cooke moves out of range.
Cooke bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Qasi looks to land a right hand but Cooke moved out of range.
Cooke displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Qasi throws out the jab.
Qasi just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromCooke.
A big left from Qasi misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cooke. Qasi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Qasi connects with a solid leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cooke pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Qasi throws a jab but it's blocked by Cooke.
Cooke quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Cooke's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Cooke duly obliges.
Qasi throws a body punch but Cooke moves out of range.
Cooke takes one to the chin there.
Good shot there by Cooke.
Qasi jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cooke ducks under a wild hook from Qasi.
Cooke shoots in looking for a takedown. Qasi tries to sprawl out of it but Cooke keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Qasi manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Qasi listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Cooke tries to land a front kick but Qasi steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Qasi moves out of range of the body kick from Cooke.
Qasi waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cooke.
Qasi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cooke sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Qasi scores with a jab to the head.
Cooke lands a nice leg kick that just misses Qasi's sensitive parts.
Cooke throws a head kick that misses.
Cooke slips a straight right by Qasi.
Qasi moves out of range of the body kick from Cooke.
Cooke takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Qasi tries a head kick but it misses.
Qasi loads up on a big right hand but Cooke slips the punch.
Qasi needs to keep his hands up - Cooke had a free shot at his head there.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Cooke.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Qasi is looking to reverse the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Samuel Cooke will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Qasi keeps the fight on the outside.
A swing and a miss from Qasi.
Cooke fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Qasi has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Cooke clobbers Qasi with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Qasi moves out of range of the body kick.
Cooke is looking to score with low kicks.
Cooke lands a head kick. Qasi smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Qasi shoots in for a takedown but Cooke shows good takedown defense.
Cooke jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
A head kick from Cooke lands but Qasi takes it in his stride.
Cooke misses with an uppercut.

Cooke looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cooke scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cooke landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Qasi tries to roll over but Cooke keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cooke perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
The fighters are battling for position here. Qasi manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cooke is pushing down on Qasi's leg trying to pass to half guard. Qasi is fighting to maintain full guard but Cooke has managed to sneak the leg through.
Cooke prevents Qasi from improving his position.
Qasi moves into full guard.

Qasi has his foot on Cooke's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Cooke works his way back into a safe position though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cooke looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Cooke preventing the sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cooke trying to control the position from guard on top but Qasi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Qasi is trying to control the position but Cooke postures up.

Qasi looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Cooke has picked Qasi up and slammed him! Qasi can't keep hold of the triangle and Cooke manages to pass to side control!
Qasi is letting Cooke control him for a moment.
Qasi manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

Qasi is working for a kimura but Cooke is defending it quite comfortably.
Qasi is looking to take a break and control but Cooke is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Qasi seems to be looking for submissions.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Cooke is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Qasi pulls his head out easily.

Qasi is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Cooke doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Qasi.
Qasi wants to free his trapped foot but Cooke is holding on for dear life with his legs.

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.
Qasi prevents Cooke from improving his position.
Qasi is controlling the pace.
Cooke moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Qasi trying to control but Cooke is working from the bottom.
Cooke wants to sweep here but Qasi controlling him for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Samuel Cooke dominated that second round.
That's time! Cooke's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Qasi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A head kick misses from Qasi.
Qasi stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Qasi wants it to stay on the feet.
Azar Qasi seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A looping hook to the body misses from Qasi. Cooke does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cooke drops down looking for a counter takedown but Qasi sprawls and moves away.
Cooke scores with a kick to the midsection.
Qasi throws a front kick that sends Cooke stumbling back into the cage.
Cooke throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Cooke throws a leg kick but Qasi sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Qasi jabs Cooke right on the nose. Cooke blinks but takes it well.
Cooke ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Qasi moves away.
Qasi throws a hook but Cooke blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Qasi lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Cooke has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Cooke and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Qasi shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Cooke defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cooke looks to land a combination but Qasi avoids it well.
Qasi looks to land a right hand but Cooke moved out of range.
Cooke changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A shot to the liver by Qasi. Beautiful body shot.
Cooke is looking to clinch.
Qasi throws an overhand right that lands on Cooke's shoulder, as Cooke tries to avoid the shot.

Qasi gets caught napping as Cooke dives in and scores a takedown. Qasi manages to retain guard.
Qasi is looking to sweep but instead, Cooke has passed into half guard.
Cooke drops an elbow to the side of Qasi's head.
Cooke is keen to just control but Qasi is a slippery customer.
Cooke has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Qasi is looking for a sweep. Cooke is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Cooke is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Qasi sees it coming and defends easily.
Qasi is staying active underneath Cooke, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Azar Qasi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Qasi wants to get back to full guard.
Qasi makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Qasi.
Qasi wants to sweep but no luck.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Qasi is looking for a triangle here but Cooke uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Cooke trying to control the action but Qasi is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Qasi tries to improve position but can't.
Qasi is not content to let Cooke control the position.
Qasi is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Qasi takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

That's four 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.
Cooke working the ground and pound.
Cooke wants to control but Qasi is keeping him busy.
Cooke lands a few punches from side control.
Qasi is looking to regain half guard here but Cooke keeps moving and retains side control.
Samuel Cooke is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Qasi regains half guard.
Cooke is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Qasi is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cooke wants to control but Qasi is keeping him busy.

And that's the end of the fight!
Samuel Cooke showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cooke, 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 John Mangel scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Erwin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Samuel Cooke!
An out of breath Samuel Cooke thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.