PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov (ranked 5483 p4p, 0 weight class) and Max Palmer (ranked 3969 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Gazimagomedov
vs
Palmer

175 cm
25
158 lbs
1 - 6 - 0

183 cm
25
156 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 1 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Max Palmer!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, John Roberts and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Palmer tries a head kick but it misses.
Palmer swinging wildly here.
Gazimagomedov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gazimagomedov closes the distance and clinches up with Palmer, looking for a takedown. Gazimagomedov pushes Palmer against the cage but Palmer circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Horrible takedown attempt by Gazimagomedov or perhaps it was just good defense by Palmer, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gazimagomedov avoids the head kick by Palmer.
Gazimagomedov throws a big counter combination but Palmer scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
A head kick misses from Palmer.
Gazimagomedov throwing a counter right hand but Palmer manages to avoid it.
Palmer fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Palmer tries a head kick but it misses.
A counter left hand to the body from Gazimagomedov misses its target.
Gazimagomedov dodges the punch combination from Palmer.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Palmer fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Palmer throws a head kick but Gazimagomedov moves out of range.
Gazimagomedov fails with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Palmer fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Palmer throws a right and a left that both miss.
Palmer looks winded!
Gazimagomedov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Palmer throws a right hand that Gazimagomedov ducks under and follows up with a left that Gazimagomedov also avoids with ease.
Palmer throws a head kick that misses.
Palmer looks to land a combination but Gazimagomedov avoids it well.
Gazimagomedov wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.

Gazimagomedov instigates a clinch.

Gazimagomedov jumps guard and drags Palmer to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Palmer stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Palmer misses with the combination.

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and clinches.
Gazimagomedov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Palmer avoids it.
Gazimagomedov prevents Palmer from breaking the clinch.
Palmer is trying to break the clinch but Gazimagomedov is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Palmer wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Palmer has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Gazimagomedov breaks from the clinch.
Palmer misses with a double jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gazimagomedov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Gazimagomedov moves into the clinch.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gazimagomedov is defended easily by Palmer.
Palmer tries a head kick but it misses.
Gazimagomedov is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Palmer.
Palmer lands an overhand right.
Palmer misses with the combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gazimagomedov has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Palmer swinging wildly here.
Palmer misses with a head kick.
A swing and a miss from Palmer.
Palmer keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Gazimagomedov moves into the clinch.
Gazimagomedov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Palmer is trying to break free.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov throws a knee to the head but misses.
Gazimagomedov has Palmer pressed against the cage, preventing Palmer from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Palmer looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Gazimagomedov is looking to take this one to the mat.

Palmer manages to break the clinch.
Max Palmer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Palmer swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Gazimagomedov cracks the inside of Palmer's front leg.
Palmer throws a sloppy head kick and Gazimagomedov moves out of range easily.
Gazimagomedov has a takedown stuffed.
Palmer tries to bum rush Gazimagomedov with a series of wild strikes but Gazimagomedov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Gazimagomedov clinches.
Gazimagomedov holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Palmer looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Palmer dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Palmer misses with a double jab.
Gazimagomedov tries to counter by clinching up but Palmer breaks away and moves out of range.
Palmer throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Gazimagomedov counters with a body kick that stops Palmer in his tracks momentarily.
Palmer swinging wildly here.
Gazimagomedov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Palmer finds it's way round the side to connect with Gazimagomedov's head.

Palmer tries to keep at a distance but Gazimagomedov has taken the fight into the clinch.
Gazimagomedov tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Palmer just stands there and leans against the cage.
Palmer has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Palmer.
A bit of stalling here from Gazimagomedov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Palmer wants to get back to striking at distance but Gazimagomedov won't allow it.
Palmer is trying to break the clinch but Gazimagomedov has him pressed against the cage.
Gazimagomedov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Palmer pulls his leg out and moves away.
Gazimagomedov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Palmer.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Palmer defends well and Gazimagomedov ends up having to push Palmer into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Palmer misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Jab from Palmer.
Palmer throws a sloppy head kick and Gazimagomedov moves out of range easily.
Gazimagomedov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Palmer misses with a series of wild punches.

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and pushes Palmer back into the cage.

Gazimagomedov successfully pulls guard.
Gazimagomedov knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Palmer on the ground.
Gazimagomedov doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Palmer wants to get up but he can't break Gazimagomedov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Palmer is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Gazimagomedov looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov wants to sweep here but Palmer controlling him for the moment.
Palmer wants to stand but Gazimagomedov is controlling his posture from full guard.
Gazimagomedov thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.

Gazimagomedov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Palmer gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Gazimagomedov doesn't manage to clinch there - Palmer circles away.
Gazimagomedov takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Palmer misses with a jab, cross combination.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Gazimagomedov clinches.
Gazimagomedov swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Palmer is trying to force a seperation but Gazimagomedov has the dominant position.
Stalling in the clinch from Gazimagomedov.
Gazimagomedov has Palmer pressed against the cage, preventing Palmer from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Palmer is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Gazimagomedov is looking for a takedown.
Palmer wants to get back to striking at distance but Gazimagomedov won't allow it.
Gazimagomedov jumps guard but Palmer stands there with Gazimagomedov around his waist. Gazimagomedov gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Palmer wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Gazimagomedov throws a punch but it's blocked by Palmer.
Palmer is trying to push Gazimagomedov away but Gazimagomedov has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Palmer blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A bit of stalling here from Gazimagomedov.
Palmer is trying to break the clinch but Gazimagomedov is controlling him.
Gazimagomedov prevents Palmer from breaking the clinch.

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.
Gazimagomedov fails to pull guard.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.
Sloppy strikes from Palmer. Those never looked like landing.
Palmer throws a series of punches but Gazimagomedov moves out of range.
Palmer misses with a double jab.

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and clinches.
Gazimagomedov tries to land knees in the clinch but Palmer avoids the damage to the body.
Palmer wants to get back to striking at distance but Gazimagomedov won't allow it.
Palmer has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Gazimagomedov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Palmer smiles and moves away.
Palmer misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Max Palmer is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Gazimagomedov instigates a clinch.

Gazimagomedov jumps guard and drags Palmer to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Palmer is looking to stand up but Gazimagomedov won't let him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Palmer showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Gazimagomedov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Palmer sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gazimagomedov somewhat.
Palmer tries a head kick but it misses.
Gazimagomedov went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Palmer misses with a wild combination.

Gazimagomedov clinches up against the cage.

Gazimagomedov manages to break the clinch.
Some wild striking there from Palmer.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Palmer cracks Gazimagomedov with a good jab.
Palmer scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Palmer gets caught flat footed, as Gazimagomedov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Palmer is looking to stand up but Gazimagomedov isn't so interested in that idea.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gazimagomedov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Palmer is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Gazimagomedov presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Gazimagomedov tries to pull guard but Palmer forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Gazimagomedov stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Palmer wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Gazimagomedov has him pressed against the cage.
Gazimagomedov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Palmer's efforts to push away.
Palmer wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Gazimagomedov has him pressed against the cage.
Palmer is pressed up against the cage. Gazimagomedov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Palmer down to the mat. Palmer avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Palmer lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Palmer, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Gazimagomedov shoots for a takedown but Palmer saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Gazimagomedov blocks a head kick by Palmer.
Palmer lands a two punch combo.
Palmer lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Palmer loads up on a big right hand but Gazimagomedov slips the punch.
Gazimagomedov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Palmer as he avoids it easily.
Palmer has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Palmer misses with a double jab.

Gazimagomedov moves into the clinch successfully.
Palmer is trying to break the clinch but Gazimagomedov has him pressed against the cage.
Palmer is trying to break free.
Palmer tries to break the clinch but Gazimagomedov is controlling the position.

Gazimagomedov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Palmer throws a series of punches but Gazimagomedov moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gazimagomedov closes the distance and clinches.

Gazimagomedov has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Palmer clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

Palmer is looking to stand back up. He's having to work hard to escape but eventually he manages it.
Palmer throws a sloppy head kick and Gazimagomedov moves out of range easily.
Palmer misses with an uppercut. Gazimagomedov saw that one coming.
Palmer throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Palmer uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Gazimagomedov.
Sloppy strikes from Palmer. Those never looked like landing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Gazimagomedov drives through and clinches with Palmer against the cage.
Palmer is trying to break the clinch but Gazimagomedov is controlling him.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Gazimagomedov leaning his opponent against the cage.
Palmer tries to circle away but Gazimagomedov has him pinned against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Palmer gets underhooks to prevent Gazimagomedov's takedown attempt.
Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Gazimagomedov has Palmer pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Palmer manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Palmer has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Gazimagomedov taking a breather.
Palmer is trying to break free.
Palmer working hard to break the clinch.
Palmer is trying to break the clinch but Gazimagomedov has him pressed against the cage.
Palmer tries to circle away but Gazimagomedov has him pinned against the cage.
Palmer has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Palmer wants to break the clinch but can't.
Gazimagomedov effectively controlling the action here.
Mukhammadgafur Gazimagomedov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Max Palmer is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Palmer wants to break the clinch but can't.

And that's the end of the fight!
Max Palmer comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Palmer winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Russell Pearce scores the fight 27:30
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Max Palmer!