PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rashad Castro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Khabib Nurmagomedov enters the cage!

Castro
vs
Nurmagomedov

163 cm
24
346 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

225 cm
25
300 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rashad Castro!
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, Khabib Nurmagomedov!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Bruno Lombardi and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nurmagomedov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
It looked like Castro was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.

Castro tries to keep at a distance but Nurmagomedov has taken the fight into the clinch.
Castro really is a fat lump.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Castro gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Castro drags the fight down to the ground.
Nurmagomedov slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov passes Castro's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Nurmagomedov is trying to control. Castro wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Castro tries to roll over but Nurmagomedov keeps him under control.
Nurmagomedov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov controlling the action here.
Nurmagomedov working the head and body with strikes.
Castro wants to improve his position but Nurmagomedov is controlling well.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the action but Castro is working from the bottom.
Nurmagomedov might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Castro haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Castro looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Castro might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Nurmagomedov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Nurmagomedov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Castro tries to kick Nurmagomedov off in order to stand up. Nurmagomedov Avoids the leg push though and dives into side control.
Nurmagomedov trying to control the action but Castro is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Castro tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Nurmagomedov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Nurmagomedov controlling from side mount.
Castro is looking to regain half guard here but Nurmagomedov keeps moving and retains side control.
Castro takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Nurmagomedov is looking to take a break and control but Castro is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Nurmagomedov landing strikes.

It looks like Rashad Castro has been cut.
Nurmagomedov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Castro is looking to regain half guard here but Nurmagomedov keeps moving and retains side control.
Nurmagomedov working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

Castro is rocked!

Rashad Castro's cut is getting worse.
Nurmagomedov scoring with punches from side control.
Oh Castro is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Nurmagomedov cracks Castro with a big elbow. Oh, he's hurt! Nurmagomedov immediately mounts and start dropping bombs! Castro is done! The referee jumps in and saves him from any more punishment - a quick and decisive finish by Nurmagomedov!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Khabib Nurmagomedov!