Post by The Sandman on Feb 15, 2021 20:25:28 GMT -5
Khabib Nurmagomedov shifts back and forth nervously.
Matt Hughes looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Hughes looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Khabib Nurmagomedov's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Nurmagomedov studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Hughes and Nurmagomedov circle around the center of the cage.
Khabib Nurmagomedov fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Khabib Nurmagomedov didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov tries to close his guard around Hughes
He succeeds!
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes is in closed guard... Nurmagomedov tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Matt Hughes!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to roll to his side and trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard...
Khabib Nurmagomedov keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes is cooling the fight on the ground
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to better his position on the ground...
Matt Hughes tries to roll on the ground...
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes is in closed guard... Nurmagomedov tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Matt Hughes!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov hovers above Hughes
Good punches to Hughes's body.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Nurmagomedov catch Matt Hughes's right arm and tries a kimura
Matt Hughes holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to better his position on the ground...
Matt Hughes tries to roll on the ground...
Hughes tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Matt Hughes tries to roll to his side and trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard...
Matt Hughes gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He is not able to do it
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Nurmagomedov is holding Matt Hughes's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Matt Hughes loses balance and goes to the ground.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
The clock says 3:00 in the 1 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov keeps control and remains in side mount.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes tries to show some ground skills
Nurmagomedov uses his strength to keep Nurmagomedov at a disadvantage
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Nurmagomedov is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Hughes's ribs.
Hughes blocks Khabib Nurmagomedov's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Nurmagomedov's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Nurmagomedov tries to cover his face,
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to full guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes works on the ground with his fingers over Nurmagomedov's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Josh Rosenthal saw it!
Josh Rosenthal allows Nurmagomedov time to recover... The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Solid jabs from Matt Hughes.
Nurmagomedov defends.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Khabib Nurmagomedov didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov measures the resilience of Hughes's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Hughes's side.
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes tries to pass to half guard...
Khabib Nurmagomedov can't prevent his opponent from passing. Hughes looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
This round is maybe for Khabib Nurmagomedov, but it's close.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
The two exchange wildly
Nurmagomedov is connecting with a few punches
Matt Hughes tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Nurmagomedov is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov is cooling the fight on the ground
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov is getting frustrated here.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Nurmagomedov tries to close his guard around Hughes
He succeeds!
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes looks to posture up and open Khabib Nurmagomedov's guard...
Matt Hughes forces Khabib Nurmagomedov to open his guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov attempts a triangle from bottom! Matt Hughes slips out. Nurmagomedov quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Matt Hughes slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Khabib Nurmagomedov. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Matt Hughes fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Nurmagomedov blocks that. It was easy!
Nurmagomedov is trying to counter now!
Khabib Nurmagomedov fakes a punch and launches himself over Matt Hughes
Great move by Nurmagomedov who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Khabib Nurmagomedov pushes away Hughes trying to keep the fight at striking range
Hughes stumbles backwards and Khabib Nurmagomedov circles to get the center of the cage
Khabib Nurmagomedov shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Matt Hughes is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Nurmagomedov into his guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Khabib Nurmagomedov creates enough space to control Matt Hughes's leg.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts to move to full guard
Khabib Nurmagomedov manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:20 in the 2 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to open up Khabib Nurmagomedov's defense faking a few punches.
Khabib Nurmagomedov wraps his arms around Hughes's arms and counters the punches.
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Hughes pulls his arm out of danger.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes tries to escape from closed guard...
Hughes struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Matt Hughes pushes Nurmagomedov's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nurmagomedov wraps his legs while he holds Matt Hughes's head... Tight guard!
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Matt Hughes pushes Nurmagomedov's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nurmagomedov rolls and he's now on half guard over Matt Hughes. Nice reversal.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in half guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to get a side mount...
Hughes wraps his leg around Khabib Nurmagomedov leg and prevents him from moving.
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts a sweep single...
Matt Hughes was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
A punch from Matt Hughes
grazes Nurmagomedov's right cheek.
There is a small laceration on Khabib Nurmagomedov's Right cheek
Matt Hughes tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Matt Hughes who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
Khabib Nurmagomedov pushes away Hughes trying to keep the fight at striking range
Hughes stumbles backwards and Khabib Nurmagomedov circles to get the center of the cage
Hughes steps backwards and lowers his arms while breathing heavily... He seems tired.
Hughes steps backwards away from Khabib Nurmagomedov. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Khabib Nurmagomedov takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to bring the fight to the ground
Hughes goes down.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Nurmagomedov's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Nurmagomedov tries to cover his face,
The clock says 4:35 in the 2 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov pushes Matt Hughes against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Matt Hughes struggles not allowing Khabib Nurmagomedov improve his position.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to finish with a leg lock!
Hughes is able to break the lock.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:20 in the 3 round
Hughes studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
Nurmagomedov looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Matt Hughes's punches
Nurmagomedov is on the receiving end of a great combo by Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Matt Hughes is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Nurmagomedov into his guard.
The clock says 0:50 in the 3 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Hughes has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent.
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to counter!
Nurmagomedov tries to open up Matt Hughes's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Hughes in the side of the head
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to open up Matt Hughes's defense faking a few punches.
Matt Hughes wraps his arms around Nurmagomedov's arms and counters the punches.
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Khabib Nurmagomedov efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Matt Hughes rolls Khabib Nurmagomedov to his stomach and takes his back!
The clock says 1:55 in the 3 round
Hughes is in rear mount over Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes tries to get his arm under Khabib Nurmagomedov's chin but can't do it. He locks his arms over Khabib Nurmagomedov's neck and tries to finish him with a neck crank!
Khabib Nurmagomedov easily defends the attempt.
Hughes is in rear mount over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Nurmagomedov! Hughes has one hook in and keeps working!
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts a sweep single...
Khabib Nurmagomedov catches Matt Hughes's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is moving on the ground...
Hughes tries to counter Nurmagomedov's moves on the ground.
The clock says 2:40 in the 3 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to better his position on the ground...
Hughes holds Khabib Nurmagomedov's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Hughes breaths deeply while on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to counter!
Pitty-pat punches from Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes doesn't flinch.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to escape from closed guard...
Hughes waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Khabib Nurmagomedov! He is reversed and nor Matt Hughes is on half guard!
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Bone shattering straight left hand from Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Hughes ducks under...
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Matt Hughes jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts a sweep single...
Khabib Nurmagomedov catches Matt Hughes's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov throws a few hammer fists to the face of Matt Hughes
Blocked by Hughes.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Hughes leans and gets Khabib Nurmagomedov's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov works on the ground with his fingers over Hughes's face
Hughes shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Good looking punches from Khabib Nurmagomedov on the ground
deflected by Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov struggles on the ground and tries to break Matt Hughes's guard...
Hughes doesn't want to free his opponent and Nurmagomedov continues in closed guard
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
The round is for Hughes, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Nurmagomedov grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Hughes struggles... Khabib Nurmagomedov is unable to take him down
Nurmagomedov misses a step and Matt Hughes sees an opportunity to counter him!
Solid shot from Matt Hughes to the body.
Nurmagomedov didn't like that.
Nurmagomedov is holding Matt Hughes's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Matt Hughes shows great balance while pushing away Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov launches a hook to the body
Matt Hughes moves aside looking for a counter...
Nurmagomedov misses a step and Matt Hughes sees an opportunity to counter him!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Matt Hughes!
Nurmagomedov is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Nurmagomedov has a small cut in his Left cheek
Hughes moves backwards and Khabib Nurmagomedov is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Khabib Nurmagomedov didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to move to full mount
Hughes succeeds
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov measures the resilience of Hughes's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Hughes blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Khabib Nurmagomedov efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Khabib Nurmagomedov efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Matt Hughes doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Matt Hughes rolls Khabib Nurmagomedov to his stomach and takes his back!
Hughes is in rear mount over Nurmagomedov
Hughes looks like the walking dead... I don't know how much more punishement he can receive.
Matt Hughes slides his arm under Khabib Nurmagomedov's chin and locks the rear naked choke!
Khabib Nurmagomedov pulls down on Matt Hughes's hand and staves off danger
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Khabib Nurmagomedov to fight back!
Nurmagomedov has Hughes controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Hughes is unable to move under Nurmagomedov control.
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Matt Hughes jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Nurmagomedov misses a step and Matt Hughes sees an opportunity to counter him!
Hughes wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Hughes moves forward and holds Nurmagomedov
The fighters are clinching.
Matt Hughes launches a knee towards Khabib Nurmagomedov's left tight
That knee found his way.
The fighters are clinching.
Hughes and Khabib Nurmagomedov are cliched up against the cage. Hughes hammers Nurmagomedov face and hooks Nurmagomedov leg
Khabib Nurmagomedov is on his back after that trip
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 3:05 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Matt Hughes is looking to pass Khabib Nurmagomedov's guard...
Matt Hughes gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes has his hand down and he is just willing the round to end. He will need better cardio training in the future.
Matt Hughes tries to pass Khabib Nurmagomedov's guard...
Matt Hughes manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:25 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes looks to mount Khabib Nurmagomedov...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Khabib Nurmagomedov can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Matt Hughes doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov measures the resilience of Hughes's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Hughes blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Matt Hughes doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Hughes has his hand down and he is just willing the round to end. He will need better cardio training in the future.
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Nurmagomedov launches a hook to the body
Matt Hughes moves aside looking for a counter...
Hughes is holding Khabib Nurmagomedov's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Khabib Nurmagomedov loses balance and goes to the ground.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes is taking this opportunity to rest.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was a close round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to bring the fight to the ground
Hughes goes down.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes breaths deeply while on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:45 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He succeeds!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes is tough but fatigue makes cowards of men. He should slow down and conserve what energy he has left.
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov!
The clock says 1:05 in the 5 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll on the ground...
Hughes knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Nurmagomedov launches a stiff jab!
Hughes ducks that one.
Nurmagomedov misses a step and Matt Hughes sees an opportunity to counter him!
Solid jabs from Matt Hughes.
Nurmagomedov defends.
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Matt Hughes is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Nurmagomedov into his guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to escape from closed guard...
Hughes waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Khabib Nurmagomedov! He is reversed and nor Matt Hughes is on half guard!
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to free his leg...
Nurmagomedov doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight on the ground.
Hughes misses a step and Khabib Nurmagomedov sees an opportunity to counter him!
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts to move to full guard
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is not able to stop Nurmagomedov ground skills and Matt Hughes moves to side mount!
The clock says 2:05 in the 5 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Good looking punches from Matt Hughes on the ground
They could take their toll on Nurmagomedov.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Khabib Nurmagomedov's arm and tries an armbar!
Nurmagomedov hold his own hand and breaks Hughes's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Matt Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to full guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He is not able to do it
The clock says 3:00 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He is not able to do it
The clock says 3:05 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov throws a few hammer fists to the face of Matt Hughes
Blocked by Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov gets sloppy and Matt Hughes tries to take advantage...
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Nurmagomedov blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:15 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov has punished Hughes very much. He has lost his confidence in winning this fight.
Matt Hughes shoots for a double leg takedown!
Khabib Nurmagomedov sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Nurmagomedov studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Matt Hughes tries to bring the fight to the ground
Nurmagomedov won't budge, forcing Hughes to pull guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Nurmagomedov's cheek from the guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to counter!
Nurmagomedov struggles on the ground and tries to break Matt Hughes's guard...
Hughes doesn't want to free his opponent and Nurmagomedov continues in closed guard
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Good looking punches from Khabib Nurmagomedov on the ground
deflected by Hughes.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Hughes pushes Khabib Nurmagomedov and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Nurmagomedov and Hughes circle around the center of the cage.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is fading quickly.
Nurmagomedov steps backwards away from Matt Hughes. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Nurmagomedov jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Hughes sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
This round is maybe for Matt Hughes, but it's close.
Winner is Matt Hughes by Split decision
Statistics: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Punches 9/14 (64%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/3 (0%)
Takedowns 8/13 (62%)
GnP strikes 9/54 (17%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 957 s
Statistics: Matt Hughes
Punches 6/20 (30%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/2 (100%)
Takedowns 7/9 (78%)
GnP strikes 17/28 (61%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 957 s
"They're both wrestlers, so this is going to be an embarassingly even fight"
- Justin, as he started simming this fight.
Both guys tried to wrestling, and did wrestling, but then, since they are new, grew exhausted and were not effective anymore.
Matt Hughes looks like he has been waiting for this fight forever.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Josh Rosenthal.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The fight gets underway.
Hughes looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Khabib Nurmagomedov's punches
Both fighters are wildly hitting the air!
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Nurmagomedov studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Hughes and Nurmagomedov circle around the center of the cage.
Khabib Nurmagomedov fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Khabib Nurmagomedov didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov tries to close his guard around Hughes
He succeeds!
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes is in closed guard... Nurmagomedov tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Matt Hughes!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes tries to roll to his side and trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard...
Khabib Nurmagomedov keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes is cooling the fight on the ground
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to better his position on the ground...
Matt Hughes tries to roll on the ground...
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes is in closed guard... Nurmagomedov tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Matt Hughes!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov hovers above Hughes
Good punches to Hughes's body.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Nurmagomedov catch Matt Hughes's right arm and tries a kimura
Matt Hughes holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full mount over Matt Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to better his position on the ground...
Matt Hughes tries to roll on the ground...
Hughes tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Matt Hughes tries to roll to his side and trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard...
Matt Hughes gets his hip out and moves to full guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He is not able to do it
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Nurmagomedov is holding Matt Hughes's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Matt Hughes loses balance and goes to the ground.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
The clock says 3:00 in the 1 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov keeps control and remains in side mount.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes tries to show some ground skills
Nurmagomedov uses his strength to keep Nurmagomedov at a disadvantage
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Nurmagomedov is trying to better his position on the ground and launches a couple of elbows against Hughes's ribs.
Hughes blocks Khabib Nurmagomedov's moves and tries to reverse the situation.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Nurmagomedov's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Nurmagomedov tries to cover his face,
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to full guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes works on the ground with his fingers over Nurmagomedov's face
He seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Josh Rosenthal saw it!
Josh Rosenthal allows Nurmagomedov time to recover... The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Solid jabs from Matt Hughes.
Nurmagomedov defends.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Khabib Nurmagomedov didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov measures the resilience of Hughes's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Hughes's side.
The clock says 4:40 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes tries to pass to half guard...
Khabib Nurmagomedov can't prevent his opponent from passing. Hughes looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to free his leg...
He moves to side mount!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
This round is maybe for Khabib Nurmagomedov, but it's close.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
The two exchange wildly
Nurmagomedov is connecting with a few punches
Matt Hughes tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Nurmagomedov is unable to remain on his feet and falls to the ground
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov is cooling the fight on the ground
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov is getting frustrated here.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Nurmagomedov tries to close his guard around Hughes
He succeeds!
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes looks to posture up and open Khabib Nurmagomedov's guard...
Matt Hughes forces Khabib Nurmagomedov to open his guard.
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov attempts a triangle from bottom! Matt Hughes slips out. Nurmagomedov quickly turns his hips over and switches to the armbar! He's throwing everything at him.
Matt Hughes slips out and backs away to avoid danger.
Josh Rosenthal halts the fight to stand up Khabib Nurmagomedov. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Matt Hughes fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Nurmagomedov blocks that. It was easy!
Nurmagomedov is trying to counter now!
Khabib Nurmagomedov fakes a punch and launches himself over Matt Hughes
Great move by Nurmagomedov who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Khabib Nurmagomedov pushes away Hughes trying to keep the fight at striking range
Hughes stumbles backwards and Khabib Nurmagomedov circles to get the center of the cage
Khabib Nurmagomedov shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Matt Hughes is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Nurmagomedov into his guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Khabib Nurmagomedov creates enough space to control Matt Hughes's leg.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts to move to full guard
Khabib Nurmagomedov manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:20 in the 2 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to open up Khabib Nurmagomedov's defense faking a few punches.
Khabib Nurmagomedov wraps his arms around Hughes's arms and counters the punches.
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Hughes pulls his arm out of danger.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes tries to escape from closed guard...
Hughes struggles to liberate his leg and jumps to half guard!
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Matt Hughes pushes Nurmagomedov's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nurmagomedov wraps his legs while he holds Matt Hughes's head... Tight guard!
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Matt Hughes pushes Nurmagomedov's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nurmagomedov rolls and he's now on half guard over Matt Hughes. Nice reversal.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in half guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to get a side mount...
Hughes wraps his leg around Khabib Nurmagomedov leg and prevents him from moving.
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts a sweep single...
Matt Hughes was ready and shrugs off the takedown attempt.
A punch from Matt Hughes
grazes Nurmagomedov's right cheek.
There is a small laceration on Khabib Nurmagomedov's Right cheek
Matt Hughes tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Matt Hughes who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
Khabib Nurmagomedov pushes away Hughes trying to keep the fight at striking range
Hughes stumbles backwards and Khabib Nurmagomedov circles to get the center of the cage
Hughes steps backwards and lowers his arms while breathing heavily... He seems tired.
Hughes steps backwards away from Khabib Nurmagomedov. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Khabib Nurmagomedov takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to bring the fight to the ground
Hughes goes down.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Nurmagomedov's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Nurmagomedov tries to cover his face,
The clock says 4:35 in the 2 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov pushes Matt Hughes against the fence and then tries to improve his position.
Matt Hughes struggles not allowing Khabib Nurmagomedov improve his position.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to finish with a leg lock!
Hughes is able to break the lock.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
The clock says 0:20 in the 3 round
Hughes studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
The clock says 0:30 in the 3 round
Nurmagomedov looks for angles as he throws a few jabs that are countered by Matt Hughes's punches
Nurmagomedov is on the receiving end of a great combo by Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Matt Hughes is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Nurmagomedov into his guard.
The clock says 0:50 in the 3 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Hughes has some bruises after a few exchanges with his opponent.
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to counter!
Nurmagomedov tries to open up Matt Hughes's defense faking a few punches.
He is aggressively and repeatedly punching Hughes in the side of the head
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to open up Matt Hughes's defense faking a few punches.
Matt Hughes wraps his arms around Nurmagomedov's arms and counters the punches.
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Khabib Nurmagomedov efforts for escaping from the full mount.
The clock says 1:35 in the 3 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Matt Hughes rolls Khabib Nurmagomedov to his stomach and takes his back!
The clock says 1:55 in the 3 round
Hughes is in rear mount over Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes tries to get his arm under Khabib Nurmagomedov's chin but can't do it. He locks his arms over Khabib Nurmagomedov's neck and tries to finish him with a neck crank!
Khabib Nurmagomedov easily defends the attempt.
Hughes is in rear mount over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes tries to get a hook in!
Things get worse for Nurmagomedov! Hughes has one hook in and keeps working!
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts a sweep single...
Khabib Nurmagomedov catches Matt Hughes's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is moving on the ground...
Hughes tries to counter Nurmagomedov's moves on the ground.
The clock says 2:40 in the 3 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to better his position on the ground...
Hughes holds Khabib Nurmagomedov's head against his chin in the closed guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Hughes breaths deeply while on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Poorly executed technique. Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to counter!
Pitty-pat punches from Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes doesn't flinch.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to escape from closed guard...
Hughes waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Khabib Nurmagomedov! He is reversed and nor Matt Hughes is on half guard!
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Bone shattering straight left hand from Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Hughes ducks under...
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Matt Hughes jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts a sweep single...
Khabib Nurmagomedov catches Matt Hughes's far ankle and trips him to the mat! Slick takedown by Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov throws a few hammer fists to the face of Matt Hughes
Blocked by Hughes.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to improve his position on the ground as he sits on his knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Hughes leans and gets Khabib Nurmagomedov's arms as he brings him to the ground again.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov works on the ground with his fingers over Hughes's face
Hughes shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Good looking punches from Khabib Nurmagomedov on the ground
deflected by Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov struggles on the ground and tries to break Matt Hughes's guard...
Hughes doesn't want to free his opponent and Nurmagomedov continues in closed guard
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov!
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and trap Matt Hughes in his guard...
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
The round is for Hughes, who walks calmly to his corner.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Nurmagomedov grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Hughes struggles... Khabib Nurmagomedov is unable to take him down
Nurmagomedov misses a step and Matt Hughes sees an opportunity to counter him!
Solid shot from Matt Hughes to the body.
Nurmagomedov didn't like that.
Nurmagomedov is holding Matt Hughes's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Matt Hughes shows great balance while pushing away Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov launches a hook to the body
Matt Hughes moves aside looking for a counter...
Nurmagomedov misses a step and Matt Hughes sees an opportunity to counter him!
Bone shattering straight right hand from Matt Hughes!
Nurmagomedov is going to have a big headache after that blow!
Nurmagomedov has a small cut in his Left cheek
Hughes moves backwards and Khabib Nurmagomedov is asking him if he came today for fighting or running.
Hughes fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Khabib Nurmagomedov didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 1:15 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in open guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to move to full mount
Hughes succeeds
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov measures the resilience of Hughes's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Hughes blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Poorly executed technique. Matt Hughes looks to counter!
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Khabib Nurmagomedov efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Matt Hughes controls the situation despite Khabib Nurmagomedov efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Matt Hughes doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll to his side and get to half guard...
Matt Hughes rolls Khabib Nurmagomedov to his stomach and takes his back!
Hughes is in rear mount over Nurmagomedov
Hughes looks like the walking dead... I don't know how much more punishement he can receive.
Matt Hughes slides his arm under Khabib Nurmagomedov's chin and locks the rear naked choke!
Khabib Nurmagomedov pulls down on Matt Hughes's hand and staves off danger
Hughes clumsily fails here and it's time for Khabib Nurmagomedov to fight back!
Nurmagomedov has Hughes controlling his back while on the ground. He tries to roll and find an escape...
Hughes is unable to move under Nurmagomedov control.
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Matt Hughes jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Nurmagomedov misses a step and Matt Hughes sees an opportunity to counter him!
Hughes wants to take the fight to his advantage and tries to clinch.
Hughes moves forward and holds Nurmagomedov
The fighters are clinching.
Matt Hughes launches a knee towards Khabib Nurmagomedov's left tight
That knee found his way.
The fighters are clinching.
Hughes and Khabib Nurmagomedov are cliched up against the cage. Hughes hammers Nurmagomedov face and hooks Nurmagomedov leg
Khabib Nurmagomedov is on his back after that trip
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
The clock says 3:05 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in closed guard over Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Matt Hughes is looking to pass Khabib Nurmagomedov's guard...
Matt Hughes gets his hips free and moves to half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes has his hand down and he is just willing the round to end. He will need better cardio training in the future.
Matt Hughes tries to pass Khabib Nurmagomedov's guard...
Matt Hughes manages to get his leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:25 in the 4 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Matt Hughes looks to mount Khabib Nurmagomedov...
Matt Hughes slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Khabib Nurmagomedov can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Khabib Nurmagomedov launches a few punches to Hughes's cheek from the guard.
Matt Hughes uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Matt Hughes doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov measures the resilience of Hughes's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Hughes blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Matt Hughes doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Josh Rosenthal stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Hughes has his hand down and he is just willing the round to end. He will need better cardio training in the future.
The two exchange wildly
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Nurmagomedov launches a hook to the body
Matt Hughes moves aside looking for a counter...
Hughes is holding Khabib Nurmagomedov's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Khabib Nurmagomedov loses balance and goes to the ground.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes is taking this opportunity to rest.
Josh Rosenthal separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was a close round.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to bring the fight to the ground
Hughes goes down.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes breaths deeply while on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He is not able to do it
The clock says 0:45 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He succeeds!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes is tough but fatigue makes cowards of men. He should slow down and conserve what energy he has left.
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov!
The clock says 1:05 in the 5 round
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov tries to roll on the ground...
Hughes knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
Nurmagomedov launches a stiff jab!
Hughes ducks that one.
Nurmagomedov misses a step and Matt Hughes sees an opportunity to counter him!
Solid jabs from Matt Hughes.
Nurmagomedov defends.
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Matt Hughes is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Nurmagomedov into his guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov tries to escape from closed guard...
Hughes waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Khabib Nurmagomedov! He is reversed and nor Matt Hughes is on half guard!
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to free his leg...
Nurmagomedov doesn't allow any movement here! He's cooling the fight on the ground.
Hughes misses a step and Khabib Nurmagomedov sees an opportunity to counter him!
Khabib Nurmagomedov attempts to move to full guard
Matt Hughes keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Matt Hughes is in half guard over Nurmagomedov
Hughes launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Khabib Nurmagomedov is not able to stop Nurmagomedov ground skills and Matt Hughes moves to side mount!
The clock says 2:05 in the 5 round
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Good looking punches from Matt Hughes on the ground
They could take their toll on Nurmagomedov.
Matt Hughes is in side mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. He is in full mount now.
Matt Hughes is in full mount over Khabib Nurmagomedov
Hughes fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Khabib Nurmagomedov's arm and tries an armbar!
Nurmagomedov hold his own hand and breaks Hughes's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Matt Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Nurmagomedov's side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in side mount over Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes attempts to trap Khabib Nurmagomedov in his guard.
Matt Hughes manages to switch to full guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He is not able to do it
The clock says 3:00 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Hughes tries to close his guard around Nurmagomedov
He is not able to do it
The clock says 3:05 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in open guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov throws a few hammer fists to the face of Matt Hughes
Blocked by Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov gets sloppy and Matt Hughes tries to take advantage...
Hughes measures the resilience of Nurmagomedov's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Nurmagomedov blocks the hits as he works on the ground.
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in SkyDome (Toronto, Ontario) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:15 in the 5 round
Khabib Nurmagomedov has punished Hughes very much. He has lost his confidence in winning this fight.
Matt Hughes shoots for a double leg takedown!
Khabib Nurmagomedov sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Nurmagomedov studies his opponent looking for a hole in his defense.
Matt Hughes tries to bring the fight to the ground
Nurmagomedov won't budge, forcing Hughes to pull guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Matt Hughes launches a few punches to Nurmagomedov's cheek from the guard.
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his head to cover the punches and presses his skull forward.
Poorly executed technique. Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to counter!
Nurmagomedov struggles on the ground and tries to break Matt Hughes's guard...
Hughes doesn't want to free his opponent and Nurmagomedov continues in closed guard
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Khabib Nurmagomedov is in closed guard over Hughes
Good looking punches from Khabib Nurmagomedov on the ground
deflected by Hughes.
Hughes is trying to counter now!
Nurmagomedov is in closed guard... Hughes tries to roll on the ground!
Khabib Nurmagomedov uses his leg to keep his position on the ground
Josh Rosenthal has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Hughes pushes Khabib Nurmagomedov and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
Nurmagomedov and Hughes circle around the center of the cage.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is fading quickly.
Nurmagomedov steps backwards away from Matt Hughes. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Nurmagomedov jumps over his opponent and tries to grapple
Hughes sees what was coming and ducks under his opponent and moves aside
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
This round is maybe for Matt Hughes, but it's close.
Winner is Matt Hughes by Split decision
Statistics: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Punches 9/14 (64%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/3 (0%)
Takedowns 8/13 (62%)
GnP strikes 9/54 (17%)
Submissions 4/4 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 957 s
Statistics: Matt Hughes
Punches 6/20 (30%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 2/2 (100%)
Takedowns 7/9 (78%)
GnP strikes 17/28 (61%)
Submissions 3/3 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 957 s
"They're both wrestlers, so this is going to be an embarassingly even fight"
- Justin, as he started simming this fight.
Both guys tried to wrestling, and did wrestling, but then, since they are new, grew exhausted and were not effective anymore.
