Post by The Sandmen on Mar 25, 2014 17:09:35 GMT -5
Shahbulat Shamhalaev looks very relaxed.
Josh Thomson is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
A pretty fair match today. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising his fist after the match.
The referee of the bout is Steve Mazzagatti.
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Round 1
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Shahbulat Shamhalaev and Josh Thomson touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Some counter punches against Josh Thomson
almost hit him as he moves away.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Middle kick from Thomson.
Shamhalaev receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Josh Thomson fakes a punch and launches himself over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Great move by Thomson who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Shahbulat Shamhalaev pushes away Thomson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Thomson doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Shahbulat Shamhalaev
The fighters are clinching.
Thomson and Shahbulat Shamhalaev are cliched up against the cage. Thomson steps for a throw
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is flat on his back. great Judo technique shown!
Josh Thomson is in side mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shahbulat Shamhalaev attempts to trap Josh Thomson in his guard.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev manages to switch to half guard.
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Shamhalaev from the side mount!
Josh Thomson is in side mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson looks to mount Shahbulat Shamhalaev...
Josh Thomson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shamhalaev is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Thomson's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev pushes Thomson's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Shamhalaev who is in full mount! Thomson is in trouble now!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in full mount over Josh Thomson
Josh Thomson tries to roll to his side and trap Shahbulat Shamhalaev in his guard...
Josh Thomson moves to half guard.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Josh Thomson! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Josh Thomson doesn't defend himself!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to pass Josh Thomson's guard...
Josh Thomson's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Josh Thomson launches a few punches to Shamhalaev's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Shamhalaev tries to cover his face,
There is a small laceration on Shahbulat Shamhalaev's Left cheek
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Josh Thomson is not able to stop Thomson ground skills and Shahbulat Shamhalaev moves to side mount!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in side mount over Josh Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev looks to mount Josh Thomson...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in full mount over Josh Thomson
Thomson tries to escape from the full mount...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in side mount over Josh Thomson
Josh Thomson attempts to trap Shahbulat Shamhalaev in his guard.
Josh Thomson manages to switch to full guard.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shamhalaev tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Josh Thomson doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Thomson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Josh Thomson sits high on Shahbulat Shamhalaev's chest and pulls his leg underneath Shamhalaev's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Shamhalaev tries to roll out. He's too quick for Josh Thomson and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Thomson and it cost him top position.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to roll on the ground...
Thomson knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shamhalaev launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Thomson's ribs.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Shahbulat Shamhalaev shoulder and pushes his left arm againts the mat!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev breaks that americana attempt!
Thomson clumsily fails here and it's time for Shahbulat Shamhalaev to fight back!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to roll to his side and trap Josh Thomson in his guard...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev moves to half guard.
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson tries to free his leg
Shahbulat Shamhalaev moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Arena Riga (Riga, Latvia) are cheering for the fighters.
Several good body shots
land on Shamhalaev.
Josh Thomson and Shamhalaev engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Josh Thomson is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Josh Thomson shoots for a double leg takedown!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 2
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Josh Thomson fakes a punch and launches himself over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Great move by Thomson who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Shamhalaev takes a break to breathe while holding Josh Thomson.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
The clock says 0:30 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson is opening up on Shamhalaev and raining down combinations!
Shamhalaev's corner looks worried!
Shamhalaev has a small cut in his Nose
Thomson tries to grapple
He puts Shamhalaev in a double underhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Thomson goes for a scissor takedown. thats unusual
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is down after that takedown and they are scrambling for position. Josh Thomson gets the advantage
Josh Thomson is in open guard over Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson tries to pass to half guard...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev can't prevent his opponent from passing. Thomson looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson is taking this opportunity to rest.
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Shamhalaev is covering himself! Thomson tries to force the situation and Shamhalaev clumsily gives his back!
Thomson is in rear mount over Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back...
Shamhalaev locks his hands and forces his weight on top of Josh Thomson unil he can pull his arm free! Thomson lost his dominant position.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Josh Thomson launches a few punches to Shamhalaev's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Shamhalaev tries to cover his face,
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Thomson measures the resilience of Shamhalaev's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Shamhalaev's side.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Josh Thomson launches a few punches to Shamhalaev's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Shamhalaev tries to cover his face,
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
The clock says 2:15 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Thomson catch Shahbulat Shamhalaev's right arm and tries a kimura
Shamhalaev Hyper-extended his arm
Punishing hold!
You can see the pain reflected in Shamhalaev's eyes...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson is a submission wizard. He has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Thomson fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Shahbulat Shamhalaev's arm and tries an armbar!
Shamhalaev hold his own hand and breaks Thomson's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Josh Thomson.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in side mount over Josh Thomson
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Josh Thomson can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Josh Thomson attempts to trap Shahbulat Shamhalaev in his guard.
Josh Thomson manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:40 in the 2 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in open guard over Thomson
Thomson tries to close his guard around Shamhalaev
He succeeds!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Thomson's moves.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Thomson tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Josh Thomson controls the situation despite Shahbulat Shamhalaev efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Josh Thomson work his BJJ game.
Thomson is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Steve Mazzagatti didn't see that!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Josh Thomson was tooling Shahbulat Shamhalaev for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Shahbulat Shamhalaev lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Shamhalaev is taking this opportunity to rest.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Thomson's moves.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shamhalaev tries to stand up!
Thomson doesn't allow him!
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 4:30 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shahbulat Shamhalaev is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Thomson into his guard.
Josh Thomson is in closed guard over Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson looks to posture up and open Shahbulat Shamhalaev's guard...
Josh Thomson forces Shahbulat Shamhalaev to open his guard.
Josh Thomson is in open guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Thomson is taking this opportunity to rest.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
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Round 3
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Tremendous strikes from Shamhalaev!
Some big punches are landing!
There is a small laceration on Josh Thomson's Chin
Brutal combination from Josh Thomson!
Shamhalaev moves aside and dodges.
Thomson misses a step and Shahbulat Shamhalaev sees an opportunity to counter him!
Inside leg kick from Shamhalaev
that goes awry.
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Thomson is holding Shahbulat Shamhalaev's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev shows great balance while pushing away Josh Thomson
A bad move from Shahbulat Shamhalaev
allows Thomson to land a solid head kick.
A shot seen throughout the arena!
Shamhalaev stumbles back, his corner is screaming! Josh Thomson is coming in again!
Shamhalaev's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
An overhand right from Josh Thomson that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Shamhalaev moves forward and closes the distance while blocking the punch.
Josh Thomson gets sloppy and Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to take advantage...
Thomson leads with a punch
Shahbulat Shamhalaev avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Josh Thomson moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
High kick from Josh Thomson!
He misses narrowly!
The clock says 1:25 in the 3 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries a hook to the body
and hits Thomson ribs hard
Shahbulat Shamhalaev paws at Thomson.
Thomson swings ineffectively.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Josh Thomson was tooling Shahbulat Shamhalaev for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Shahbulat Shamhalaev lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Josh Thomson tries a high kick!
Shamhalaev was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head!
Shamhalaev steps backwards away from Josh Thomson. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Shamhalaev grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Thomson struggles... Shahbulat Shamhalaev is unable to take him down
Shamhalaev clumsily fails here and it's time for Josh Thomson to fight back!
Josh Thomson has found an opening in the defense of Shamhalaev, launching a big uppercut
Bingo! Shamhalaev is wobbling!
Josh Thomson was tooling Shahbulat Shamhalaev for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Shahbulat Shamhalaev lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Shamhalaev launches a furious low kick!
Thomson receives a hard blow on his left leg!
Shamhalaev steps backwards away from Josh Thomson. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
Not a desiderable position that Shamhalaev is in now. Josh Thomson is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Josh Thomson tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Josh Thomson who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Thomson tries to take Shahbulat Shamhalaev down... Shamhalaev stumbles backwards and Josh Thomson launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Shamhalaev's jaw!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Thomson tries to take Shahbulat Shamhalaev down... Shamhalaev stumbles backwards and Josh Thomson launches a few punches...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Thomson is holding Shahbulat Shamhalaev's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev shows great balance while pushing away Josh Thomson
The clock says 3:55 in the 3 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev throws a combo
Thomson punches back but nobody connects.
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
Josh Thomson shoots for a double leg takedown!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Thomson clumsily fails here and it's time for Shahbulat Shamhalaev to fight back!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Thomson ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
Thomson pushes Shahbulat Shamhalaev and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
The clock says 4:30 in the 3 round
Josh Thomson paws at Shamhalaev.
Shamhalaev answers with solid punches!
Thomson dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook
that almost lifts Shamhalaev from the ground!
Josh Thomson launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Shamhalaev blocks and tries to circle around his opponent looking for angles.
Josh Thomson and Shamhalaev engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
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Round 4
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Thomson cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Shamhalaev can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev attempts to cut off Thomson with punches
Thomson avoids getting cornered.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Josh Thomson can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Thomson throws a low kick
He switches targets and lands a superb body kick!
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Good front kick from Shamhalaev!
Josh Thomson blocks
Not a desiderable position that Shamhalaev is in now. Josh Thomson is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Thomson tries to grapple
He puts Shamhalaev in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Thomson tries to take Shahbulat Shamhalaev down... Shamhalaev stumbles backwards and Josh Thomson launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Shamhalaev's jaw!
Shamhalaev has a small cut in his Chin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shamhalaev tries to take Josh Thomson down... Thomson stumbles backwards and Shahbulat Shamhalaev launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Thomson's jaw!
Thomson doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Shahbulat Shamhalaev embrace and tries to move away...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev pushes Thomson forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev launches a few punches towards Thomson's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Josh Thomson receives a couple of blows in the ribs.
The fighters are clinching.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is a bloody mess!
Thomson takes a break to breathe while holding Shahbulat Shamhalaev.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Josh Thomson tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Poorly executed technique. Shahbulat Shamhalaev looks to counter!
Shamhalaev wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
Shamhalaev doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Josh Thomson embrace and tries to move away...
Josh Thomson pushes Shamhalaev forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Brutal punches to Shamhalaev's face while in the clinch!
Shamhalaev can't take many more shots like those!
The clock says 2:00 in the 4 round
The fighters are clinching.
Shamhalaev doesn't stop bleeding.
Shamhalaev and Josh Thomson are cliched up against the cage. Shamhalaev hammers Thomson face and hooks Thomson leg
Thomson stays on his feet and fights off the trip
Thomson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Josh Thomson has found an opening in the defense of Shamhalaev, launching a big uppercut
Bingo! Shamhalaev is wobbling!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Shamhalaev steps backwards away from Josh Thomson. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Josh Thomson goes with a looping right hand while Shahbulat Shamhalaev jumps back and jabs
Thomson seems staggered and Shahbulat Shamhalaev runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Solid jabs from Shahbulat Shamhalaev.
Nice punches.
Josh Thomson takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Shamhalaev doesn't stop bleeding.
Nice punch by Shahbulat Shamhalaev
that nearly tags Thomson.
A solid combination from Shahbulat Shamhalaev
mostly hits air.
Shamhalaev misses a step and Josh Thomson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev throws a combo
Josh Thomson ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Shamhalaev swings again, only to get countered once more! Shamhalaev is looking bad here!
Thomson steps backwards away from Shahbulat Shamhalaev. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
The clock says 3:20 in the 4 round
Solid kick to the leg from Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Thomson checks it.
Shamhalaev moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Josh Thomson checks the kick.
Thomson is trying to counter now!
Josh Thomson throws a looping right hand...
That lands on Shamhalaev's chin! That stops Shamhalaev in his tracks!
Shamhalaev has a small cut in his Left eye
The clock says 3:45 in the 4 round
You can see Shamhalaev's blood making stains in the mat.
Josh Thomson tries to bring the fight to the ground
Shamhalaev goes down.
Josh Thomson is in open guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson moves on the ground
Josh Thomson moves to side mount
Josh Thomson is in side mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Josh Thomson can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Josh Thomson looks to mount Shahbulat Shamhalaev...
Josh Thomson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shahbulat Shamhalaev continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Shamhalaev works on the ground with his fingers over Thomson's face
Thomson shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
That Armbar from Josh Thomson appears to be unbreakable
Shamhalaev struggles to free himself
That's more than Shamhalaev can stand! His arm is outstretched and he taps before getting an injury.
Winner is Josh Thomson by Submission (Armbar) at 4:36 Round 4
Statistics: Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Punches 18/35 (51%)
Kicks 1/5 (20%)
Clinch strikes 3/8 (38%)
Takedowns 0/3 (0%)
GnP strikes 7/8 (88%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 493 s
Statistics: Josh Thomson
Punches 19/40 (48%)
Kicks 4/5 (80%)
Clinch strikes 7/15 (47%)
Takedowns 2/7 (29%)
GnP strikes 8/11 (73%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 493 s
Sham is not ready for ManMMA.
On the plus side, he is giving guys free wins, and we like those, right? 
Not to take anything away from Thomson here, he fought as he should be fighting here. Well-rounded, efficient, and well.
Josh Thomson is beating himself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking himself in the face, body and legs to get ready for his scrap.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
A pretty fair match today. I can't say who will be the one who will be raising his fist after the match.
The referee of the bout is Steve Mazzagatti.
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Round 1
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Shahbulat Shamhalaev and Josh Thomson touch gloves in the center to get this fight started!
Some counter punches against Josh Thomson
almost hit him as he moves away.
The clock says 0:25 in the 1 round
Middle kick from Thomson.
Shamhalaev receives a solid kick right below his ribs.
Josh Thomson fakes a punch and launches himself over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Great move by Thomson who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
Shahbulat Shamhalaev pushes away Thomson trying to keep the fight at striking range
Thomson doesn't want to break the clinch as he still is grappling with Shahbulat Shamhalaev
The fighters are clinching.
Thomson and Shahbulat Shamhalaev are cliched up against the cage. Thomson steps for a throw
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is flat on his back. great Judo technique shown!
Josh Thomson is in side mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shahbulat Shamhalaev attempts to trap Josh Thomson in his guard.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev manages to switch to half guard.
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson tries to get a side mount...
He frees his leg and is now controlling Shamhalaev from the side mount!
Josh Thomson is in side mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson looks to mount Shahbulat Shamhalaev...
Josh Thomson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shamhalaev is using some of his ground skills to escape from this...
He pushes Thomson's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev pushes Thomson's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by Shamhalaev who is in full mount! Thomson is in trouble now!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in full mount over Josh Thomson
Josh Thomson tries to roll to his side and trap Shahbulat Shamhalaev in his guard...
Josh Thomson moves to half guard.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev gets a good position on the ground. ..
and what an incredible flurry! He's just wailing away at Josh Thomson! The referee is saying he's going to stop it if Josh Thomson doesn't defend himself!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to pass Josh Thomson's guard...
Josh Thomson's guard is too good and he fails to pass.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Josh Thomson launches a few punches to Shamhalaev's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Shamhalaev tries to cover his face,
There is a small laceration on Shahbulat Shamhalaev's Left cheek
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in half guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Josh Thomson is not able to stop Thomson ground skills and Shahbulat Shamhalaev moves to side mount!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in side mount over Josh Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev looks to mount Josh Thomson...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in full mount over Josh Thomson
Thomson tries to escape from the full mount...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is not caught off guard and moves to side mount to keep his superior position.
The clock says 3:10 in the 1 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in side mount over Josh Thomson
Josh Thomson attempts to trap Shahbulat Shamhalaev in his guard.
Josh Thomson manages to switch to full guard.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shamhalaev tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Josh Thomson doesn't want to lose his adventageous position and he struggles to mantain the full mount.
Thomson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Josh Thomson sits high on Shahbulat Shamhalaev's chest and pulls his leg underneath Shamhalaev's head. There's the triangle attempt!
Shamhalaev tries to roll out. He's too quick for Josh Thomson and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by Thomson and it cost him top position.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to roll on the ground...
Thomson knows how to keep his advantage on the ground.
The clock says 4:05 in the 1 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shamhalaev launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting Thomson's ribs.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson takes a deep breath as he passes his arm over Shahbulat Shamhalaev shoulder and pushes his left arm againts the mat!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev breaks that americana attempt!
Thomson clumsily fails here and it's time for Shahbulat Shamhalaev to fight back!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to roll to his side and trap Josh Thomson in his guard...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev moves to half guard.
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson tries to free his leg
Shahbulat Shamhalaev moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Arena Riga (Riga, Latvia) are cheering for the fighters.
Several good body shots
land on Shamhalaev.
Josh Thomson and Shamhalaev engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Josh Thomson is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
The clock says 4:50 in the 1 round
Josh Thomson shoots for a double leg takedown!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Josh Thomson fakes a punch and launches himself over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Great move by Thomson who pushes his opponent under a troublesome thai clinch
The fighters are clinching.
Shamhalaev takes a break to breathe while holding Josh Thomson.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
The clock says 0:30 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson is opening up on Shamhalaev and raining down combinations!
Shamhalaev's corner looks worried!
Shamhalaev has a small cut in his Nose
Thomson tries to grapple
He puts Shamhalaev in a double underhook!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Thomson goes for a scissor takedown. thats unusual
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is down after that takedown and they are scrambling for position. Josh Thomson gets the advantage
Josh Thomson is in open guard over Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson tries to pass to half guard...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev can't prevent his opponent from passing. Thomson looks to work from half guard.
The clock says 1:10 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson is taking this opportunity to rest.
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Shamhalaev is covering himself! Thomson tries to force the situation and Shamhalaev clumsily gives his back!
Thomson is in rear mount over Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson isolates an arm looking for an armbar from the back...
Shamhalaev locks his hands and forces his weight on top of Josh Thomson unil he can pull his arm free! Thomson lost his dominant position.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Josh Thomson launches a few punches to Shamhalaev's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Shamhalaev tries to cover his face,
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Thomson measures the resilience of Shamhalaev's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in Shamhalaev's side.
The clock says 2:00 in the 2 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Josh Thomson launches a few punches to Shamhalaev's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because Shamhalaev tries to cover his face,
The clock says 2:10 in the 2 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
The clock says 2:15 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Thomson catch Shahbulat Shamhalaev's right arm and tries a kimura
Shamhalaev Hyper-extended his arm
Punishing hold!
You can see the pain reflected in Shamhalaev's eyes...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev holds his own arm and struggles until he gets free
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson is a submission wizard. He has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Thomson fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle he catches Shahbulat Shamhalaev's arm and tries an armbar!
Shamhalaev hold his own hand and breaks Thomson's lock. He rolls over himself and launches over Josh Thomson.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in side mount over Josh Thomson
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Josh Thomson can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Josh Thomson attempts to trap Shahbulat Shamhalaev in his guard.
Josh Thomson manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 2:40 in the 2 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in open guard over Thomson
Thomson tries to close his guard around Shamhalaev
He succeeds!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Thomson's moves.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Thomson tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Josh Thomson controls the situation despite Shahbulat Shamhalaev efforts for escaping from the full mount.
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to roll on the ground...
He makes a reversal!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Josh Thomson work his BJJ game.
Thomson is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did he do that intentionally?
Steve Mazzagatti didn't see that!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Josh Thomson was tooling Shahbulat Shamhalaev for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Shahbulat Shamhalaev lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Shamhalaev is taking this opportunity to rest.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shahbulat Shamhalaev doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on his feet
He can't do it because of Thomson's moves.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is in closed guard over Thomson
Shamhalaev is in closed guard... Thomson tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! He is now in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev!
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shamhalaev tries to stand up!
Thomson doesn't allow him!
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 4:30 in the 2 round
Josh Thomson shoots for a double leg takedown!
He hits it! Shahbulat Shamhalaev is taken off his feet, but he manages to pull Thomson into his guard.
Josh Thomson is in closed guard over Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson looks to posture up and open Shahbulat Shamhalaev's guard...
Josh Thomson forces Shahbulat Shamhalaev to open his guard.
Josh Thomson is in open guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson tries to improve position.
He frees a leg.
Josh Thomson is in half guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson is hurt... He should be looking to avoid more damage or he will lose this fight.
Thomson is taking this opportunity to rest.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
That was an even round for the most part.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
Tremendous strikes from Shamhalaev!
Some big punches are landing!
There is a small laceration on Josh Thomson's Chin
Brutal combination from Josh Thomson!
Shamhalaev moves aside and dodges.
Thomson misses a step and Shahbulat Shamhalaev sees an opportunity to counter him!
Inside leg kick from Shamhalaev
that goes awry.
The clock says 0:40 in the 3 round
Thomson is holding Shahbulat Shamhalaev's right leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev shows great balance while pushing away Josh Thomson
A bad move from Shahbulat Shamhalaev
allows Thomson to land a solid head kick.
A shot seen throughout the arena!
Shamhalaev stumbles back, his corner is screaming! Josh Thomson is coming in again!
Shamhalaev's Left eye is bruised after the punishement he's received!
An overhand right from Josh Thomson that looked like it was capable of destroying a brick wall!
Shamhalaev moves forward and closes the distance while blocking the punch.
Josh Thomson gets sloppy and Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to take advantage...
Thomson leads with a punch
Shahbulat Shamhalaev avoids it and lands flush with a counter uppercut!
Josh Thomson moves forward looking for a hole in his opponent's defense.
High kick from Josh Thomson!
He misses narrowly!
The clock says 1:25 in the 3 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries a hook to the body
and hits Thomson ribs hard
Shahbulat Shamhalaev paws at Thomson.
Thomson swings ineffectively.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Josh Thomson was tooling Shahbulat Shamhalaev for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Shahbulat Shamhalaev lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Josh Thomson tries a high kick!
Shamhalaev was covering for a middle kick but that one almost knocked off his head!
Shamhalaev steps backwards away from Josh Thomson. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Shamhalaev grabs his opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Thomson struggles... Shahbulat Shamhalaev is unable to take him down
Shamhalaev clumsily fails here and it's time for Josh Thomson to fight back!
Josh Thomson has found an opening in the defense of Shamhalaev, launching a big uppercut
Bingo! Shamhalaev is wobbling!
Josh Thomson was tooling Shahbulat Shamhalaev for the whole fight. I don't know if it's because Shahbulat Shamhalaev lack of fighting spirit or just of skill.
Shamhalaev launches a furious low kick!
Thomson receives a hard blow on his left leg!
Shamhalaev steps backwards away from Josh Thomson. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
Not a desiderable position that Shamhalaev is in now. Josh Thomson is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Josh Thomson tries to take the action to his favourite field as he tries to grapple
Great move by Josh Thomson who pushes his opponent forward with a double underhooks.
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Thomson tries to take Shahbulat Shamhalaev down... Shamhalaev stumbles backwards and Josh Thomson launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Shamhalaev's jaw!
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Thomson tries to take Shahbulat Shamhalaev down... Shamhalaev stumbles backwards and Josh Thomson launches a few punches...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev dodges and moves away a couple of steps...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Thomson is holding Shahbulat Shamhalaev's left leg... He's trying to take him down.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev shows great balance while pushing away Josh Thomson
The clock says 3:55 in the 3 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev throws a combo
Thomson punches back but nobody connects.
The clock says 4:05 in the 3 round
Josh Thomson shoots for a double leg takedown!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev sprawls and manages to stay on his feet.
Thomson clumsily fails here and it's time for Shahbulat Shamhalaev to fight back!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev tries to finish this with a rear naked chocke!
Thomson ducks under and pushes away his opponent.
Thomson pushes Shahbulat Shamhalaev and moves away from him. He seems to be recovering his breath.
The clock says 4:30 in the 3 round
Josh Thomson paws at Shamhalaev.
Shamhalaev answers with solid punches!
Thomson dodges a strike and counters with a crushing hook
that almost lifts Shamhalaev from the ground!
Josh Thomson launches a couples of jabs and then a big hook!
Shamhalaev blocks and tries to circle around his opponent looking for angles.
Josh Thomson and Shamhalaev engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is getting the best of the exchange as he lands a few blows.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters as the round concludes. The fighters shake hands as they head back to their corners.
I don't think either fighter got the better of their opponent that round.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Thomson cornermen are yelling for his man to escape from the ground as Shamhalaev can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give him the chance.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev attempts to cut off Thomson with punches
Thomson avoids getting cornered.
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Josh Thomson can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Thomson throws a low kick
He switches targets and lands a superb body kick!
The clock says 0:35 in the 4 round
Good front kick from Shamhalaev!
Josh Thomson blocks
Not a desiderable position that Shamhalaev is in now. Josh Thomson is well knowed for his strong and relentless GnP.
Thomson tries to grapple
He puts Shamhalaev in a double underhook!
The fighters are clinching.
Thomson tries to take Shahbulat Shamhalaev down... Shamhalaev stumbles backwards and Josh Thomson launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Shamhalaev's jaw!
Shamhalaev has a small cut in his Chin
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Shamhalaev tries to take Josh Thomson down... Thomson stumbles backwards and Shahbulat Shamhalaev launches a few punches...
One swing hits hard Thomson's jaw!
Thomson doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Shahbulat Shamhalaev embrace and tries to move away...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev pushes Thomson forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev launches a few punches towards Thomson's ribs while holds him in a double overhooks!
Josh Thomson receives a couple of blows in the ribs.
The fighters are clinching.
Shahbulat Shamhalaev is a bloody mess!
Thomson takes a break to breathe while holding Shahbulat Shamhalaev.
Steve Mazzagatti separates the fighters and tells them to continue fighting.
Josh Thomson tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Shahbulat Shamhalaev jumps backwards and frees his leg.
Poorly executed technique. Shahbulat Shamhalaev looks to counter!
Shamhalaev wants to close the range and tries to grapple...
Nice move. He shoves himself over his opponent and secure a single collar tie.
Shamhalaev doesn't want to clinch as he ducks under Josh Thomson embrace and tries to move away...
Josh Thomson pushes Shamhalaev forward and doesn't allow him to break the clinch.
The fighters are clinching.
Brutal punches to Shamhalaev's face while in the clinch!
Shamhalaev can't take many more shots like those!
The clock says 2:00 in the 4 round
The fighters are clinching.
Shamhalaev doesn't stop bleeding.
Shamhalaev and Josh Thomson are cliched up against the cage. Shamhalaev hammers Thomson face and hooks Thomson leg
Thomson stays on his feet and fights off the trip
Thomson tries to get some advantage after his opponent miss move...
Josh Thomson has found an opening in the defense of Shamhalaev, launching a big uppercut
Bingo! Shamhalaev is wobbling!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev's face is covered in blood. He may be having problems seeing as he wipes the blood out of his eyes.
Shamhalaev steps backwards away from Josh Thomson. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
Josh Thomson goes with a looping right hand while Shahbulat Shamhalaev jumps back and jabs
Thomson seems staggered and Shahbulat Shamhalaev runs to capitalize with a bunch of jabs and crosses.
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Shahbulat Shamhalaev continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Solid jabs from Shahbulat Shamhalaev.
Nice punches.
Josh Thomson takes a few seconds to recover his breath...
Shamhalaev doesn't stop bleeding.
Nice punch by Shahbulat Shamhalaev
that nearly tags Thomson.
A solid combination from Shahbulat Shamhalaev
mostly hits air.
Shamhalaev misses a step and Josh Thomson sees an opportunity to counter him!
Shahbulat Shamhalaev throws a combo
Josh Thomson ducks under and catches him with a counter straight! Shamhalaev swings again, only to get countered once more! Shamhalaev is looking bad here!
Thomson steps backwards away from Shahbulat Shamhalaev. He seems to be cooling down the fight a bit.
The clock says 3:20 in the 4 round
Solid kick to the leg from Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Thomson checks it.
Shamhalaev moves aside and launches a furious low kick!
Josh Thomson checks the kick.
Thomson is trying to counter now!
Josh Thomson throws a looping right hand...
That lands on Shamhalaev's chin! That stops Shamhalaev in his tracks!
Shamhalaev has a small cut in his Left eye
The clock says 3:45 in the 4 round
You can see Shamhalaev's blood making stains in the mat.
Josh Thomson tries to bring the fight to the ground
Shamhalaev goes down.
Josh Thomson is in open guard over Shamhalaev
Thomson moves on the ground
Josh Thomson moves to side mount
Josh Thomson is in side mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
You can hear the excitement from the crowd. Josh Thomson can end the fight with his ground and pound.
Josh Thomson looks to mount Shahbulat Shamhalaev...
Josh Thomson slides his knee across and gets to mount.
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Shahbulat Shamhalaev continues to bleed from that cut. It could be affecting his vision.
Shamhalaev works on the ground with his fingers over Thomson's face
Thomson shakes his head and continues fighting on the ground.
Josh Thomson is in full mount over Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Josh Thomson throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
That Armbar from Josh Thomson appears to be unbreakable
Shamhalaev struggles to free himself
That's more than Shamhalaev can stand! His arm is outstretched and he taps before getting an injury.
Winner is Josh Thomson by Submission (Armbar) at 4:36 Round 4
Statistics: Shahbulat Shamhalaev
Punches 18/35 (51%)
Kicks 1/5 (20%)
Clinch strikes 3/8 (38%)
Takedowns 0/3 (0%)
GnP strikes 7/8 (88%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 493 s
Statistics: Josh Thomson
Punches 19/40 (48%)
Kicks 4/5 (80%)
Clinch strikes 7/15 (47%)
Takedowns 2/7 (29%)
GnP strikes 8/11 (73%)
Submissions 6/6 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 493 s
Sham is not ready for ManMMA.
On the plus side, he is giving guys free wins, and we like those, right? 
Not to take anything away from Thomson here, he fought as he should be fighting here. Well-rounded, efficient, and well.
