PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Usman Al Naemi (ranked 3244 p4p, 0 weight class) and Juan Carlos Stevenson (ranked 2574 p4p, 0 weight class). Juan Carlos Stevenson acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Al Naemi
vs
Carlos Stevenson

173 cm
26
157 lbs
6 - 9 - 0

180 cm
26
149 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Usman Al Naemi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Juan Carlos Stevenson!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Dean Styles and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stevenson lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Al Naemi backs up against the cage.

It looks like Usman Al Naemi has been cut.
Al Naemi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Stevenson.
Al Naemi seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Stevenson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Al Naemi wants to clinch.
Stevenson lands the left hand.
Stevenson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Al Naemi circles away quickly and effectively.
Stevenson throws a series of punches but Al Naemi moves out of range.
Stevenson misses with an uppercut. Al Naemi saw that one coming.
Al Naemi closes this distance looking for a takedown but Stevenson circles away.
Stevenson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Al Naemi circles away quickly and effectively.
Al Naemi tries to counter with a takedown but Stevenson is quick to defend against it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stevenson misses with a two punch combination.
Stevenson lands a glancing blow to the side of Al Naemi's head.
Stevenson checks a low kick from Al Naemi.
Stevenson throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Al Naemi counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Al Naemi.

Stevenson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Naemi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Stevenson as he jumps to the side.
A combination from Stevenson does no damage.
Stevenson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Al Naemi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Al Naemi fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Stevenson is out of range.
Nice sprawl there from Stevenson as Al Naemi shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Usman Al Naemi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Al Naemi tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Stevenson blocks a head kick by Al Naemi.
Stevenson lands a nice shot that snaps Al Naemi's head back.

Al Naemi shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Stevenson manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Stevenson has his feet on Al Naemi's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stevenson looks to land a right hand but Al Naemi moved out of range.
Stevenson has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Al Naemi is landing a low percentage of strikes.
A punch combination from Stevenson misses.
Stevenson scores with a sloppy right hand. Al Naemi should have avoided that one.

Al Naemi shoots in and bounces Stevenson off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Stevenson wriggles free and stands up.
Stevenson looks winded!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Naemi fails to land the takedown.
Stevenson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Some wild striking there from Stevenson.

Al Naemi takes the fight into the clinch.

Al Naemi breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Al Naemi shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Stevenson manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Stevenson keeping moving, preventing Al Naemi from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Naemi working some strikes from top position.
Al Naemi stops Stevenson from standing up.
Stevenson is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

Stevenson is working an open guard so Al Naemi takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Stevenson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Al Naemi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Stevenson misses with a jab, cross combination.
Al Naemi misses with a body kick.
Stevenson throws out a counter right but Al Naemi avoids it with no problem.
Sloppy strikes from Stevenson. Those never looked like landing.
Al Naemi is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Stevenson.
Al Naemi dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Stevenson has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.

Al Naemi looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Stevenson!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stevenson is looking to get back to his feet here but Al Naemi is keeping cool and he's managed to take Stevenson's back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Al Naemi is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Stevenson is trying to stand back up.
Al Naemi wants to control but Stevenson is keeping busy.
Stevenson is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Al Naemi off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Al Naemi lands a shot to the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Al Naemi is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Stevenson defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Stevenson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Al Naemi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Al Naemi tries to keep control of the position but Stevenson is staying busy.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Stevenson is trying escape back to his feet. He turns into his opponent's guard and eventually finds his way back to his feet.
Stevenson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Stevenson feints a jab promting Al Naemi to slip. Stevenson then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Al Naemi slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Juan Carlos Stevenson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Usman Al Naemi's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Al Naemi on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Some bone on bone action there as Stevenson checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Stevenson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Al Naemi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Al Naemi is trying hard to land a takedown here. Stevenson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Al Naemi's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Al Naemi duly obliges.
Al Naemi scores with a crisp jab that stopped Stevenson in his tracks.
Stevenson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Stevenson fails to land with a series of punches.
Stevenson tries to bum rush Al Naemi with a series of wild strikes but Al Naemi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Stevenson throws a right hand that Al Naemi ducks under and follows up with a left that Al Naemi also avoids with ease.
Stevenson scores with a one two! Al Naemi had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Al Naemi staying out of range there.
Al Naemi doesn't manage to clinch there - Stevenson circles away.
Stevenson is breathing heavily.
Stevenson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Al Naemi wants to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Naemi has a takedown stuffed.
Al Naemi tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stevenson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Stevenson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Al Naemi is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Stevenson.
Stevenson looks to land a combination but Al Naemi avoids it well.
Al Naemi drops down looking for a counter takedown but Stevenson sprawls and moves away.
Al Naemi tries for a takedown but Stevenson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Usman Al Naemi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stevenson misses with a few strikes there.
It appears Al Naemi was looking to counter with a kick there.
Stevenson fails to land with a series of punches.
Al Naemi is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Stevenson.
Al Naemi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Stevenson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Al Naemi somewhat.
Al Naemi avoids a punch combination nicely.
Al Naemi scoring well with a low kick there.
Stevenson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Al Naemi was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Naemi wants to clinch up but Stevenson keeps it at a distance.
Al Naemi with a jab.
Al Naemi shoots for a double leg takedown but Stevenson sprawls well. He's pushed Al Naemi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Stevenson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Al Naemi.
Al Naemi tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stevenson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Al Naemi moves out of range as Stevenson strikes.
Al Naemi moves in looking to clinch but Stevenson pushes him off.
Al Naemi throws a sloppy head kick and Stevenson moves out of range easily.
Despite the aggression on Stevenson's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Juan Carlos Stevenson seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Al Naemi takes the fight into the clinch.
Stevenson is pressed up against the cage. Al Naemi has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Stevenson down to the mat. Stevenson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Al Naemi is defended easily by Stevenson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Naemi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Stevenson.
Al Naemi wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Stevenson throws a right hand that Al Naemi ducks under and follows up with a left that Al Naemi also avoids with ease.
Juan Carlos Stevenson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Stevenson misses with a double jab.
Al Naemi misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Al Naemi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Stevenson as he jumps to the side.
Usman Al Naemi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Stevenson keeps the fight on the outside.
Al Naemi dodges the punch combination from Stevenson.
Al Naemi tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Stevenson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Al Naemi fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Stevenson stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Al Naemi dodges the punch combination from Stevenson.
Al Naemi tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stevenson swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Naemi is looking to clinch.
Stevenson throws a right hand that Al Naemi ducks under and follows up with a left that Al Naemi also avoids with ease.
Stevenson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Al Naemi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Stevenson misses with the combination.
Stevenson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Al Naemi tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Al Naemi fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Al Naemi closes the distance and pushes Stevenson back into the cage.
Al Naemi stalling in the clinch but Stevenson improves position.
Al Naemi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Stevenson is defending well for now.
Al Naemi keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Stevenson's efforts to push away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Juan Carlos Stevenson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Usman Al Naemi's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Al Naemi is looking to clinch.
Al Naemi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Stevenson pinned against the cage. Stevenson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Stevenson misses with a two punch combination.
Al Naemi fails with a takedown attempt.
Stevenson swats away the attempt to clinch by Al Naemi.
Stevenson misses with a jab, cross combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Naemi avoids a punch combination nicely.
Stevenson might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
No luck for Al Naemi with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Usman Al Naemi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Al Naemi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Stevenson misses with a straight left.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Naemi moves away from the strike by Stevenson.

Al Naemi darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Stevenson pushes Al Naemi off and gets back to his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Stevenson fails to land with a series of punches.
Al Naemi shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Stevenson defends it nicely.
Stevenson is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
A punch combination from Stevenson misses.
Al Naemi is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Stevenson lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Al Naemi tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stevenson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Al Naemi walks into a stiff left hand from Stevenson.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Al Naemi wants to clinch up but Stevenson keeps it at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Naemi tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Stevenson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Stevenson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Al Naemi tries to clinch but Stevenson moves out of range.
Stevenson throws a jab but it's blocked by Al Naemi.
The fight stays on the outside here - Al Naemi looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Stevenson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Stevenson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Stevenson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Al Naemi.
Stevenson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Al Naemi is looking for a counter combo.
Al Naemi wants to clinch up but Stevenson keeps it at a distance.
Stevenson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Al Naemi.
Stevenson stuffs the takedown.
Stevenson is looking for the big counter here.
Juan Carlos Stevenson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Stevenson throws a one two combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Al Naemi shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Al Naemi rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Stevenson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Stevenson leaves Al Naemi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A big left from Stevenson misses.
Stevenson lands an overhand right.

Al Naemi looking to score a takedown here. Stevenson is defending well but Al Naemi drives through and ends up in Stevenson's guard.

Al Naemi drops back looking for a leg! Stevenson is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Stevenson manages to kick Al Naemi off! Al Naemi jumps back into Stevenson's guard.
Stevenson is looking to stand up but Al Naemi isn't so interested in that idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Naemi is standing up over Stevenson. Stevenson looks to escape but Al Naemi dives into side control.
Al Naemi in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Al Naemi working the ground and pound from side control.
Al Naemi is looking to take a break and control but Stevenson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Al Naemi stands up.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stevenson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Stevenson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Usman Al Naemi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Juan Carlos Stevenson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Stevenson avoids the head kick by Al Naemi.

And that's the end of the fight!
Juan Carlos Stevenson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Stevenson winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 27:30
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Juan Carlos Stevenson!