PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Strong Like Bear (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chris Ferguson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Like Bear
vs
Ferguson

166 cm
19
142 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

170 cm
22
140 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good in bed

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Strong Like Bear!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Chris Ferguson!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Like Bear tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ferguson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Like Bear fails with a takedown attempt.
Ferguson slaps away a takedown attempt from Like Bear, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Like Bear changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Ferguson looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
The strikes coming from Like Bear are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Like Bear tries for a kimura but Ferguson is defending well.
Like Bear throws an elbow but Ferguson slips to the side and avoids it well.
Ferguson manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

Ferguson actively working from the bottom here.
Ferguson is trying to get back to full guard.

Like Bear is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Ferguson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Ferguson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ferguson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Like Bear knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ferguson on the ground.

Ferguson looking for submissions off his back.

Like Bear is looking for a kimura here.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Like Bear.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Strong Like Bear. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Like Bear tries to close the distance and clinch but Ferguson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ferguson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Like Bear shoots in but Ferguson avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Like Bear tries to clinch but Ferguson moves out of range.
Strong Like Bear seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Horrible takedown by Ferguson or perhaps it was just good defense by Like Bear which made him look bad.
Ferguson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Like Bear misses with a takedown attempt

so Ferguson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Ferguson looks gassed!

Like Bear has his foot on Ferguson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ferguson works his way back into a safe position though.
Ferguson stops Like Bear from standing up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Ferguson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ferguson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Like Bear trying to control the position.
Ferguson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Like Bear is keeping the position for now.

Like Bear working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ferguson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ferguson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Like Bear is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Like Bear is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Ferguson is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Like Bear has his takedown stuffed

and Ferguson counters with a shoot takedown. Like Bear fights it but they end up in guard.
Ferguson has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Like Bear is proving hard to escape from.
Ferguson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Like Bear working a defensive guard here.

Like Bear working for a triangle but Ferguson defends it easily.
Like Bear looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

Ferguson drops back looking for a leg! Like Bear is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Like Bear manages to kick Ferguson off! Ferguson jumps back into Like Bear's guard.
Ferguson tries to free his leg and advance position but Like Bear is retaining full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Like Bear working for a triangle but Ferguson defends it easily.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Like Bear fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Like Bear shoots in looking for a takedown. Ferguson tries to sprawl out of it but Like Bear keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ferguson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Like Bear scores with a takedown into Ferguson's guard.

Like Bear drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Like Bear jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Like Bear with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris Ferguson dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Like Bear fails with the takedown

and Ferguson counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Like Bear's guard now.

Like Bear is looking for a triangle but Ferguson pushes his legs off easily.
Like Bear throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Chris Ferguson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Like Bear not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Ferguson is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Like Bear is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

Like Bear is looking for a triangle but Ferguson pushes his legs off easily.
Like Bear working a defensive guard here.
Like Bear can't keep his opponent in guard - Ferguson advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Ferguson blocks the strikes from Like Bear.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Like Bear desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Ferguson is breathing heavily.
Like Bear trying to control but Ferguson postures up.
Like Bear manages to get to full guard.

Like Bear looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Ferguson stopping the sweep attempt from Like Bear.

Ferguson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ferguson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Like Bear not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Ferguson is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Like Bear with a lazy takedown attempt

and Ferguson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Like Bear's guard.
Like Bear is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Like Bear working for a triangle but Ferguson defends it easily.
Like Bear pulls Ferguson in close to his closed guard and prevents Ferguson from doing any damage or advancing position.

Ferguson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Like Bear has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Ferguson has managed to get both his arms back between Like Bear's legs - danger averted.

Ferguson decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Ferguson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Like Bear tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Like Bear moves in looking to clinch but Ferguson pushes him off.
Ferguson shoots in looking for a takedown. Like Bear tries to sprawl out of it but Ferguson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Like Bear manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Like Bear with a lazy takedown attempt

so Ferguson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Strong Like Bear. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Ferguson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ferguson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Like Bear looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Ferguson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Like Bear is keeping the position for now.
Ferguson is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Ferguson won't allow Like Bear to get back to his feet.
Like Bear keeping full guard, as Ferguson tries to pass.
Ferguson is looking to stand up but Like Bear won't let him.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Ferguson circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson stuffs the takedown.

Like Bear gets the takedown into side control.
Ferguson is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Sloppy strikes there by Like Bear.

Like Bear is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Ferguson is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Ferguson is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Like Bear thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Like Bear is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Ferguson knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Ferguson gets back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris Ferguson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Like Bear is defended easily by Ferguson.
Like Bear dives in and grabs Ferguson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Ferguson pushes down on Like Bear's head and hops out.
Like Bear misses with a takedown attempt - Ferguson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Strong Like Bear. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Like Bear looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Ferguson is fending him off so far but Like Bear persists. Nope, Ferguson circles away and we're back to standing.
Like Bear tries to clinch up.

Like Bear has managed to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ferguson drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Like Bear gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Like Bear has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Ferguson avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Ferguson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Like Bear shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ferguson as he jumps to the side.
Like Bear shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Ferguson pinned against the cage. Ferguson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ferguson slaps away a takedown attempt from Like Bear, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Like Bear is defended easily by Ferguson.
Like Bear leaves Ferguson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Like Bear tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ferguson paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Like Bear scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Ferguson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Like Bear.
Like Bear thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Ferguson's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Like Bear throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Ferguson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Like Bear pulls his head out easily.
Like Bear lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Like Bear scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Ferguson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Like Bear wants to work for an arm triangle but Ferguson is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Like Bear is looking for a kimura but Ferguson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Like Bear to get the leverage.
Ferguson is looking to improve his position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Like Bear dives in and grabs Ferguson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Ferguson pushes down on Like Bear's head and hops out.
Like Bear shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Ferguson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Like Bear's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Like Bear is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Ferguson stands up and waves to Like Bear to follow him.
Like Bear gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Ferguson counters by moving into the clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Like Bear throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Ferguson blocks it with crossed arms.
Like Bear using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ferguson has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Like Bear tries to pull guard but Ferguson holds him up against the cage and eventually Like Bear drops back down to his feet.
Like Bear has Ferguson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Ferguson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Ferguson pulls guard.

Like Bear drops back looking for a leg! Ferguson is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Ferguson manages to kick Like Bear off! Like Bear jumps back into Ferguson's guard.
Ferguson keeping full guard, as Like Bear tries to pass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Like Bear thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Like Bear avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Ferguson working for a triangle but Like Bear defends it easily.
Like Bear postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Ferguson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Ferguson working for a triangle but Like Bear defends it easily.
Strong Like Bear has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Chris Ferguson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Like Bear missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chris Ferguson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ferguson has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chris Ferguson!