PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Duilio Tagliabue (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nick Stevenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tagliabue's entrance music is Cage the Elephant - Ain't No Rest for the Wicked. A fine choice. Stevenson has chosen System Of A Down - Science as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Tagliabue
vs
Stevenson

173 cm
20
170 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
26
170 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Big right hand

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Duilio Tagliabue!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Nick Stevenson!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Dean Styles and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stevenson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stevenson throws a nice looking combination but Tagliabue bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Stevenson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Stevenson throws a hook to the side of Tagliabue's head but Tagliabue sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tagliabue looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A cross from Tagliabue lands.
Stevenson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Tagliabue slips a straight right by Stevenson.
Tagliabue scores with a hook to the body. Stevenson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Tagliabue takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Stevenson misses with a wild combination.
Tagliabue tries to clinch up.
Tagliabue with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Stevenson throws a series of punches but Tagliabue moves out of range.
Stevenson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Tagliabue rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Stevenson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Tagliabue throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Stevenson looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
No joy there for Stevenson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Tagliabue uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Stevenson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevenson walks into a stiff left hand from Tagliabue.
Tagliabue fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Tagliabue, right into the meat.
Stevenson moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Stevenson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Tagliabue rushes Stevenson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Tagliabue fails to land.
Stevenson jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Tagliabue walks away with a smile on his face. Stevenson gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Tagliabue stuns Stevenson with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Stevenson throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Stevenson looks gassed!

Tagliabue clinches up with Stevenson and pushes him back against the cage.
Stevenson is trying to break the clinch but Tagliabue is controlling him.

Tagliabue manages to break the clinch.
Stevenson on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Stevenson tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Stevenson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

Tagliabue rushes Stevenson and presses him up against the cage.
Tagliabue misses with a punch on the inside.
Tagliabue stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.

Stevenson pulls guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson wants to sweep here but Tagliabue controlling him for the moment.
Tagliabue trying to control but Stevenson is working from the bottom.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Stevenson wants to sweep here but Tagliabue controlling him for the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Duilio Tagliabue just wasn't active enough.
Tagliabue throws a series of punches but Stevenson moves out of range.
Tagliabue getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Tagliabue throws a push kick but Stevenson slaps the foot to one side.
Tagliabue lands a nice shot that snaps Stevenson's head back.
Tagliabue throws a right and a left that Stevenson avoids nicely.
Stevenson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Stevenson stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Tagliabue.
Tagliabue tests Stevenson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Tagliabue throws a quick inside leg kick.
Tagliabue fails with an attempt to clinch.
Stevenson dodges the punch combination from Tagliabue.
Tagliabue lunges at Stevenson with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Stevenson's hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tagliabue uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Stevenson.
Tagliabue scores with a decent looking hook.

Tagliabue moves into the clinch.
Stevenson avoiding damage as Tagliabue throws knees to the body.
A bit of stalling here from Tagliabue.
Stevenson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tagliabue lands an uppercut.
Tagliabue misses with some punches.

Tagliabue's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tagliabue with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Stevenson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Tagliabue defending well as Stevenson loads up on a big left hand.
Tagliabue lands a lovely overhand right.
Tagliabue with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Tagliabue throws a one two combo.
Tagliabue swinging wildly here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Tagliabue.
Tagliabue keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Stevenson.
Stevenson takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Duilio Tagliabue dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Tagliabue dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Stevenson. That did some damage!
Tagliabue is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Stevenson just misses with a punch to the body.
Stevenson gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Tagliabue.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Tagliabue scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Stevenson doesn't seem bothered though.
Donk. Tagliabue catches Stevenson right on the button with a cross.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tagliabue looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Duilio Tagliabue is winning the standup battle so far.
Tagliabue scores with a shot to the body.
Tagliabue stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

Tagliabue has taken the fight to the clinch.
Stevenson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Stevenson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Tagliabue escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tagliabue slips a jab and a cross from Stevenson.
Stevenson is breathing heavily.
Tagliabue fails in his attempt to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Stevenson. Tagliabue does a little dance to reset his feet.
Stevenson looks to land a combination but Tagliabue avoids it well.
Tagliabue misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tagliabue lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Stevenson at a distance.
Duilio Tagliabue seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tagliabue listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Tagliabue swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Tagliabue thumps Stevenson with a low kick.
Duilio Tagliabue is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tagliabue fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Stevenson.
Stevenson misses with a series of wild punches.

Tagliabue drives through and clinches with Stevenson against the cage.
Tagliabue scores with a shot to the side of Stevenson's head.
Stevenson's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A quick uppercut on the inside from Tagliabue.
Tagliabue will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Stevenson up against the cage.
Stevenson tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Tagliabue smiles and moves away.
Stevenson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Tagliabue is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson drops his hands momentarily and Tagliabue takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Tagliabue scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Tagliabue scores with a leg kick.
Tagliabue is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Tagliabue swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Stevenson has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Tagliabue connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Tagliabue displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Tagliabue fails in his attempt to clinch.
Stevenson gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Tagliabue.
Good shot there by Tagliabue.
Stevenson tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

Tagliabue forces Stevenson back against the cage and clinches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A bit of stalling here from Tagliabue.
Tagliabue lands with a left to the head.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Tagliabue.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
A short body shot lands from Tagliabue as the two fighters clinch.
Stevenson's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tagliabue lands with a short shot to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Tagliabue.

Tagliabue breaks the clinch.

Tagliabue has managed to clinch.
Tagliabue lands a nice shot to the body.
The referee is keeping an eye on Tagliabue - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Tagliabue works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

Tagliabue breaks from the clinch.
Tagliabue lands a right hook to the body.
Tagliabue uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Stevenson has time to react.

Tagliabue clinches up with Stevenson and pushes him back against the cage.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Tagliabue lands with a left to the head.
Tagliabue lands a hook that snaps the head of Stevenson backwards.

Tagliabue pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Stevenson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tagliabue's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tagliabue controlling the action here for a moment.
Tagliabue is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Stevenson can do to turn this around?
Tagliabue lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Tagliabue lands a body shot.
Stevenson stalling in the clinch but Tagliabue improves position.
Tagliabue has Stevenson pressed against the cage.
Tagliabue lands a nice uppercut.
Tagliabue works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Stevenson tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Tagliabue just stands there and leans against the cage.
Tagliabue pushes Stevenson back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tagliabue leaning his opponent against the cage.
Tagliabue digs a right hand into Stevenson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Stevenson's gas tank.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Tagliabue breaks the clinch.
Tagliabue tries to bum rush Stevenson with a series of wild strikes but Stevenson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Tagliabue rushes Stevenson and presses him up against the cage.

Tagliabue's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Duilio Tagliabue dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Stevenson throws a left and a right that both miss
and Tagliabue counters with a series of strikes. Stevenson will be more careful next time no doubt.
Tagliabue throws a nice outside leg kick.
A decent looking cross lands there for Tagliabue.
Tagliabue lands with an uppercut that bounces Stevenson off the cage and back into rage.
Stevenson takes a swing at Tagliabue's ribcage but misses.
Stevenson on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Tagliabue is looking to slow Stevenson down with leg kicks.
Tagliabue punishes Stevenson's body with a nice straight punch.
Stevenson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Stevenson throws a right and a left that Tagliabue avoids nicely.
Stevenson throws a jab when Tagliabue was well out of range.

Tagliabue moves into the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Tagliabue.
Tagliabue lands a right hand that snaps the head of Stevenson backwards.
Tagliabue slowing the pace effectively.
Stevenson is trying to force a seperation but Tagliabue has the dominant position.

Tagliabue breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Tagliabue tries to clinch up but Stevenson circles away and keeps his distance.
Tagliabue lands a nice looking body shot.
Stevenson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tagliabue with a jab.
A left lands for Tagliabue.

Tagliabue closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Stevenson letting Tagliabue take a breather here.
A short right from Tagliabue on the inside.
Tagliabue lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tagliabue lands a right hand that snaps the head of Stevenson backwards.

Tagliabue breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Tagliabue tests Stevenson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Tagliabue lands a high kick!
Tagliabue scores with a jab to the body.
Tagliabue connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
A left lands for Tagliabue.
Stevenson takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Tagliabue bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Stevenson's head backwards.
Nice straight punches there by Tagliabue. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Tagliabue.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tagliabue throws a series of punches but Stevenson moves out of range.
Stevenson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Tagliabue comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Tagliabue buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

Tagliabue rushes Stevenson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tagliabue.
Tagliabue lands with a short shot to the head.
Tagliabue lands a nice uppercut.
Tagliabue lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Stevenson backwards.
Tagliabue lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Stevenson.
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!

Tagliabue breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Tagliabue lands a jab-cross combination.
Tagliabue throws a nice inside leg kick.
Tagliabue jabs at Stevenson's body.
Tagliabue tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stevenson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Tagliabue lunges at Stevenson with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Stevenson's hand.
Tagliabue scores with a three punch combo!

Tagliabue gets a clinch.
Stevenson wants to get back to striking at distance but Tagliabue won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A right hook to the body lands for Tagliabue.
Tagliabue lands with a light punch inside.
Tagliabue lands a shoulder strike.
Stevenson wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Tagliabue has him pressed against the cage.
Tagliabue lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Tagliabue lands a left hand.
A short right from Tagliabue on the inside.
Tagliabue pressing his opponent against the cage.

Tagliabue breaks from the clinch.
Stevenson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Tagliabue lands with a thumping leg kick.
Tagliabue throws out a powerful jab.
Tagliabue sizes up Stevenson with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Tagliabue scores with a punch to the head.
Tagliabue chopping away at his opponent's legs.

Tagliabue takes the fight into the clinch.
Tagliabue displaying some good clinch control by pressing Stevenson up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tagliabue.
Tagliabue scores with a nice hook to the head.
Tagliabue lands a left hand.
Nick Stevenson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tagliabue looking to throw knees to the head but Stevenson is blocking nicely.
Stevenson misses with a body punch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Tagliabue.
Stevenson tries to stall but Tagliabue uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Duilio Tagliabue is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tagliabue lands a hook to the side of the head.
A left hand lands to the body for Tagliabue.
Tagliabue scores with a nice hook to the head.
Stevenson is trying to break free.
A short body shot lands from Tagliabue as the two fighters clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A short left from Tagliabue.
Tagliabue lands a hook that snaps the head of Stevenson backwards.
Tagliabue scores with a shoulder strike.

Tagliabue manages to break the clinch.
Tagliabue scores with a spinning back kick!

And that's the end of the fight!
Duilio Tagliabue showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Tagliabue, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 John Roberts scores the fight 30:25
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 30:25
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Duilio Tagliabue!