PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Justin Stephens (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Troyer Edgecombe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stephens comes into the arena with Someday-Flipsyde blaring out of the sound system. Edgecombe has chosen Killling in the Name - Rage Against the Machine as his entrance music. Justin Stephens has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Stephens
vs
Edgecombe

185 cm
21
174 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

185 cm
25
170 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Justin Stephens!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Troyer Edgecombe!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Mauricio Rocha and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stephens avoids a kick to the body.
Stephens jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Edgecombe looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Stephens misses with a few strikes there.
Stephens throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Edgecombe misses with a body shot.
Edgecombe defending well as Stephens loads up on a big left hand.
Edgecombe slips under a jab from Stephens.
Edgecombe displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Stephens throws out the jab.
Stephens misses with a two punch combination.
Edgecombe throws a head kick that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stephens delivers a nice body kick.
Stephens clobbers Edgecombe with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Edgecombe on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Edgecombe throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Stephens sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Stephens throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stephens loads up on a big right hand but Edgecombe slips the punch.
Stephens jabs Edgecombe right on the nose. Edgecombe blinks but takes it well.
A lazy body kick from Edgecombe
letting Stephens counter with a right hand.
Stephens misses with a straight left.
Stephens scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Stephens throws a series of punches but Edgecombe moves out of range.
Justin Stephens is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Stephens loads up on a big right hand but Edgecombe slips the punch.
A slow jab from Stephens misses its intended target.
Stephens throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Edgecombe misses with a series of wild punches.
Stephens misses with the combination.
Edgecombe looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Justin Stephens seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Edgecombe throws a jab but it's blocked by Stephens.

Edgecombe decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Stephens is defending against the submission attempts here by Edgecombe.
Edgecombe prevents Stephens from standing back up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stephens is refusing to be controlled, as Edgecombe sits in half guard.
Stephens wants to control the action here but instead Edgecombe manages to pass to full mount!
Edgecombe misses with a head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Poor strikes thrown by Edgecombe there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Edgecombe throws some wild stikes that Stephens manages to avoid easily.

Edgecombe is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Stephens has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Stephens!
Edgecombe is pulling down on Stephens's head to control his posture.
Stephens wants to control from the top but Edgecombe keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Edgecombe looking to control.

That's four 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.
Edgecombe wants to hit a switch here but Stephens passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Edgecombe there!
Stephens knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Edgecombe on the ground.
Edgecombe bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Edgecombe wants to pass the guard but Stephens is keeping the position.
Edgecombe trying to control but Stephens is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Stephens dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Stephens misses with a straight left.
Stephens misses with a hook. Edgecombe ducked under it nicely.
Stephens lands a nice leg kick that just misses Edgecombe's sensitive parts.
Edgecombe shoots in looking for a takedown. Stephens tries to sprawl out of it but Edgecombe keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Stephens manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Edgecombe defending well as Stephens loads up on a big left hand.

Edgecombe pushes Stephens up against the cage in a clinch.

Edgecombe has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Stephens clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Edgecombe trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Stephens doesn't escape.

Edgecombe tightening his grip on Stephens, looking for the choke.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Edgecombe throwing sloppy strikes.
Will Edgecombe go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Edgecombe has the hooks in. Stephens is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Stephens looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.
Edgecombe biding his time, looking for the opening.

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.
Edgecombe thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.

Stephens defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Edgecombe's arms.
Edgecombe is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Stephens covering up well and avoiding damage.

Edgecombe is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.

Stephens showing good submission defense here.
Edgecombe controls the position.

That's four 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.
Edgecombe missing with strikes from the back.
Stephens is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Edgecombe trying to control.
Stephens avoids the strikes from Edgecombe.
Edgecombe thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Stephens covering up well under a series of strikes from Edgecombe.
Edgecombe has good solid back control here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Troyer Edgecombe showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Stephens throws a looping overhand right but Edgecombe ducks down to avoid it.
Edgecombe throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Edgecombe avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Edgecombe takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
A right-left combo lands from Stephens.

It looks like Troyer Edgecombe has been cut.
Edgecombe throws a lazy body kick
and Stephens counters with a head kick.
Stephens needs to keep his hands up - Edgecombe had a free shot at his head there.
Stephens doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Edgecombe tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stephens paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Edgecombe looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Troyer Edgecombe is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Stephens throws a nice looking combination but Edgecombe bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Edgecombe on the wrong end of a nice hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Edgecombe slips under a jab.
Edgecombe throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Edgecombe takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Stephens throws a right and a left that both miss.
Stephens avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Stephens throws a sloppy head kick and Edgecombe moves out of range easily.
Stephens throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Stephens misses with a double jab.
Edgecombe throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Stephens.
Edgecombe throws the kick towards the body but Stephens avoids it.
Stephens throws a jab but it's blocked by Edgecombe.
Edgecombe misses with a body shot.

Stephens gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Stephens is looking to stand up but Edgecombe isn't so interested in that idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Edgecombe trying to control the position from guard on top but Stephens is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Stephens is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Edgecombe trying to control the position from guard on top but Stephens is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Edgecombe missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Edgecombe advances position into side control!
Edgecombe throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Stephens works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Edgecombe trying to pass the guard but Stephens defending well.
Edgecombe stalling away here and it's allowed Stephens to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Troyer Edgecombe has got the better of the ground game so far.
Stephens can't keep his opponent in guard - Edgecombe advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Still in half guard, Edgecombe seems content to control.
Edgecombe seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Stephens does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Edgecombe moves nicely into side control.

Edgecombe tries for a kimura but Stephens is defending well.
Stephens is trying to escape the position but Edgecombe is controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Troyer Edgecombe really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Troyer Edgecombe's cut.
That's time! Stephens's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Stephens throws a head kick that misses.
Edgecombe misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Stephens.
Stephens ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Stephens throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Stephens is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Stephens throws a lazy right hand but Edgecombe sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Edgecombe tries to score a power double leg takedown but Stephens sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Edgecombe somewhat.
Nice defenses there by Edgecombe.
Stephens lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stephens lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Stephens attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Edgecombe takes one to the side of the head.
Stephens lands with a kick to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stephens tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Edgecombe misses the shot to the body.
Stephens looks to land a left hand but Edgecombe moved out of range nicely.
Edgecombe fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Stephens manages to avoid it.
A left lands for Stephens.
Edgecombe misses with the combination.
A swing and a miss from Stephens.
Stephens is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Edgecombe.
Edgecombe ducks under a wild hook from Stephens.
Edgecombe tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A head kick by Edgecombe misses
and Stephens counters with a flying knee. Nice.

Stephens tries to keep at a distance but Edgecombe has taken the fight into the clinch.

Stephens breaks from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Stephens misses.
Stephens just misses with a punch to the body.
Stephens lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Stephens connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Edgecombe moves out of range as Stephens strikes.
Stephens takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Edgecombe swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Stephens counters with a straight right hand.
Stephens misses with a two punch combination.
Stephens pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Stephens throws a jab but it's blocked by Edgecombe.
Stephens misses with a straight left.
Stephens throws a jab but it's blocked by Edgecombe.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Edgecombe with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Stephens to score with a decent uppercut.
Stephens works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Stephens waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Edgecombe.

Edgecombe shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Stephens is looking to improve his position.
Edgecombe is keen to just control but Stephens is a slippery customer.
Stephens tries to get to full guard but Edgecombe has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Edgecombe is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Stephens doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Edgecombe.

Edgecombe is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Edgecombe perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Stephens had his way with Troyer Edgecombe in that round.
The cut man is working on Troyer Edgecombe's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Edgecombe shoots in and drives through. Stephens sprawls well.
Stephens swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Edgecombe tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Stephens lunges at Edgecombe with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Edgecombe's hand.
Edgecombe throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Stephens connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Stephens throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
No luck for Edgecombe with that takedown attempt.
Stephens misses with a looping right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Edgecombe on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Edgecombe throws a body punch but Stephens moves out of range.
Edgecombe throws a low kick but Stephens avoids it.
Stephens looks to land a right hand but Edgecombe moved out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Stephens throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Stephens loads up on a big right hand but Edgecombe slips the punch.
Stephens misses with a hook. Edgecombe ducked under it nicely.
Stephens misses the jab.
Stephens keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

Edgecombe scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Edgecombe is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Stephens manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Edgecombe is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Stephens is refusing to be controlled, as Edgecombe sits in half guard.
Edgecombe looks to land a strike but Stephens avoids it nicely and regains full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Edgecombe in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Stephens preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Stephens is trying to control the position but Edgecombe postures up.
Edgecombe wants to control from the top but Stephens keeps moving.
Edgecombe looking to sit in guard and control but Stephens gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Stephens trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stephens trying to control but Edgecombe is working from the bottom.

Edgecombe has his foot on Stephens's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Stephens works his way back into a safe position though.
Stephens pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Edgecombe is keeping the position for now.
Edgecombe is trying to keep Stephens in close.

Edgecombe is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Stephens defends well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Edgecombe keeping moving, preventing Stephens from controlling successfully.

Edgecombe looking for a guillotine here but Stephens defends easily.
Edgecombe is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Troyer Edgecombe.
I think Edgecombe has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 47:48
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 47:48
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Troyer Edgecombe!
Troyer Edgecombe is the new welterweight champion!