PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Fedor Belfort (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Keith Stone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stone has chosen I like BEER! Tom T. Hall as his entrance music. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Belfort
vs
Stone

185 cm
24
187 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

186 cm
20
195 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Rivers Edge Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Fedor Belfort!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Keith Stone!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stone scores with a decent looking hook.
Stone throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Stone tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Belfort was well out of range. Poor timing from Stone.
Stone fails to land the takedown.
Stone swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stone throws a big shot that misses.
Stone swings for the body but Belfort moves out of range.
Stone looks to land a combination but Belfort avoids it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stone sizes up Belfort with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Belfort misses with a combination
and Stone counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A combination from Belfort does no damage.
Stone shoots in looking for a takedown but Belfort manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Stone's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Stone misses with an uppercut. Belfort saw that one coming.
Stone scores with a jab to the body.
Stone throws a body punch but Belfort moves out of range.
Belfort swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Stone counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Belfort walks into a left hand.
Belfort takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Stone throws a good cross that connects.
Belfort ducks right into an uppercut from Stone.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Stone looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Stone showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Stone throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Belfort trying to keep a closed guard but Stone is proving a slippery customer.
Stone missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Belfort looking for a sweep. Not yet Belfort, not yet.
Stone engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Belfort is trying to control the position but Stone postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Belfort wants to sweep but no luck.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Belfort avoids the body shot from Stone.
Stone lands a lovely overhand right.
Stone thows a body shot but no joy.
Stone swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stone is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Belfort had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Stone scores with a jab. Belfort acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Stone lands a nice hook to Belfort's body. Belfort takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Stone closes this distance looking for a takedown but Belfort circles away.
Fedor Belfort has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keith Stone.
Belfort takes one on the button.
Stone jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Stone with that takedown attempt.
Belfort shoots and misses
letting Stone counter with a right hand.
Stone connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Belfort slips a jab from Stone.
Belfort blocks a jab.
Stone swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stone throws a looping overhand right but Belfort ducks down to avoid it.
Belfort misses with a combination
and Stone counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith Stone dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Belfort uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Stone.
Stone has his takedown stuffed

and Belfort holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Stone breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Keith Stone seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Stone throws a jab when Belfort was well out of range.
Belfort takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Belfort takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Stone cracks Belfort with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Stone stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Stone misses with a takedown attempt

and Belfort counters with a single leg into guard. Stone didn't expect that.
Belfort showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stone is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Stone is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Belfort defends well.
Stone keeping moving, preventing Belfort from controlling successfully.
Belfort trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Stone working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Belfort doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Belfort manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Stone is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Belfort is aware though and is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Stone is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Stone had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Belfort defends it easily.
Belfort wants to control from the top but Stone keeps moving.
Belfort is really struggling to control Stone but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Stone bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Belfort's guard.
Stone missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Belfort wants to sweep but no luck.
Belfort controls Stone momentarily but Stone frees himself.
Stone trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Stone wants to control from the top but Belfort keeps moving.

Belfort is looking for a triangle but Stone pushes his legs off easily.
Belfort tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Belfort avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Stone wants to control from the top but Belfort keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Stone pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Belfort is keeping the position for now.
Stone trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Stone is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Belfort avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Belfort not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Belfort is adopting a defensive guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
No joy there for Belfort, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith Stone showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Stone shoots and misses

and Belfort counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Stone had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Belfort defends it easily.
Stone has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Stone avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Stone can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Belfort controls the pace.
Belfort has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Stone is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Stone looking to control.

Stone has his foot on Belfort's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Belfort works his way back into a safe position though.
Stone is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Stone is looking for a triangle but Belfort pushes his legs off easily.
Belfort stands and throws Stone's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Stone tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Keith Stone has got the better of the ground game so far.
Stone manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Belfort trying to hold on to Stone's head to control him but Stone postures up.
Stone thows a huge punch but Belfort dodges it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stone seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Belfort is not content to let Stone control the position.

Belfort is defending against the submission attempts here by Stone.
Stone not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Stone is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Stone throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Belfort is trying to maintain the position but Stone is very close to passing his half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stone thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Stone lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Stone wants to free his trapped foot but Belfort is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Belfort is controlling Stone's trapped leg to prevent Stone from advancing to side control.
Belfort wants to control but Stone passes into side.
Belfort tries to bench press Stone off him but Stone keeps the position.
Stone in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Stone throws a strike aimed at the side of Belfort's head but Belfort avoids it well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Belfort is looking for a sweep.
Belfort takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Stone is looking to take a break and control but Belfort is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Stone connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Belfort some visible discomfort.
Stone works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Belfort takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

It looks like Fedor Belfort has been cut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Stone looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stone lands an elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith Stone really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Fedor Belfort's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Belfort moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Belfort takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Belfort walks into a jab.
Stone scores with a nice head shot.
Stone shoots and misses

and Belfort counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Stone trying to control but Belfort postures up.
Belfort winds up and cracks Stone with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Stone tries to get to full guard but Belfort has control of the leg.
Stone is pressing down on Belfort's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stone trying to control the position.

Stone is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Stone is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Belfort defends well.
Belfort stopping the sweep attempt from Stone.
Belfort looking to pass the guard.

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.
Stone is trying to control the position but Belfort postures up.

Stone throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Stone is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Stone is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Belfort wants to control from the top but Stone keeps moving.

Stone escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Belfort gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stone looking to control but Belfort passes into half guard.
Belfort passes the guard and advances to mount!
Stone gets back to half guard.
Belfort is trying to control the action in half guard but Stone is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Stone looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stone looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Belfort wants to lay and pray for a moment but Stone keeps working.
Stone works his way to full guard. Good work.

Stone is looking for a triangle but Belfort pushes his legs off easily.
Belfort trying to control the position from guard on top but Stone is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Belfort trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keith Stone dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Fedor Belfort's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Stone scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Belfort doesn't seem bothered though.
Belfort misses with a wild combination.
Stone throws a shot from downtown. Belfort moves away and avoids it.
Belfort with a poor takedown
and Stone counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Stone drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Belfort holds on and takes a little breather.
Stone chips away with some ground and pound.
Stone looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stone with a flurry of punches that miss.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

Stone drops back looking for a leg! Belfort is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Belfort manages to kick Stone off! Stone jumps back into Belfort's guard.
Belfort wants to sweep here but Stone controlling him for the moment.
Stone postures up and lands a big shot to Belfort's brow.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stone accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Stone throwing strikes from guard but Belfort blocks nicely.
Belfort bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Stone's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Stone looking for a guillotine here but Belfort defends easily.
Belfort wants to control from the top but Stone keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Stone looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Stone is trying to control the position but Belfort postures up.
Belfort preventing the sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stone is trying to control the position but Belfort postures up.
Belfort trying to control the position from guard on top but Stone is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Stone is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Stone looking for a guillotine here but Belfort defends easily.
Belfort wants to control from the top but Stone keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Belfort throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Belfort looking to pass the guard.
Belfort is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Keith Stone is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Stone escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Belfort gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Fedor Belfort has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stone is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

And that's the end of the fight!
Keith Stone comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Stone 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andi Peters scores the fight 45:50
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 45:50
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keith Stone!
Keith Stone is the new middleweight champion!