PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gage Roberts (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jacob Steffenburg (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Roberts
vs
Steffenburg

187 cm
22
210 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

185 cm
22
205 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big right hand

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Gage Roberts!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jacob Steffenburg!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Gwen Towbar and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Steffenburg shoots in looking for a takedown. Roberts tries to sprawl out of it but Steffenburg keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Roberts manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Roberts tries to clinch up but Steffenburg circles away and keeps his distance.
Steffenburg looks for a takedown but Roberts sprawls well.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Roberts as he avoids it easily.
Gage Roberts has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Steffenburg.
Roberts tries to clinch but Steffenburg is having none of it.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Roberts as he avoids it easily.
Roberts fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Steffenburg changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Roberts tries to avoid it but Steffenburg manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Roberts to the ground. Roberts escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Roberts connects with the punch.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Roberts as he jumps to the side.
Roberts tries to clinch but Steffenburg moves out of range.
Roberts tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Steffenburg has a takedown stuffed.
Jacob Steffenburg seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Steffenburg shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Roberts counters with a beautiful punch that sends Steffenburg to the canvas!

Steffenburg is rocked!
Steffenburg looks gassed!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Roberts trying to control the position from guard on top but Steffenburg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Steffenburg is still in real trouble! Can Roberts finish him?
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Roberts wanted to stand there but Steffenburg had control of the position.
Steffenburg seems to have recovered his senses.
Roberts works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Roberts wants to pass the guard but Steffenburg is defending well.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Steffenburg can do anything to dispel that myth.
Roberts throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Roberts looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Steffenburg tries to roll over but Roberts keeps him under control.
Steffenburg really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Roberts. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Roberts is tying to control. Steffenburg wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Roberts misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Steffenburg looks for a takedown but Roberts sprawls well.
Roberts stuffs the takedown.
Steffenburg throws an off balance right hand
and Roberts counters with a three punch combo that has Steffenburg backing up. Steffenburg nods at Roberts to acknowledge the strikes.
Steffenburg misses with a takedown
and Roberts counters with a straight right hand.
Steffenburg fails with the takedown
and Roberts counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Roberts throws a nice looking combination but Steffenburg bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Roberts doesn't manage to clinch there - Steffenburg circles away.
Steffenburg misses with a takedown
and Roberts connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Steffenburg shoots in but no luck this time.
Roberts shoots in for a takedown but Steffenburg shows good takedown defense.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Roberts throws the left hand but Steffenburg avoids the punch easily.
Steffenburg changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Roberts tries to avoid it but Steffenburg manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Roberts to the ground. Roberts escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
No luck for Steffenburg with that takedown attempt.
Roberts tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Steffenburg changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Roberts tries to avoid it but Steffenburg manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Roberts to the ground. Roberts escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Steffenburg shoots for a takedown but Roberts saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Steffenburg shoots for a double leg takedown but Roberts sprawls well. He's pushed Steffenburg's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Steffenburg misses with a takedown attempt
and Roberts counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Steffenburg shoots for a takedown but Roberts saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Steffenburg clinches up with Roberts and pushes him back against the cage.
Steffenburg has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Roberts avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Roberts stops a takedown attempt from Steffenburg.
Steffenburg tries to score a body lock takedown but Roberts shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Steffenburg is trying desperately to land a takedown but Roberts is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Steffenburg.
Steffenburg is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Roberts gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Steffenburg tries to score a body lock takedown but Roberts shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Steffenburg wants a takedown but no success here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Steffenburg goes for a takedown attempt but Roberts pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Roberts clinches but Steffenburg breaks the clinch

and Steffenburg counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Roberts's guard now.

Roberts is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Roberts misses with a takedown attempt - Steffenburg sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Steffenburg avoids the head kick by Roberts.
Steffenburg looks for a takedown but Roberts sprawls well.
Steffenburg stuffs the takedown.
No luck for Steffenburg with that takedown attempt.
Steffenburg shoots in for a double leg but Roberts sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Gage Roberts has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Steffenburg.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown but Roberts shows good takedown defense.
Roberts fails with an attempt to clinch.
Steffenburg shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Roberts counter with a right hand.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Steffenburg fails to land the takedown.
Roberts closes the distance but Steffenburg moves to the side

and Steffenburg counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Steffenburg has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Roberts avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Steffenburg has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Roberts avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Steffenburg goes for a takedown attempt but Roberts pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Steffenburg fails with the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Roberts has Steffenburg up against the cage in a clinch.
Roberts jumps guard but Steffenburg stands there with Roberts around his waist. Roberts gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Steffenburg has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Roberts is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Steffenburg is working for takedown but Roberts is calmly controlling the position for now.
Roberts goes for a takedown in the clinch but Steffenburg prevents it.
Steffenburg is working for takedown but Roberts is calmly controlling the position for now.
Steffenburg drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Roberts is working for takedown but Steffenburg is calmly controlling the position for now.
Steffenburg makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Steffenburg - that landed with a thud.
Roberts tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Roberts prevents the takedown attempt.
Roberts can't get the takedown.
Roberts is trying to break the clinch but Steffenburg has him pressed against the cage.
Steffenburg keeps control of Roberts as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Roberts is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Roberts gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Steffenburg.

Roberts jumps guard and drags Steffenburg to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steffenburg won't allow Roberts to sweep him here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Roberts keeping moving, preventing Steffenburg from controlling successfully.
Roberts looking to hit a scissor sweep but Steffenburg is one step ahead there.

Roberts escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Steffenburg gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Steffenburg won't allow Roberts to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Roberts tries to strike from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Steffenburg.
Steffenburg fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Roberts scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Roberts throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Roberts.
Nice takedown defense from Roberts. No joy for Steffenburg on that attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Steffenburg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Roberts looks to clinch

and Steffenburg counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Roberts wants to get back to full guard.
Roberts is working hard here to advance position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Steffenburg stalling.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Gage Roberts will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Steffenburg slips a jab from Roberts.
Steffenburg shoots in looking for a takedown. Roberts tries to sprawl out of it but Steffenburg keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Roberts manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Roberts throws a head kick that misses.
Steffenburg shoots in but Roberts avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Steffenburg shoots for a double leg takedown but Roberts sprawls well. He's pushed Steffenburg's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Gage Roberts has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Steffenburg.
Roberts lands with a hook. Steffenburg tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Roberts tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Steffenburg swivels and escapes.
Steffenburg shoots and misses

and Roberts counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Roberts.

Roberts manages to pull guard.
Steffenburg is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Steffenburg tries to free his leg and advance position but Roberts is retaining full guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steffenburg content to stall in guard here.
Steffenburg passes into half guard.
Steffenburg looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Steffenburg prevents Roberts from improving his position.
Steffenburg is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Despite being in the dominant position, Jacob Steffenburg just isn't active enough and the referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Steffenburg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Roberts throws a series of punches but Steffenburg avoids them all with ease.
Steffenburg looks for a takedown but Roberts sprawls well.
Steffenburg shoots for a takedown but Roberts saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Steffenburg pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Steffenburg stuffs the takedown.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Steffenburg.
Steffenburg looks for a takedown but Roberts sprawls well.
Steffenburg misses with a takedown attempt - Roberts sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Roberts as he jumps to the side.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A head kick misses from Roberts.
Steffenburg looks for a takedown but Roberts sprawls well.
A head kick misses from Roberts.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gage Roberts clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Roberts closes this distance looking for a takedown but Steffenburg circles away.
Roberts shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Steffenburg as he jumps to the side.
Roberts tries to score with a low kick but Steffenburg moves his leg out of the way.
Steffenburg fails with a takedown attempt.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Roberts as he avoids it easily.
Steffenburg shoots in looking for a takedown. Roberts tries to sprawl out of it but Steffenburg keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Roberts manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Gage Roberts has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Steffenburg.
Roberts cracks Steffenburg with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Steffenburg keeps the fight on the outside.
Steffenburg keeps the fight on the outside.
Roberts wants to clinch but Steffenburg slips to the side

so Steffenburg counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Steffenburg won't allow Roberts to get back to his feet.
Steffenburg controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

Roberts is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Steffenburg content to stall in guard here.

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

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.
Roberts wants to sweep but no luck.
Roberts doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Steffenburg is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Roberts throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Steffenburg trying to control but Roberts is working from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Steffenburg with a lazy takedown attempt
and Roberts counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Steffenburg is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Roberts but Roberts pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Roberts stuffs the takedown.
Nice takedown defense from Roberts. No joy for Steffenburg on that attempt.
Roberts tries to clinch up but Steffenburg circles away and keeps his distance.
Steffenburg has a takedown stuffed.
Steffenburg will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Steffenburg connects with a nice looking jab.
Steffenburg shoots in but no luck this time.
Roberts throws a sloppy head kick and Steffenburg moves out of range easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Steffenburg fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Roberts wants to clinch up but Steffenburg keeps it at a distance.
Roberts thuds his right hand into Steffenburg's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Roberts stuffs the takedown attempt from Steffenburg. Steffenburg gets slowly back to his feet.
Roberts is looking to clinch.
Roberts fails with the takedown.
Roberts tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Gage Roberts is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Steffenburg has a takedown stuffed.
Roberts lets loose with a powerful body kick. Steffenburg will feel that in the morning.
Roberts stuffs the takedown.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Steffenburg with a lazy takedown attempt
letting Roberts counter with a right hand.
Steffenburg looks for a takedown but Roberts sprawls well.

Steffenburg closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Steffenburg is trying to control the action in half guard but Roberts is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Jacob Steffenburg will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Steffenburg has a takedown stuffed.
Roberts fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Steffenburg shoots in but no luck this time.
Steffenburg closes the distance and clinches up with Roberts, looking for a takedown. Steffenburg pushes Roberts against the cage but Roberts circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Gage Roberts has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacob Steffenburg.
Roberts tries for a takedown but Steffenburg sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Steffenburg takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Roberts as he jumps to the side.
Roberts is looking to clinch but Steffenburg is avoiding it.
Roberts looks to clinch

and Steffenburg moves into the clinch.
Roberts is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Steffenburg gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Roberts fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Steffenburg tries for a takedown but Roberts manages to get underhooks.
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.
Steffenburg drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Roberts gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Roberts wants to break the clinch but can't.
Roberts prevents a takedown attempt there.
Roberts gets underhooks to prevent Steffenburg's takedown attempt.
Steffenburg has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Roberts is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Steffenburg is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Roberts gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steffenburg has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Roberts avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Steffenburg goes for a takedown in the clinch but Roberts prevents it.

Roberts breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Steffenburg fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Roberts is looking to clinch but Steffenburg is avoiding it.
Gage Roberts is winning the standup battle so far.
Steffenburg misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown but Roberts shows good takedown defense.
Steffenburg fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Roberts tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Steffenburg looks for a takedown but Roberts sprawls well.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Roberts tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Steffenburg paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Roberts closes the distance looking to clinch
and Steffenburg cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Roberts stalks Steffenburg and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Steffenburg's face. Steffenburg staggers backwards, shaken.
Steffenburg closes the distance and clinches up with Roberts, looking for a takedown. Steffenburg pushes Roberts against the cage but Roberts circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Roberts tries to close the distance and clinch up but Steffenburg swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steffenburg throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Roberts's waist but Roberts gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Steffenburg off to one side.
Steffenburg fails with the takedown.
Steffenburg keeps the fight on the outside.
Steffenburg has a takedown stuffed.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Roberts but Roberts pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Nice takedown defense from Roberts. No joy for Steffenburg on that attempt.
Roberts tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Steffenburg tries for a takedown but Roberts sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Roberts tries to clinch up
and Steffenburg counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Steffenburg misses with a takedown
and Roberts counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Horrible takedown by Steffenburg or perhaps it was just good defense by Roberts which made him look bad.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown but Roberts shows good takedown defense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Roberts fails with the takedown.
Steffenburg fails to land the takedown.
Roberts misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Roberts scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Roberts fails with the takedown.
Roberts fails with an attempt to clinch.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Steffenburg.
Roberts lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Roberts pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Roberts tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Steffenburg gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Steffenburg tries for a takedown. No joy.
Roberts wants a takedown but no success here.
Roberts changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Steffenburg fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Steffenburg shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Roberts as he jumps to the side.
Jacob Steffenburg has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Steffenburg circles away from the clinch attempt

and Steffenburg counters with a single leg into guard. Roberts didn't expect that.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Steffenburg controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Roberts is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Roberts lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Roberts is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Roberts throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Roberts looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gage Roberts showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Roberts has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight for Gage Roberts!
Judge Gwen Towbar scores the fight for Gage Roberts!
Judge George Francis scores the fight for Gage Roberts!

Gage Roberts wins by unanimous decision!
Gage Roberts is the new light heavyweight champion!