PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jim Storm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ac Slater (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ac Slater struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 156.2lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Both fighters really staring eachother down here, as Ac Slater enters the cage!

Storm
vs
Slater

172 cm
24
162 lbs
12 - 2 - 0

178 cm
23
169 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Vandal Fight Boutique (prices $8 - $30)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Jim Storm!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ac Slater!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Hogan, Eliza Hachem and Damien Edna.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Storm shoots in but Slater avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Slater connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Storm momentarily.
Slater stuffs the takedown.
Storm defending well as Slater loads up on a big left hand.
Storm throws a leg kick but Slater sees it coming and moves out of range.
Storm tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Storm is looking to land body kicks.
Slater misses the jab.
Slater fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Storm manages to avoid it.
Slater tries a head kick but it misses.
Slater throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Storm changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Slater looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Storm is trying to get an arm triangle but Slater is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Storm throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Storm has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Storm trying to control the position but Slater is working away.

Storm is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Slater knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Storm working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

Storm tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Storm has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Slater dodges the ground and pound from Storm.
Slater tries to bench press Storm off him but Storm keeps the position.

Storm is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Slater knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Slater dodges the ground and pound from Storm.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Storm goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Slater has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Storm but great work by Slater.
Storm is looking to reverse the position.
Storm is trying to control Slater's posture but Slater avoids it.
Slater working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Storm tries to bench press Slater off him but Slater keeps the position.
Storm can't do much from the bottom here.
Storm tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Slater wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slater in the domination position with Storm hanging on.
Storm tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Slater wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Storm manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Storm is trying to maintain the position but Slater is very close to passing his half guard.

Storm actively working from the bottom here.
Slater throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Slater is trying to control the action in half guard but Storm is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Well, if Slater is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Storm is trying to control but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jim Storm dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Slater tries to sprawl but Storm drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Storm trying to control the action but Slater is working from the bottom.

Storm seems to be working for a kimura but Slater defends the submission attempt.

Storm is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Slater is just riding it out for now. Storm eventually gives up the hold.

Storm is looking for a kimura but Slater is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Storm to get the leverage.
Jim Storm overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Storm is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Slater has managed to free his arm - good work.
Storm is looking to advance position but Slater won't allow it.
Storm is keen to just control but Slater is a slippery customer.

Storm is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Slater has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Slater blocking the ground and pound attempt from Storm.
Storm thows a huge punch but Slater dodges it nicely.
Storm with the ground and pound but Slater uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Storm pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Slater is keeping the position for now.
Storm postures up in Slater's guard and throws a big left but Slater blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm trying to move into half guard but instead Slater has managed to sweep!
Storm trying to keep a closed guard but Slater is proving a slippery customer.
Storm can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Slater controls the pace.

Storm is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Slater is aware though and is defending well.
Storm is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Storm throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Slater throwing strikes from guard but Storm blocks nicely.
Slater wants to control from the top but Storm keeps moving.
Slater trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Storm looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Slater preventing the sweep.
Slater must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Storm is looking for a triangle here but Slater uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Storm manages to work his way to half guard, despite Slater's best efforts.
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!

Storm looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Slater not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Storm wants to improve his position but Slater is controlling well.
Storm works his way to full guard. Good work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jim Storm dominated that second round.
That's time! Storm's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Slater scores with a jab. Storm acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Storm fails to land with a series of punches.
Nice shot lands for Slater.
Storm on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Slater. Slater obviously looking to wear him down.
Slater lands with a kick to the ribs.
Slater looks to land a left hand but Storm moved out of range nicely.
Slater connects with a crisp jab.
Storm uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Slater.
Slater rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Storm moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Slater throws a low kick, looking for Storm's leg but Storm calmly moves out of range.
Slater misses with a looping left.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slater throws a series of punches but Storm avoids them all with ease.
Slater takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Storm misses with a takedown attempt - Slater sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Slater misses with an attempted mid kick.
Storm fails to land the takedown.
Slater defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Storm.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jim Storm. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Storm tries a head kick but it misses.

Slater gets caught flat footed, as Storm shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Slater keeping moving, preventing Storm from controlling successfully.
Storm stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Slater swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm trying to control but Slater is working from the bottom.
Storm throws a strike but Slater rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Storm not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Slater trying to control the position from guard on top but Storm is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Storm throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slater preventing the sweep.

Storm had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Slater defends it easily.
Storm can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Slater controls the pace.

Storm has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Slater off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Slater displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Storm.
A nice leg kick lands there from Slater.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slater moves out of range of the leg kick from Storm.
Storm shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Slater but Slater pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Storm tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Slater connects with an inside leg kick.
Slater digs a good hook to Storm's body.
Jab, jab by Slater - just one landing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Slater's jab looks to have found its range, popping Storm under the eye.
The fighters circling - Slater throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Ac Slater just about did enough to take it.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Nice shot lands for Slater.
Slater fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Storm manages to avoid it.
Storm closes this distance looking for a takedown but Slater circles away.
Slater connects with an inside leg kick.
Storm tries to work over Slater's front leg with a kick but Slater checks it.
Slater scores with a leg kick.
Slater connects with the punch.
Ac Slater seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Storm changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Slater tries to avoid it but Storm manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Slater to the ground. Slater escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Storm takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Slater misses with a body kick.
Slater connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Slater tries to sprawl but Storm drives through with a takedown into half guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Storm sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Slater defending well though.

Storm is trying to work for a kimura but Slater is defending well.
Slater is controlling Storm's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Storm thows a huge punch but Slater dodges it nicely.
Storm throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Storm is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Storm is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Slater sees it coming and defends easily.

Slater makes his way to full guard, as Storm worked for a kimura.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slater looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Storm throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Storm thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Storm accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Storm is looking to stand up but Slater won't let him.
Storm controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Storm is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Slater is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Slater has escaped and now he's on top!
Storm controls Slater momentarily but Slater frees himself.

Storm is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Slater is aware though and is defending well.
Slater is stalling in the full guard.

Storm is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Slater is aware though and is defending well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Slater trying to control but Storm is working from the bottom.
Slater makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Jim Storm will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Slater throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Storm shoots in for a double leg but Slater sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Storm fails to land the takedown.
Slater misses with a head kick.
Good exchange - Slater coming out on top.
Storm changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Slater tries to avoid it but Storm manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Slater to the ground. Slater escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jim Storm. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Slater, right into the meat.
Storm shoots in but no luck this time.
Slater misses with a few strikes there.
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.
A head kick misses from Slater.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Storm blocks a low kick nicely.
Storm dodges the punch combination from Slater.
Storm fails to land the takedown.
Storm shoots in but no luck this time.
Storm is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Storm throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Storm has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Slater.
Slater with a nice cross.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slater cracks a nice hook into Storm's ribs.
Storm fails with the takedown.
Slater pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Storm doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Slater counters with a leg kick.
Slater lands with a cross.
Storm shoots in but Slater avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Storm shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ac Slater is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slater keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Slater jabs Storm to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Slater misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Storm throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Slater was covering up waiting for the punch and Storm finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Slater is trying to control the position but Storm postures up.
Storm passes into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Storm thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Slater's head.

Storm is working for a kimura but Slater is defending it quite comfortably.
Slater is looking for a sweep. Storm is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Storm is trying to control. Slater wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Storm seems to be looking for submissions.
Ac Slater has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jim Storm is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Slater is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Storm jumps into side control!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ac Slater.
I think Storm 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 Bruno Hogan scores the fight 48:47
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 48:47
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jim Storm!
Jim Storm retains his lightweight title!