PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Steven Stark (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and bj Ferguson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Stark might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Wiz Khalifia - Mesmorized. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Stark
vs
Ferguson

183 cm
18
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

164 cm
25
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Steven Stark!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, bj Ferguson!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Stewart Dunkirk and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ferguson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Stark on his heels. He'll look to pass Stark's guard now, I'm sure.
Stark will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Stark looking for a sweep. Not yet Stark, not yet.
Ferguson stands and throws Stark's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Stark tries to get back to half guard but can't.
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.
Stark taking punishment in the form of punches.

Ferguson looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ferguson swings around for an armbar but Stark sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Ferguson's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ferguson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Ferguson content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson uses his free foot to push down on Stark's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Stark.
Stark has given up his back.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Ferguson. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!
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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
It looks like Ferguson might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Stark grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Stark is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Ferguson.
Stark is trying to get back to his feet but Ferguson has full control of the position and if anything, Stark has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Stark is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson has good solid back control here.

Stark is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Ferguson is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

No joy there for Stark, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Ferguson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Stark circles away quickly and effectively.

Ferguson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Stark preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Ferguson slips nicely into half guard.
Ferguson moves into full mount! Stark won't be happy about that!
Stark is looking to get to half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ferguson landing shots from mount.
Stark wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Ferguson keeps control of the position easily here as Stark tries to buck him off.

Ferguson working for a choke but Stark is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
The referee is taking a good look at Stark as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Ferguson!
bj Ferguson has got the better of the ground game so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Ferguson is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
A bit of a pause in the action here. Ferguson controlling the positon.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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.
Ferguson scores with strikes from the back.

Ferguson sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Stark taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:29 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). bj Ferguson!