PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Caleb Foster (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Stevens (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Foster comes into the arena with Lynyrd Skynrd - Sweet Home Alabama blaring out of the sound system. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Foster
vs
Stevens

182 cm
27
200 lbs
24 - 5 - 0

183 cm
24
198 lbs
14 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

New World Order Clothing

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 24 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Caleb Foster!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mike Stevens!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Wesley Smith and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Foster tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Stevens manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Foster misses with a takedown attempt - Stevens sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Stevens keeps the fight on the outside.
Foster fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

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

Foster is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Foster misses with a head shot. Stevens uses the momentum to regain guard.
Stevens wants to sweep here but Foster controlling him for the moment.
Foster pushes down on Stevens's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevens avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Foster.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Foster working Stevens over with strikes.
Foster thows a huge punch but Stevens dodges it nicely.
Stevens taking some punishment here, with Foster in his half guard.

Foster is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Foster throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Foster has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Foster looking to finish with strikes here!
Foster 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Foster landing strikes, looking to finish!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stevens avoids a strike by Foster and manages to complete a very nice reversal in the process, to end up in Foster's guard! Fantastic escape!
Foster is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Stevens is controlling him.
Stevens postures up in Foster's guard and throws a big left but Foster blocks it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Foster is looking to stand up but Stevens isn't so interested in that idea.
Stevens looking to pass the guard.
Stevens would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Foster pushes Stevens off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Foster tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Stevens counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

Foster drives through with a takedown into Stevens's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Foster is looking to work some ground and pound but Stevens has wrist control.
Stevens wants to sweep but no luck.
Foster with a flurry of punches that miss.
Foster scoring with punches to the head and body.

Foster drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Stevens manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Foster has Stevens in his guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stevens trying to control but Foster is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Foster pushes Stevens off and gets back to his feet.
Foster throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Caleb Foster seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Foster doesn't manage to clinch there - Stevens circles away.
Stevens misses with a straight left.
Foster fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice defenses there by Foster.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stevens keeps the fight on the outside.
Stevens stuffs the takedown attempt from Foster. Foster gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Caleb Foster. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Foster is looking to clinch but Stevens is avoiding it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Caleb Foster 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.

Stevens connects with a solid leg kick.
A combination from Stevens does no damage.
Stevens's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Stevens duly obliges.
Foster tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Stevens manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Stevens staying out of range there.
Foster shoots for a takedown but Stevens saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Stevens scores with a jab to the body.
Stevens jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Foster scores with a jab to the head.
Sloppy strikes from Stevens. Those never looked like landing.
Stevens keeps the fight on the outside.
Stevens leaves Foster with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Stevens swinging wildly here.

Foster moves into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevens wants to break free but Foster has control.
Foster tries to pull guard but Stevens holds him up against the cage and eventually Foster drops back down to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Caleb Foster. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stevens is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Foster has Stevens pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Foster pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Stevens tumbling to the mat - Foster dives into Stevens's guard.
Foster trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Stevens avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Stevens is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Foster lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevens avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Foster loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Stevens preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Foster postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Foster throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Foster loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stevens utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Foster throws a big elbow that misses.
Foster lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Foster postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Foster won't allow Stevens to sweep him here.
Stevens is trying to control the position but Foster postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Foster throws a big elbow that misses.
Foster lands a couple of elbows.
Caleb Foster overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Foster with a flurry of punches that miss.
Foster lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Foster accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Stevens is trying to control the position but Foster postures up.
Foster trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Stevens controls Foster momentarily but Foster frees himself.
Foster throwing strikes from guard but Stevens blocks nicely.
Foster landing some decent shots from guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Foster works over Stevens with some ground and pound from guard.
Foster throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Stevens works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Stevens utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Foster postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Foster in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Foster works over Stevens with some ground and pound from guard.

Foster postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Stevens is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Foster, into his guard.
Stevens stops Foster from standing up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Stevens wants to stand but Foster has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Stevens lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Foster tries to clinch but Stevens moves out of range.
Foster showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Stevens.
Stevens throws a series of punches but Foster avoids them all with ease.
Mike Stevens is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Foster tries to clinch but Stevens moves out of range.

Foster scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Foster seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Foster thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Stevens gets full guard.
Foster scoring with punches to the head and body.
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!
Foster is looking to work some ground and pound but Stevens has wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevens utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Foster accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Stevens preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Stevens really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Foster. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Foster in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Stevens avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Stevens working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Foster.
Foster missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Stevens working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Foster.
Foster throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Stevens works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Foster throws a strike but Stevens rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Stevens prevents Foster from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevens trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Foster manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Foster accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Foster tries to free his leg and advance position but Stevens is retaining full guard.
Stevens looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Foster throws a big elbow that misses.
Foster is looking to work some ground and pound but Stevens has wrist control.
Foster working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Foster trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Foster with a nice head shot there.
Foster working some strikes from top position.
Foster throws a big elbow that misses.
Stevens utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Foster lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Foster is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Stevens can do to turn this around?
Foster working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Foster makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Foster working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Stevens's head.
Foster in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Stevens has momentary wrist control but Foster slips an elbow through the middle.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Foster cracks Stevens with a solid left hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Foster throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Foster throwing strikes but missing.

Foster has gone for a leg lock! Stevens slips out almost immediately though and dives into Foster's guard.
Foster is looking to stand up but Stevens isn't so interested in that idea.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Stevens wants to control from the top but Foster keeps moving.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Foster uses the cage to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Caleb Foster clearly takes that round.
That's time! Foster's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Foster wants to clinch but Stevens slips to the side
and Stevens counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Foster thinking.
Foster wants to clinch up but Stevens keeps it at a distance.
Foster goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

It looks like Mike Stevens has been cut.
Foster shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Stevens as he jumps to the side.
Foster moves in looking to clinch but Stevens pushes him off.
Stevens stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Stevens throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Stevens scores with a hook to the body. Foster takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Foster with a lazy takedown attempt
and Foster takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Foster tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Stevens counters with a one-two to the body.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Foster is looking to clinch but Stevens is avoiding it.
Foster tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Stevens makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Stevens throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Stevens misses with a few strikes there.
Stevens misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Mike Stevens seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Stevens fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Foster tries to clinch but Stevens moves out of range.
Foster throws a jab but it's blocked by Stevens.

Foster fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Stevens, pushing him back against the cage.
Stevens is looking to break free of the clinch but Foster has double underhooks.

Foster escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Foster misses with a hook
and Stevens counters with a straight right hand.
A shot to the liver by Stevens. Beautiful body shot.
Foster keeps the fight on the outside.

Foster moves into the clinch successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Foster lands a right hand that snaps the head of Stevens backwards.
Foster keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Stevens's efforts to push away.
Stevens wants to break the clinch but can't.
Foster misses with the head strike.

Foster pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Foster gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Foster wants to take the fight to the mat but Stevens manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Caleb Foster. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stevens tries to circle away but Foster has him pinned against the cage.
Foster lands a left hand that snaps the head of Stevens backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Foster.
A short right from Foster.
Foster lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Foster creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Foster's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Stevens thows a body shot but no joy.
The fight stays on the outside here - Foster looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Foster tries to clinch up.
Foster swats away the attempt to clinch by Stevens.
Foster tries to clinch but Stevens is having none of it.
Foster wants to clinch.

Foster clinches up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevens is trying to force a seperation but Foster has the dominant position.

Foster pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Foster clinches up against the cage.
Stevens blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Foster gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Foster throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Foster is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Stevens is just riding it out for now. Foster eventually gives up the hold.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Stevens wants to improve his position but Foster is controlling well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Caleb Foster had his way with Mike Stevens in that round.
The cut man is working on Mike Stevens's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

The fight stays on the outside here - Foster looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Foster wants to clinch up but Stevens keeps it at a distance.
Foster is looking to clinch.
Foster tries to close the distance and clinch but Stevens swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Foster cracks Stevens with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Foster wants to clinch.
Foster scores with the left hand. Stevens knows he should have avoided that one.
Foster tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Stevens counters with a series of strikes. Foster will be more careful next time no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Foster closes the distance and pushes Stevens back into the cage.

Stevens's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nice sprawl there from Stevens as Foster shoots in.
Stevens ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Stevens scores with a jab.
Foster is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Horrible takedown by Foster or perhaps it was just good defense by Stevens which made him look bad.
Foster tries to clinch but Stevens is having none of it.
Foster lands the left hand.

Foster gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Foster misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Foster lands a right hand that snaps the head of Stevens backwards.
Stevens tries to break free but Foster pushes him back against the cage.

Foster pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Stevens jabs Foster right on the nose. Foster blinks but takes it well.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Foster misses with a takedown attempt - Stevens sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Caleb Foster. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stevens closes the distance and clinches up with Foster, looking for a takedown. Stevens pushes Foster against the cage but Foster circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Foster is looking to clinch.
Foster tries to clinch but Stevens moves away
and Stevens counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jab by Foster.
Stevens takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Foster misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevens throws a series of strikes that have Foster backpedaling.
A punch combination from Stevens misses.
Foster tries for a takedown but Stevens sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
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.
Foster moves to clinch but Stevens breaks away
and Stevens counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Foster closes the distance looking to clinch
and Stevens counters with a nice uppercut.

Foster moves into the clinch successfully.
Stevens working hard to break the clinch.
Foster throws a punch but it's blocked by Stevens.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
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!

Foster breaks from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Foster takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Stevens throws a head kick that misses.
Stevens bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Caleb Foster is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Foster tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Stevens manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
No luck for Foster with that takedown attempt.
Stevens misses with a body shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Foster shoots in and gets a takedown into Stevens's guard.
Stevens is trying to keep Foster in close.
Mike Stevens has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Foster working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Caleb Foster.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Foster, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 49:46
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 50:45
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 50:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Caleb Foster!
Caleb Foster retains his light heavyweight title!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Caleb Foster made sure he mentioned New World Order Clothing, along with how happy he was to win his fight.