PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Herbert Hughes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jonny Stevens (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stevens has chosen In the Dark as his entrance music. Herbert Hughes is staring across the ring at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Hughes
vs
Stevens

172 cm
24
142 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

175 cm
32
138 lbs
19 - 19 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Herbert Hughes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jonny Stevens!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Nard Betker and Paulsen Ambrosius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Stevens gets a double leg takedown into Hughes's guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Stevens wants to control from the top but Hughes keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Jonny Stevens.
Hughes feints and then cracks Stevens's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Stevens down.
Hughes misses with a body kick.
Hughes scoring well with a low kick there.
Nice body kick there by Hughes.
Herbert Hughes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Stevens gets a double leg takedown into Hughes's guard.

Stevens got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hughes has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Stevens has managed to get both his arms back between Hughes's legs - danger averted.
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 the position from guard on top but Hughes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've been hearing good reports from Hughes's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hughes looking to hit a scissor sweep but Stevens is one step ahead there.
Stevens trying to control the position from guard on top but Hughes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Jonny Stevens wasn't active enough on the ground.
Hughes throws a series of punches but Stevens avoids them all with ease.

Stevens closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Hughes's guard.
Hughes tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Stevens controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hughes 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.
Stevens trying to control but Hughes is working from the bottom.
Hughes looking to hit a scissor sweep but Stevens is one step ahead there.
Hughes is trying to keep Stevens in close.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Jonny Stevens.
Hughes cracks Stevens with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Stevens fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Hughes throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Stevens's waist but Stevens gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hughes off to one side.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hughes is looking to score with low kicks.
Hughes dives in and grabs Stevens's left leg, looking for a takedown. Stevens pushes down on Hughes's head and hops out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Hughes.
You can see the frustration on Stevens's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Hughes wants to control but Stevens is keeping him busy.
Stevens manages to get back to half guard.
Stevens is looking to improve his position.
Hughes missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Hughes with the ground and pound but Stevens uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevens trying to keep a closed guard but Hughes is proving a slippery customer.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Hughes's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Stevens is adopting a defensive guard.
Stevens looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stevens trying to control the position.
Stevens looking to control but Hughes passes into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jonny Stevens will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Stevens changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hughes tries to avoid it but Stevens manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hughes to the ground. Hughes escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Stevens misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Stevens stuffs the takedown attempt from Hughes. Hughes gets slowly back to his feet.
Stevens shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hughes sprawls well. Hughes wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Stevens gets slowly back to his feet.
Herbert Hughes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jonny Stevens.
Stevens fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Stevens tries to keep at a distance but Hughes has taken the fight into the clinch.
Stevens tries for a takedown but Hughes manages to get underhooks.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

Hughes's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Stevens fails with a takedown attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Stevens.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevens tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hughes sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Stevens somewhat.
Stevens fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hughes avoids it really well and circles away.
Herbert Hughes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hughes shoots in but no luck this time.
Hughes throws a nice inside leg kick.
Stevens shoots in but Hughes avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Stevens bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Hughes is not content to let Stevens control the position.
Hughes is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevens lands with a punch from half guard.
Stevens trying to control from half guard but Hughes is working away.
Hughes moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Stevens wants to stand but Hughes has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hughes keeping moving, preventing Stevens from controlling successfully.
Stevens's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Hughes keeping moving, preventing Stevens from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Jonny Stevens hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Stevens steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hughes.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Hughes - that will leave a mark!

Hughes throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Stevens was covering up waiting for the punch and Hughes finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Hughes looking to sit in guard and control but Stevens gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Stevens with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Hughes not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Stevens wants to pass the guard but Hughes is keeping the position.
Stevens trying to control the position from guard on top but Hughes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hughes working for a triangle but Stevens defends it easily.
Hughes seems keen to control Stevens's posture.
Hughes wants to sweep but no luck.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stevens controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
This has been an exciting period of action!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jonny Stevens will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action!

Stevens shoots for a double leg takedown but Hughes sprawls well. He's pushed Stevens's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hughes pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

Hughes gets caught flat footed, as Stevens shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Stevens trying to control the position from guard on top but Hughes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Jonny Stevens was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Stevens closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Hughes's guard.
Stevens working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Stevens looking to sit in guard and control but Hughes gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Stevens working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hughes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hughes wants to pass the guard but Stevens is keeping the position.
Hughes wants to control from the top but Stevens keeps moving.
Stevens lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Hughes!
Hughes manages to regain half guard. Good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevens not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Stevens thows a huge punch but Hughes dodges it nicely.
Hughes trying to control but Stevens postures up.

Stevens is looking for a kimura here.
Stevens is looking to take a break and control but Hughes is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hughes tries to roll over but Stevens keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevens keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Hughes is holding on to half guard well.
Stevens thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Hughes's head.
Stevens wants to take a breather but Hughes is having none of it.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Jonny Stevens was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Stevens fails to land the takedown.
Stevens will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Herbert Hughes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jonny Stevens.
Hughes cracks the inside of Stevens's front leg.
Good leg kick by Hughes there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Hughes lands a nice shot that snaps Stevens's head back.

Hughes pushes Stevens up against the ropes in a clinch.
Stevens goes for a takedown attempt but Hughes pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevens shoots in for a double leg but Hughes sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Hughes goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Hughes tries to score with a low kick but Stevens moves his leg out of the way.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Stevens walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

Hughes gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Stevens to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Stevens is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Stevens missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stevens trying to control the position from guard on top but Hughes is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jonny Stevens really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Stevens shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Hughes manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Hughes wants to sweep here but Stevens controlling him for the moment.
Jonny Stevens has got the better of the ground game so far.
Stevens postures up in Hughes's guard and throws a big left but Hughes blocks it.
Stevens preventing the sweep.
Hughes is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Hughes 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevens trying to control but Hughes is working from the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Stevens checks a low kick from Hughes.

Stevens drives through and clinches with Hughes against the ropes.
Stevens can't get the takedown.
Stevens drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hughes pulls his leg out and moves away.
Stevens takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.

Hughes gets the takedown into side control.
You can see the frustration on Stevens's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Hughes wants to lay and pray for a moment but Stevens keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevens is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Stevens is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Hughes's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Hughes throwing shots but Stevens is blocking nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hughes working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Hughes scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Hughes is pressing down on Stevens's thigh, looking to free his foot. Stevens is holding on for now.
Stevens is not content to let Hughes control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevens tries to get to full guard but Hughes has control of the leg.
Stevens has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Hughes is pressing down on Stevens's thigh, looking to free his foot. Stevens is holding on for now.
Hughes looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Herbert Hughes just wasn't active enough.
Stevens closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Hughes throws a sloppy head kick and Stevens moves out of range easily.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Hughes lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Stevens has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Stevens and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.

Hughes looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Stevens trying to control here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hughes not doing much here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Herbert Hughes had his way with Jonny Stevens in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Hughes fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Hughes fails with the takedown.
Stevens defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hughes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Herbert Hughes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hughes pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Hughes with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Stevens tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hughes swivels and escapes.
Hughes will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Stevens shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Stevens shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hughes pinned against the ropes. Hughes gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Hughes gets caught flat footed, as Stevens shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Hughes wants to control but Stevens passes easily into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevens is trying to control the action in half guard but Hughes is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Hughes wants to improve his position but Stevens is controlling well.
The fighters are battling for position here. Hughes manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Stevens is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Stevens controls from within his opponent's guard.
Hughes looking for a sweep. Not yet Hughes, not yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hughes throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hughes keeping moving, preventing Stevens from controlling successfully.
Stevens postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Hughes wants to sweep here but Stevens controlling him for the moment.
Hughes keeping moving, preventing Stevens from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hughes looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Jonny Stevens has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Stevens closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Hughes did well to prevent Stevens getting side control.
Hughes is not content to let Stevens control the position.
Stevens controlling the action here.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Stevens wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hughes keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Jonny Stevens wasn't active enough on the ground.
Stevens dives in and grabs Hughes's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hughes pushes down on Stevens's head and hops out.

Stevens shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Hughes is trying to defend but Stevens finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Jonny Stevens is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Stevens is trying to control the action in half guard but Hughes is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Stevens wants to work for an arm triangle but Hughes is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Hughes wants to control but Stevens is keeping busy.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hughes is not content to let Stevens control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jonny Stevens comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Stevens has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Blasius scores the fight 47:49
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 47:48
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jonny Stevens!
Jonny Stevens decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.