PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Nick Testa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Van Der Sluijs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Testa comes to the cage accompanied by The System Gotcha. James Van Der Sluijs has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Testa
vs
Van Der Sluijs

184 cm
22
191 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

182 cm
23
182 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

The Dark Side

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Nick Testa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, James Van Der Sluijs!
The judges for this bout are Jeff Smith, Chris Saunders and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Testa throws out a leg kick but Van Der Sluijs moves out of range and Testa only half commits.
Van Der Sluijs checks the leg kick nicely there.
Testa misses with a takedown attempt - Van Der Sluijs sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Testa cracks Van Der Sluijs with a right hand to the side of the head.
Testa slips a jab from Van Der Sluijs.
Testa pivots, looking for a leg kick but Van Der Sluijs is out of range and Testa settles back down.
Van Der Sluijs throws a lazy right hand but Testa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Van Der Sluijs throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Testa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Testa thumps Van Der Sluijs with a low kick.
Testa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Van Der Sluijs.
Testa throws a leg kick that is checked
and Van Der Sluijs counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
We've been hearing reports that Testa has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Nice body punch from Testa.
Testa has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Van Der Sluijs.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Testa ducks under a wild hook from Van Der Sluijs.
Testa darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Testa tries a head kick but it misses.
Van Der Sluijs looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Nice jab there from Van Der Sluijs.
Van Der Sluijs scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Van Der Sluijs swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Van Der Sluijs is looking to land body kicks.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a hook
and Testa counters with a stiff right hand.
A head kick by Testa misses
and Van Der Sluijs counters with a thumping low kick.
Van Der Sluijs scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A head kick by Van Der Sluijs misses
and Testa counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Van Der Sluijs throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a right hand
and Testa counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Van Der Sluijs uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Testa.
Van Der Sluijs keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Testa.
Van Der Sluijs scores with a nice body kick.
James Van Der Sluijs is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Testa is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

Van Der Sluijs lands a big head kick that sends Testa tumbling to the mat! Van Der Sluijs takes a step backwards and waves Testa back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Testa is rocked!

It looks like Nick Testa has been cut.
Testa avoids the body shot from Van Der Sluijs.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a head kick.
James Van Der Sluijs seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a looping left.
Testa thuds a left hand into Van Der Sluijs's body.

Testa shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Testa was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.

Testa is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Van Der Sluijs has escaped the position, nice work there.
Van Der Sluijs is looking to regain half guard here but Testa keeps moving and retains side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs can't do much from the bottom here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Testa is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Van Der Sluijs is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Testa is looking to take a break and control but Van Der Sluijs is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Testa throws a strike aimed at the side of Van Der Sluijs's head but Van Der Sluijs avoids it well.
Testa tries to move into full mount but can't pass Van Der Sluijs's legs.
Testa throws a strike aimed at the side of Van Der Sluijs's head but Van Der Sluijs avoids it well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Van Der Sluijs is pushing Testa's head away, looking to escape. Testa manages to hold on to the position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Van Der Sluijs dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Nick Testa's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Van Der Sluijs works Testa's body with a nice hook.
James Van Der Sluijs seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Van Der Sluijs keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Testa.
Van Der Sluijs rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Testa to counter with a crisp jab.
Good leg kick by Testa there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Van Der Sluijs scores with a nice body kick.
Van Der Sluijs tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Van Der Sluijs leaves Testa with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Van Der Sluijs throws a jab when Testa was well out of range.
Testa misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Testa shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Testa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Van Der Sluijs takes a jab right on the kisser.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Van Der Sluijs circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a wild body shot.
Van Der Sluijs thumps Testa with a low kick.
A head kick misses from Van Der Sluijs.
Testa throws an overhand right that lands on Van Der Sluijs's shoulder, as Van Der Sluijs tries to avoid the shot.
Testa misses with a body kick.
Testa slips under a jab.
Testa fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A swing and a miss from Testa.
Testa throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Van Der Sluijs avoids the head kick by Testa.
Testa shoots in looking for a takedown but Van Der Sluijs manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Testa's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nick Testa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Testa tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Van Der Sluijs is able to avoid easily.
Testa tries to clinch up but Van Der Sluijs circles away and keeps his distance.
Van Der Sluijs keeps the fight on the outside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Van Der Sluijs.
Testa throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
The fighters circling - Van Der Sluijs throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Van Der Sluijs throws a head kick that half lands.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Van Der Sluijs moves out of range of the body kick from Testa.
Testa throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Van Der Sluijs throws a big shot that misses.
Van Der Sluijs darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Van Der Sluijs throws a hook to the side of Testa's head but Testa sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a body shot.
Van Der Sluijs throws a head kick but Testa moves out of range.
Van Der Sluijs throws a body kick that misses
and Testa counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Van Der Sluijs uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Testa.
Van Der Sluijs throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Van Der Sluijs throws a sloppy head kick and Testa moves out of range easily.
Van Der Sluijs connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A head kick by Van Der Sluijs misses
and Testa counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Testa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Good leg kick by Van Der Sluijs there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

Testa forces Van Der Sluijs back against the cage and clinches.
Testa is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Van Der Sluijs is defending well.
Van Der Sluijs lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Van Der Sluijs wants to break free but Testa has control.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Testa jumps guard and drags Van Der Sluijs to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Testa is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Van Der Sluijs is aware though and is defending well.
Van Der Sluijs would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Testa looking for subs off his back but Van Der Sluijs has passed one foot through into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Testa wants to improve his position but Van Der Sluijs is controlling well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but James Van Der Sluijs will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Nick Testa's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Van Der Sluijs throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Van Der Sluijs buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Van Der Sluijs lands a head shot.
Van Der Sluijs just misses with a punch to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Testa. Van Der Sluijs does a little dance to reset his feet.
Van Der Sluijs connects with an inside leg kick.
Van Der Sluijs circles away from the clinch attempt.
Van Der Sluijs misses with an attempted mid kick.
Testa with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Testa looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Van Der Sluijs throws a lazy uppercut

and Testa counters by clinching up.
Van Der Sluijs blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Van Der Sluijs is fighting off a takedown attempt but Testa is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Van Der Sluijs to the mat. Van Der Sluijs regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Testa has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Van Der Sluijs is proving hard to escape from.
Van Der Sluijs is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Testa tries to free his leg and advance position but Van Der Sluijs is retaining full guard.
Testa trying to control but Van Der Sluijs is working from the bottom.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Nick Testa wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Van Der Sluijs throws a jab when Testa was well out of range.
Nice defenses there by Testa.
James Van Der Sluijs is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs avoids the head kick by Testa.
Testa closes the distance but Van Der Sluijs moves to the side
and Van Der Sluijs counters with a good, hard body kick but Testa shrugs it off.
Testa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Testa pushes Van Der Sluijs up against the cage in a clinch.

Testa breaks from the clinch.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a looping right.
Testa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Van Der Sluijs sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Van Der Sluijs takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Van Der Sluijs throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Testa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Van Der Sluijs looks to land a left hand but Testa moved out of range nicely.
Van Der Sluijs misses the jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs connects with a single shot there.
Van Der Sluijs on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Van Der Sluijs scores with a kick to the midsection.

Testa closes the distance and pushes Van Der Sluijs back into the cage.
Van Der Sluijs misses with some punches.
Testa connects with a nasty looking knee right to Van Der Sluijs's face.
Van Der Sluijs avoiding damage as Testa throws knees to the body.
Testa tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Testa misses with a knee strike.
Testa tries to land knees in the clinch but Van Der Sluijs avoids the damage to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Testa jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Van Der Sluijs walks away with a smile on his face. Testa gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a left hand
and Testa counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Testa goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A lazy body kick from Testa
enabling Van Der Sluijs to counter with a crisp jab.
Van Der Sluijs cracks Testa with an open hand slap.
Van Der Sluijs throws a head kick that misses.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Van Der Sluijs, as that shot connected.
Nick Testa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Testa misses the shot to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Van Der Sluijs lands with a good body shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Van Der Sluijs connects with a solid leg kick.
Van Der Sluijs throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Testa has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Van Der Sluijs finds it's way round the side to connect with Testa's head.
Testa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to James Van Der Sluijs.
I've got Van Der Sluijs winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chris Saunders scores the fight 27:30
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Van Der Sluijs!