PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Diego Sanchez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ein Stein (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Sanchez
vs
Stein

188 cm
31
158 lbs
30 - 13 - 2

167 cm
27
145 lbs
17 - 5 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Hellbent

Affordable Quality + Reliable Laundry
Perkele!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 30 - 13 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, Diego Sanchez!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ein Stein!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Colin Fotheringham and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Both fighters circling a little - Sanchez finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Sanchez is looking to land body kicks.
Sanchez lets loose with a powerful body kick. Stein will feel that in the morning.
Stein tries to move into range but Sanchez moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

It looks like Ein Stein has been cut.
A decent looking cross lands there for Stein.
Stein on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Sanchez throws a front kick aimed at Stein's knee but Stein avoids it well.
Stein swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sanchez tries to work over Stein's front leg with a kick but Stein checks it.
A jab lands there for Stein.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A looping hook to the body misses from Stein. Sanchez does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sanchez on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Sanchez throws a right hand that Stein ducks under and follows up with a left that Stein also avoids with ease.
Sanchez connects with a single shot there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanchez rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Stein decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Sanchez's guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Sanchez preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sanchez trying to control the position.
Stein tries to free his leg and advance position but Sanchez is retaining full guard.
Sanchez working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Stein.
Sanchez 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.
Stein pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sanchez is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stein postures up in Sanchez's guard and throws a big left but Sanchez blocks it.
Sanchez 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.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stein accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Stein has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Gutz Gym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Sanchez is trying to control the position but Stein postures up.
Stein trying to control the position from guard on top but Sanchez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sanchez wants to sweep here but Stein controlling him for the moment.
Stein trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanchez keeping moving, preventing Stein from controlling successfully.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Sanchez wants to land a leg kick but Stein is out of range.
Sanchez throws a body kick that misses

and Stein counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Stein wants to control from the top but Sanchez keeps moving.
Stein trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Sanchez manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Stein is looking for a triangle but Sanchez pushes his legs off easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stein looking for a guillotine here but Sanchez defends easily.
Stein looking to control.

Stein has his foot on Sanchez's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Sanchez works his way back into a safe position though.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Stein working for a triangle but Sanchez defends it easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stein keeping full guard, as Sanchez tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ein Stein dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ein Stein's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A head kick misses from Sanchez.
Stein misses the shot to the body.
Sanchez bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Stein's head.
Stein checks the leg kick.
Sanchez throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Nice body kick there by Sanchez.
Sanchez throws a body kick that misses

and Stein decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Sanchez's guard.
Stein trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sanchez 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.
Stein chips away with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanchez keeping moving, preventing Stein from controlling successfully.
Stein slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Stein's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Sanchez preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Stein loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Sanchez keeping moving, preventing Stein from controlling successfully.
Ein Stein has got the better of the ground game so far.
Stein missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stein postures up in Sanchez's guard and throws a big left but Sanchez blocks it.
Sanchez utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stein accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stein not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Stein trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Stein controlling from the top position.
Stein trying to control but Sanchez is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanchez manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Stein manages to get himself to full guard.
Stein controls Sanchez momentarily but Sanchez frees himself.

Stein looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Stein tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Stein manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sanchez manages to get himself to full guard.
Sanchez is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stein throws a big elbow that misses.
Stein works over Sanchez with some ground and pound from guard.
Stein has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Stein pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sanchez is keeping the position for now.
Sanchez is trying to control the position but Stein postures up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sanchez is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Stein working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ein Stein showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ein Stein's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Sanchez misses with a kick to the body

and Stein counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Stein missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Stein not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Stein throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Stein is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Stein with the ground and pound but Sanchez uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Stein forces his way into half guard.
Stein thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sanchez's head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sanchez keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Stein sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Sanchez defending well though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stein thows a huge punch but Sanchez dodges it nicely.
Stein sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Sanchez defending well though.
Stein is looking to advance position but Sanchez won't allow it.
Stein trying to control the action but Sanchez is working from the bottom.
Stein is looking to advance position but Sanchez won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stein seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Sanchez does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Stein lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Sanchez trying to hold on to Stein's head to control him but Stein postures up.
Stein sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Sanchez defending well though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stein throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Nice strikes from Stein there.
Stein is looking to stall here but Sanchez recovers full guard.
Sanchez has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Stein sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sanchez is trying to keep Stein in close.
Sanchez preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Stein passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Stein thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Stein goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Sanchez has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Stein but great work by Sanchez.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ein Stein really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ein Stein's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Sanchez throws a front kick that sends Stein stumbling back into the cage.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Sanchez.
Sanchez throws a chopping leg kick but Stein manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Stein misses with a looping left.
No luck for Stein with that takedown attempt.
Diego Sanchez is winning the standup battle so far.

Stein drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Stein stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Sanchez swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Sanchez keeping moving, preventing Stein from controlling successfully.
Stein landing with the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stein trying to control the position from guard on top but Sanchez is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Stein drops back, looking for a kneebar! Sanchez looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Sanchez looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Sanchez!
Stein tries to control the position but he's not in luck - Sanchez easily slips into full mount!
Sanchez controlling the pace for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sanchez avoids the attempt from Stein to control.
Sanchez really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Stein regains half guard.
Stein is looking for a sweep. Sanchez is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Stein wants to control but Sanchez is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Stein is looking for a sweep. Sanchez is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stein keeping control of the position.
Sanchez content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

Stein looking for submissions off his back.
Stein trying to control but Sanchez postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Stein is refusing to be controlled, as Sanchez sits in half guard.
Stein tries to roll over but Sanchez keeps him under control.
Stein moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stein looking to control but Sanchez passes into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ein Stein dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Ein Stein's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Sanchez thows a leg kick but Stein checks it

and Stein counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Sanchez's guard now.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stein accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sanchez wants to hit a switch here but Stein passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Sanchez there!
Sanchez is trying desperately to improve position.
Poor strikes thrown by Stein there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Stein throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Stein trying to control but Sanchez is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanchez wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Stein.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Stein cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

Stein working for a submission but Sanchez is keeping him at bay.
Stein scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Diego Sanchez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Stein moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Sanchez has worked his arm free - good work by Sanchez!
Stein looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Sanchez is avoiding damage well.
Sanchez is looking to reverse the position.
Stein wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sanchez keeps working.
Sanchez can't do much from the bottom here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Check out the look on Stein's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Stein wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sanchez, who protects the arm well.
Sanchez can't do much from the bottom here.
Stein is looking to take a break and control but Sanchez is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Stein creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Sanchez sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stein misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Stein fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Stein trying to control the position but Sanchez is working away.

Stein tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Ein Stein is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sanchez striking from the bottom but nothing landed.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ein Stein comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Stein 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 45:50
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 45:50
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ein Stein!
Ein Stein is the new featherweight champion!
Ein Stein seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.