PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mike Blow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bear Stevenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Blow might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Slippin. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Blow
vs
Stevenson

175 cm
23
170 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

178 cm
27
168 lbs
15 - 2 - 1

Good wrestling
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

The Dark Side

Milwaukee's Best 160
Fury Nutrition Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Mike Blow!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Bear Stevenson!
The judges for this bout are Chris Saunders, Ryoma Takatsuka and Josh West.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Blow throws a jab when Stevenson was well out of range.
Blow throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Stevenson swings for the body but Blow moves out of range.

Blow has closed the distance and engaged Stevenson in a clinch.
Blow misses with a hook from the clinch.
Blow avoiding damage as Stevenson throws knees to the body.
Blow looking for a takedown.
Blow throws a punch but it's blocked by Stevenson.
Stevenson tries to work over Blow's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Blow misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Stevenson.

Blow has Stevenson pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Blow pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Stevenson tumbling to the mat - Blow dives into Stevenson's guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Blow accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Blow wants to control from the top but Stevenson keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blow missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Stevenson managing to control the position.
Blow trying to control but Stevenson is working from the bottom.
Stevenson is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Blow postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Stevenson is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Blow, into his guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stevenson wants to pass the guard but Blow is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blow looking for a sweep. Not yet Blow, not yet.
Stevenson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Bear Stevenson was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Stevenson throws a looping overhand right but Blow ducks down to avoid it.
Blow shoots in and drives through. Stevenson sprawls well.
Blow misses with a few strikes there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blow moves in looking to clinch but Stevenson pushes him off.
Stevenson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Stevenson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Stevenson wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Blow. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stevenson misses with a looping right.
Blow wants to clinch up but Stevenson keeps it at a distance.
We've been told by Blow's head coaches at The Boom Boom Room that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Bear Stevenson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Blow lands with a hook. Stevenson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Blow misses the shot to the body.
A telegraphed right hand from Stevenson misses the target.
Blow swinging wildly here.
Blow tries to clinch up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson misses with a wild body shot.
Stevenson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Blow.
Blow avoids the body shot from Stevenson.
Blow connects with a single shot there.
Stevenson thows a body shot but no joy.
Jab from Blow.
Blow scores with a one two! Stevenson had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stevenson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Blow moves away.
Stevenson defending well as Blow loads up on a big left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Blow tries for a takedown but Stevenson circles away easily
and Stevenson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Blow dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Blow keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Stevenson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Blow wants to clinch.
Stevenson is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Blow with a poor takedown
and Stevenson counters with a right hand to the body.
Stevenson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mike Blow is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Blow avoids the body shot from Stevenson.
Blow tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Stevenson was well out of range. Poor timing from Blow.
Blow blocks a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevenson tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Blow is able to avoid easily.
Stevenson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Stevenson scores with a three punch combo!
Stevenson takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Blow rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Stevenson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Blow slips a jab and a cross from Stevenson.
Blow tries to clinch up.
Bear Stevenson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A nice combination there by Blow.
Stevenson comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blow tries to clinch there but Stevenson circles away.

Blow manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Stevenson on his heels. He'll look to pass Stevenson's guard now, I'm sure.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stevenson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Blow is fighting to break Stevenson's control of his arms but Stevenson is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Stevenson trying to keep a closed guard but Blow is proving a slippery customer.

Blow is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Stevenson is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Stevenson has escaped and now he's on top!
Blow keeping moving, preventing Stevenson from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Bear Stevenson wasn't active enough on the ground.
Stevenson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stevenson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Blow shoots in for a takedown but Stevenson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A telegraphed right hand from Blow misses the target.
Blow fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Blow. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Blow tries to clinch there but Stevenson circles away.
Stevenson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Blow rather than just go for the knockout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson ducks under a wild hook from Blow.
Stevenson stuffs the takedown.
Blow shoots in but Stevenson avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Stevenson feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Blows jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Blow walks into a left hand.
Stevenson has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Stevenson there as he acknowledges the shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Blow fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
The fighters circle momentarily. Blow darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bear Stevenson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Stevenson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Blow.
A telegraphed right hand from Stevenson misses the target.
Stevenson throws a lazy uppercut

and Blow counters by moving into the clinch.
Blow lands a body shot in the clinch.
Stevenson misses with the head strike.
Blow tries to throw a body punch but Stevenson avoids it by throwing Blow back against the cage.
Blow tries for a takedown. No joy.
Stevenson pushes Blow back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Blow tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Stevenson avoids it.
Blow tries to work over Stevenson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stevenson blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Stevenson has had enough of the clinch but Blow keeps him there for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blow lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Stevenson stops a takedown attempt from Blow.
Blow swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Stevenson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Stevenson gets underhooks to prevent Blow's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mike Blow. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Blow working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Stevenson looking to slow down the pace here.
Stevenson avoiding damage.
Stevenson is trying to force a seperation but Blow has the dominant position.
Blow misses with some punches.
Stevenson stalls.
Stevenson is looking to break free of the clinch but Blow has double underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson effectively controlling the action here.
Stevenson looking to slow down the pace here.

Stevenson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Stevenson throws the left hand but Blow avoids the punch easily.
Blow throws a lazy right hand but Stevenson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Stevenson pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Blow defending well as Stevenson loads up on a big left hand.
Blow shoots in and drives through. Stevenson sprawls well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Blow looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Stevenson gets full guard.
Stevenson trying to control the position.
Blow not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Blow postures up in Stevenson's guard and throws a big left but Stevenson blocks it.
Blow preventing the sweep.
Mike Blow overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Stevenson doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Blow working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Blow trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Blow throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Stevenson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Blow preventing the sweep.
Blow throws a big elbow that misses.
Stevenson 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.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Blow tries to free his leg and advance position but Stevenson is retaining full guard.
Stevenson being controlled here, momentarily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stevenson manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Blow keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Mike Blow did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Stevenson keeps the fight on the outside.
Blow shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Blow staying out of range there.
Stevenson misses with a right hand

and Blow counters with a shoot takedown. Stevenson fights it but they end up in guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Blow accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Stevenson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Blow.
Blow tries to free his leg and advance position but Stevenson is retaining full guard.
Blow is working hard here to advance position.
Stevenson trying to keep a closed guard but Blow is proving a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blow distracts Stevenson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Blow throwing strikes but missing.
Stevenson wants to sweep but no luck.
Stevenson manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Stevenson sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Stevenson tries to control but Blow wriggling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blow manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Stevenson seems to be working for a kimura but Blow defends the submission attempt.
Blow is looking for a sweep. Stevenson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Stevenson there.
Blow avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Stevenson.
Stevenson is keen to just control but Blow is a slippery customer.
Stevenson sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Bear Stevenson hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Stevenson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Blow was well out of range. Poor timing from Stevenson.
Blow throws a series of punches but Stevenson avoids them all with ease.
Blow feints a jab promting Stevenson to slip. Blow then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Stevenson slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stevenson misses with a double jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Bear Stevenson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Stevenson misses the shot to the body.
Blow is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

Blow manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Stevenson on his heels. He'll look to pass Stevenson's guard now, I'm sure.
Blow is working Stevenson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Stevenson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Blow is one step ahead there.
Blow stays in close to Stevenson's body and controls the position.
Stevenson controls Blow momentarily but Blow frees himself.
Blow pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Stevenson is keeping the position for now.

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

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Blow throws a right and a left that Stevenson avoids nicely.
Blow shoots in but Stevenson avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Blow on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Blow misses with a series of wild punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blow misses with a wild body shot.
Blow wants to clinch.
Stevenson throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Stevenson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Blow moves away.
Blow keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Blow.
Blow looks up at the clock and then as Stevenson takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Blow smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blow throws a strike aimed at the side of Stevenson's head but Stevenson avoids it well.
Blow misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Stevenson is looking for a sweep.
Stevenson manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Stevenson is stalling here. Blow is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Stevenson seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Blow has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Stevenson avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Blow.
Stevenson is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson is still trying to improve position.
Stevenson takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.

Blow wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Stevenson, who protects the arm well.
Blow working away.
Blow fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Stevenson felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stevenson is looking to regain half guard here but Blow keeps moving and retains side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mike Blow showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Blow has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Chris Saunders scores the fight 48:47
Judge Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 49:47
Judge Josh West scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike Blow!
Mike Blow retains his lightweight title!
After the big win, Mike Blow made sure to do all the important stuff like thanking his sponsors The Dark Side and telling the interviewer how much he loves him.