PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Lamont Sanford (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bear Stevenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sanford's entrance music is Stevie Wonder - Superstition. A fine choice. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Sanford
vs
Stevenson

170 cm
26
170 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

178 cm
34
168 lbs
30 - 11 - 1

Good wrestling
World class MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Spartan Nutrition

Sun-Tzu

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 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Lamont Sanford!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 11 - 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!
Stevenson tries to work over Sanford's front leg with a kick but Sanford checks it.
Sanford misses with a two punch combination.
Stevenson misses with a wild body shot.
Stevenson moves out of range as Sanford throws a body kick.
Stevenson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Stevenson on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
A lazy left from Stevenson finds it's target.
Sanford throws a nice outside leg kick.
Stevenson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Sanford circles away quickly and effectively.
A solid body kick from Stevenson.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Stevenson checks a leg kick.
Sanford moves out of range of the body kick from Stevenson.
Stevenson has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Sanford.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stevenson misses with a looping right.
Sanford scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Sanford looks to land a body kick but Stevenson moved away.
Stevenson motions for Sanford to come forward. Stevenson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Stevenson bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Stevenson swings widly with a right hand
and Sanford counters with a three punch combo that has Stevenson backing up. Stevenson nods at Sanford to acknowledge the strikes.
Sanford looks to score with a jab to the body but Stevenson is just out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanford looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Sanford cracks Stevenson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Sanford bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sanford throws a push kick but Stevenson slaps the foot to one side.
Lamont Sanford is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Stevenson lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Sanford at a distance.
A big right from Sanford misses.
Sanford moves forwards but Stevenson connects with a nice, crisp jab.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Sanford tries to work over Stevenson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Sanford breaks from the clinch.
Stevenson cracks Sanford with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Stevenson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sanford.
Stevenson is looking to chop away at Sanford's legs.
A counter left hand to the body from Sanford misses its target.
Stevenson 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.
Stevenson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sanford is looking to counter with a body kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Stevenson.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Stevenson has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Stevenson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Sanford circles away quickly and effectively.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Stevenson dives in and scores a takedown into Sanford's guard.
Stevenson throwing strikes from guard but Sanford blocks nicely.
Stevenson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sanford is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Stevenson throwing strikes but missing.
Sanford is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at 5 Star Spar Bazaar that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Sanford utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Stevenson throws a big elbow that misses.
Stevenson throws a big right hand that misses.
Stevenson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sanford trying to control the position here.
Sanford trying to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson is looking to work some ground and pound but Sanford has wrist control.
Stevenson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Sanford works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Stevenson throws a big elbow that misses.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stevenson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sanford looking for a sweep. Not yet Sanford, not yet.
Stevenson throws a strike but Sanford rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Stevenson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Sanford defends well.
Stevenson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Sanford is stalling in the full guard.
Stevenson wants to sweep here but Sanford controlling him for the moment.
Sanford has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Stevenson thows a huge punch but Sanford dodges it nicely.
Stevenson misses with a head shot. Sanford uses the momentum to regain guard.
Sanford avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Sanford preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Stevenson is looking to work some ground and pound but Sanford has wrist control.
Stevenson throwing strikes but missing.
Stevenson pushes down on Sanford's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Stevenson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bear Stevenson dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Stevenson scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

It looks like Lamont Sanford has been cut.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
An inside leg kick lands from Stevenson.
Sanford keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Stevenson.
Sanford scores with a decent looking hook.
Sanford connects with a solid leg kick.
Sanford throws a right and a left that Stevenson avoids nicely.
Sanford looks to land a left hand but Stevenson moved out of range nicely.
Stevenson lands a right hook to the body.
Sanford takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Stevenson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sanford lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stevenson moves out of range of the body kick.
Sanford has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Stevenson.
Stevenson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sanford on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Stevenson has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Sanford fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Stevenson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sanford.
Sanford walks into a jab.
Sanford gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Stevenson.
Stevenson shoots in but no luck this time.
It looked like Sanford wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevenson cracks Sanford with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Nice body punch from Sanford.
Bear Stevenson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Stevenson throws a series of punches but Sanford moves out of range.
Sanford thuds his right hand into Stevenson's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Stevenson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Sanford scores with a spinning back kick!
Sanford lands a nice looking body kick.
Sanford throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Sanford misses with a body kick.
Stevenson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sanford was well out of range. Poor timing from Stevenson.
A swing and a miss from Sanford.
Stevenson looks to land a left hand but Sanford moved out of range nicely.
Sanford throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Stevenson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sanford lands a nice looking body shot.

Stevenson shoots in and gets a takedown into Sanford's guard.

Sanford pushes Stevenson off and gets back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Stevenson on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Stevenson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sanford.
Stevenson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sanford is looking to counter with a body kick.
Stevenson misses with a body shot.

Sanford has taken the fight to the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sanford.
Stevenson misses with a punch to the body.
Sanford goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Sanford breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Sanford throws a lazy body kick
and Stevenson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sanford slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Stevenson slips a jab from Sanford.
Nice body kick from Stevenson.
Sanford tests Stevenson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Stevenson slips under a jab.
Stevenson lands with an uppercut that bounces Sanford off the cage and back into range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson just misses with a punch to the body.
Stevenson fails to land the takedown.
Sanford jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Stevenson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Stevenson on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Sanford. Sanford obviously looking to wear him down.
Stevenson throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Sanford ducks under a wild hook from Stevenson.
Stevenson blocks the body kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sanford looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Stevenson with the counter takedown but Sanford avoids it easily.
Stevenson lands with an overhand left.
Stevenson tries to land a front kick but Sanford steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Stevenson lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Nice body kick from Sanford.
Sanford throws a body kick that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson takes a swing at Sanford's ribcage but misses.
Sanford throws a wild body kick that Stevenson sees coming a mile off.
Sanford drops his hands momentarily and Stevenson takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Sanford swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Stevenson.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sanford tries to land a front kick but Stevenson steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Stevenson now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Stevenson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sanford was well out of range. Poor timing from Stevenson.
Stevenson lands a front kick.
Stevenson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Stevenson looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Stevenson's corner calls for a 1-2. Stevenson obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Sanford dips to his left and cracks Stevenson with an uppercut!
Stevenson's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Stevenson duly obliges.
Stevenson throws a body kick that misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stevenson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Crunch! Sanford slams his shin into Stevenson's torso.
Stevenson thuds his right hand into Sanford's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Stevenson misses with a body kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Bear Stevenson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Lamont Sanford's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Stevenson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sanford drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Stevenson looks to land a left hand but Sanford moved out of range nicely.
Sanford lands with a cross.
Stevenson lands a nice looking body shot.
Stevenson throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Stevenson throws out a leg kick but Sanford moves out of range and Stevenson only half commits.
Stevenson throws a sloppy head kick and Sanford moves out of range easily.
Sanford scores with a push kick.
Sanford works over Stevenson's head and body with a nice combination.
Sanford steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Stevenson.
Crunch! Sanford slams his shin into Stevenson's torso.
Sanford scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Stevenson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stevenson misses with a shot to the body
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Stevenson misses with a kick to the body.
Sanford delivers a nice body kick.
Stevenson fails to land with a series of punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanford connects with a solid leg kick.
Sanford connects with a leg kick. Stevenson looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Sanford lands with a kick to the ribs.
Sanford misses with an attempted mid kick.
Stevenson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Sanford lands a jab to the nose.
Stevenson connects with a jab.
Sanford throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Stevenson has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Sanford.
Sanford throws a front kick that sends Stevenson stumbling back into the cage.
Stevenson avoids a kick to the body.
Despite the aggression on Stevenson's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Stevenson throws a lazy uppercut
and Sanford counters with a straight right hand.
Stevenson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Stevenson moves out of range of the body kick from Sanford.
Stevenson is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sanford delivers a nice body kick.
Stevenson looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Stevenson!
Stevenson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sanford.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sanford scores with a spinning back kick!
Sanford tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Stevenson misses with a body shot.
An inside leg kick lands from Sanford.
Sanford scores with a nice right hand.
Stevenson's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Stevenson throws a shot from downtown. Sanford moves away and avoids it.
Sanford uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Stevenson.
Sanford works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Sanford delivers a nice body kick.
Stevenson cracks Sanford with a right hand to the side of the head.
Sanford looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Sanford moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Sanford ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Stevenson moves away.
Sanford lands a head kick!
Stevenson gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Sanford tries a head kick but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson throws a body shot but no joy.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Stevenson, right into the meat.
Stevenson walks into a jab.

Stevenson shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Stevenson throwing strikes from guard but Sanford blocks nicely.
Stevenson lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Stevenson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Stevenson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Stevenson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Stevenson throws a strike but Sanford rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

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.
Stevenson wants to hit a switch here but Sanford passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Stevenson there!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Stevenson is trying desperately to improve position.
Sanford trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Sanford controlling from mount.
Sanford prevents Stevenson from getting the reversal.
Sanford controlling from the full mount.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stevenson can't escape the position.
Stevenson regains half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lamont Sanford clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Lamont Sanford's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Sanford has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Stevenson finds it's way round the side to connect with Sanford's head.
Stevenson looking to land some kicks to the body here.

Sanford has Stevenson up against the cage in a clinch.
Sanford tries to throw a body punch but Stevenson avoids it by throwing Sanford back against the cage.
Stevenson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Sanford tries to throw a body punch but Stevenson avoids it by throwing Sanford back against the cage.
Sanford misses with a body punch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Stevenson.
Stevenson tries to throw a body punch but Sanford avoids it by throwing Stevenson back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stevenson misses with a body punch.
Sanford misses with a short punch on the inside.

Stevenson breaks the clinch.
Stevenson scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Nice defenses there by Stevenson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevenson slips a jab from Sanford.
Sanford goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Sanford blocks a head kick by Stevenson.
It appears Sanford was looking to counter with a kick there.
Stevenson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Some bone on bone action there as Sanford checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Sanford tried to counter with a leg kick but Stevenson avoided it.
Sanford lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A lazy body kick from Sanford
and Stevenson counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Sanford defending well as Stevenson loads up on a big left hand.
Sanford moves away from the strike by Stevenson.
Stevenson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A good leg kick by Stevenson.
Sanford goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Sanford throws the kick towards the body but Stevenson avoids it.
Stevenson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sanford manages to avoid it.
Sanford pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Stevenson connects with a looping right hand.
Sanford takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Sanford.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stevenson moves out of range of the body kick from Sanford.
Sanford scores with a push kick.
Stevenson throws a leg kick which misses Sanford's front leg but catches the back leg as Sanford tries to avoid it.
Stevenson 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.
Sanford fakes the leg kick and cracks Stevenson in the body.
Sanford throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Sanford slips under a jab.
Stevenson lands a nice looking body kick.
Sanford pushes Stevenson away with a front kick.
Stevenson keeps the fight on the outside.
Stevenson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sanford moves away.
And Sanford counters with a quick kick to the body but Stevenson blocks it.
Sanford tests Stevenson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Sanford.
A jab from Stevenson does it's job there.
Stevenson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sanford was well out of range. Poor timing from Stevenson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Sanford.
Sanford lands with a kick to the ribs.
Sanford scores with a jab to the jaw.
Stevenson tries to land a front kick but Sanford steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
An attempted straight right counter from Sanford misses the target.
Sanford thumps Stevenson with a low kick.
Stevenson looks to land a combination but Sanford avoids it well.
Sanford throws a body kick that misses.
Sanford lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Stevenson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Stevenson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sanford counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Stevenson is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Stevenson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sanford.
Sanford bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Stevenson's head.
Both fighters circling a little - Stevenson finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A jab lands there for Sanford.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson tries a head kick but it misses.
Sanford tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Sanford misses with a straight right.
Stevenson throws a shot from downtown. Sanford moves away and avoids it.
Stevenson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Sanford looks for the body kick but Stevenson saw that one coming.
Nice shot lands for Sanford.
Sanford throws a hook but Stevenson avoids it easily.
Stevenson looks to land a right hand but Sanford moved out of range.
Sanford scores with a jab.
Stevenson looks to score with a jab to the body but Sanford is just out of range.
A combination from Stevenson does no damage.
A clash of legs there as Sanford blocks the low kick.
Stevenson takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Sanford uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Stevenson.
Sanford lands with a kick to the ribs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lamont Sanford had his way with Bear Stevenson in that round.
The cut man is working on Lamont Sanford's cut.
That's time! Sanford's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Sanford keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sanford lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Stevenson scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Sanford throws a combination that misses
and Stevenson counters with a left to the body.
Stevenson fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Sanford on the side of the head.
Stevenson misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Sanford counters with a stiff right hand.
Stevenson tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A jab from Stevenson misses.
Stevenson misses the shot to the body.
Stevenson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Sanford walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Stevenson tries to move into range but Sanford moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sanford tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stevenson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Stevenson throws a lazy right hand but Sanford sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sanford fails in his attempt to clinch.
Stevenson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sanford looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A shot to the body from Stevenson misses
and Sanford counters with a good low kick that Stevenson was not able to check.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanford listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Stevenson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sanford manages to avoid it.
Sanford misses with an attempted mid kick.
Stevenson scores with a hook to the body. Sanford takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Sanford is looking to land body kicks.
Stevenson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Sanford moves away from the strike by Stevenson.

Sanford fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Stevenson, pushing him back against the cage.

Stevenson breaks the clinch.
Stevenson misses with a double jab.
Nice cross by Stevenson.
Sanford goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Stevenson feints the counter takedown.
Stevenson throws a body shot but no joy.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Sanford.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Sanford. Stevenson shrugs it off though.
Stevenson blocks the body kick.
Stevenson looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stevenson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Stevenson misses the shot to the body.
Stevenson misses with a body kick.
Sanford lands a nice looking kick to the body. Stevenson takes a step back to recover.
Stevenson is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Stevenson walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Sanford blocks the body kick.
Sanford moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Stevenson with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Sanford to score with a decent uppercut.
Sanford is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Stevenson blocks the body kick.
Stevenson moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Sanford looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Stevenson misses the jab.
Stevenson catches Sanford with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Stevenson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sanford.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson throws a hook but Sanford blocks it.
Sanford avoids the body shot from Stevenson.
Sanford throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Stevenson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Jab by Stevenson.
Stevenson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

Stevenson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Stevenson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Stevenson landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Stevenson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Stevenson seems to be working for a kimura but Sanford defends the submission attempt.
Stevenson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Sanford defending well though.
Stevenson with the ground and pound but Sanford uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Stevenson throws a strike but Sanford rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sanford preventing the sweep.
Stevenson keeping moving, preventing Sanford from controlling successfully.
Stevenson wants to sweep but no luck.
Stevenson wants to improve his position but instead Sanford has moved into half guard.

Stevenson actively working from the bottom here.
Sanford sitting and controlling from the half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Bear Stevenson.
I think Stevenson 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 Chris Saunders scores the fight 49:46
Judge Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 47:48
Judge Josh West scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Lamont Sanford retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!