PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Noel Slager (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Enda OSullivan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Slager comes to the cage accompanied by Best UFC entrance of all time!!!. The key to victory for Noel Slager has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Slager
vs
OSullivan

154 cm
18
130 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

174 cm
20
136 lbs
2 - 5 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Noel Slager!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Enda OSullivan!
The judges for this bout are Santiago Holmes, David Hoff and Winston Alpacca.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A right-left combo lands from Slager.
OSullivan keeps the fight on the outside.

Slager closes the distance and pushes OSullivan back into the cage.

Slager breaks the clinch.
Slager stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Slager wants it to stay on the feet.
Slager jabs OSullivan to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Slager is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Slager could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Slager will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
OSullivan looks to throw the jab but Slager is out of range.
Slager misses with a two punch combination.
Slager tries to clinch but fails miserably

and OSullivan counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Slager is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and OSullivan dives into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

OSullivan has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Slager swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and OSullivan counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Slager uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Slager fails with an attempt to clinch.

OSullivan scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Slager is trying to escape back to his feet but OSullivan uses the scramble to pass into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
OSullivan is staying tight to Slager's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Slager is trying to buck OSullivan off.
Slager is letting OSullivan control him for a moment.

OSullivan stands up.
OSullivan shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Slager sprawls well. Slager wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. OSullivan gets slowly back to his feet.
Slager tries to clinch but fails miserably

and OSullivan counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Slager kicks off OSullivan and gets to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The fight stays on the outside here - Slager looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Slager closes the distance and clinches.
OSullivan has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Slager avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Noel Slager has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Enda OSullivan.
Slager lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on OSullivan - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Slager wants to break free but OSullivan has control.
OSullivan throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Slager wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but OSullivan has him pressed against the cage.
Slager looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Slager has had enough of the clinch but OSullivan keeps him there for the moment.
Slager can't break the clinch.
Slager is trying to break the clinch but OSullivan is controlling him.
Slager goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Slager blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slager has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Slager wants to break free but OSullivan has control.
Slager is trying to force a seperation but OSullivan has the dominant position.
Slager tries to break free but OSullivan pushes him back against the cage.
Slager working hard to break the clinch.

OSullivan has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Slager uses from the top position.
Slager has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
OSullivan wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

OSullivan looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Slager decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on OSullivan, up you get!
OSullivan looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Slager is fending him off so far but OSullivan persists. Nope, Slager circles away and we're back to standing.
OSullivan fails with the takedown.
OSullivan looks winded!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slager fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
OSullivan keeps the fight on the outside.
Danga de danga de dang - Slager scores with a four punch combination!
Slager lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
OSullivan keeps the fight on the outside.
OSullivan tries to clinch but Slager moves away
and Slager counters with a straight right hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
OSullivan tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Slager swivels and escapes.
Slager tries to close the distance and clinch up but OSullivan swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Slager is looking to clinch.
OSullivan avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
OSullivan doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
OSullivan tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Slager defends well and OSullivan ends up having to push Slager into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
OSullivan on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Noel Slager is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Slager throws a series of punches but OSullivan moves out of range.
OSullivan circles away from the clinch attempt.

Slager moves into range and clinches up with OSullivan.
Slager is trying to break free.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Noel Slager dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Slager is trying to push OSullivan away but OSullivan has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

OSullivan breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Slager clinches.
Slager is trying to break the clinch but OSullivan is controlling him.
A left hand lands to the body for Slager.
OSullivan fails to pull guard.

Slager's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Slager rushes OSullivan and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Slager stops a takedown attempt from OSullivan.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Slager looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
OSullivan has Slager pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Slager manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Noel Slager has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Enda OSullivan.
OSullivan has a couple of punches blocked by Slager.
We've been informed that OSullivan has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.

Slager breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
OSullivan misses with a head kick.
Slager is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that OSullivan can do to turn this around?
OSullivan tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Slager defends well and OSullivan ends up having to push Slager into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right-left combo lands from Slager.
OSullivan avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
OSullivan is breathing heavily.
Slager pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces OSullivan back to the cage. Slager follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
OSullivan fails with the takedown.
Slager is looking for a counter combo.
OSullivan tries to score a power double leg takedown but Slager sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten OSullivan somewhat.

Slager forces OSullivan back against the cage and clinches.
A frustrated look appears on Slager's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Slager misses with a body punch.
Slager lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Slager is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

OSullivan breaks from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slager throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
OSullivan tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Slager swivels and escapes.
OSullivan avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
OSullivan unleashes a big counter combination but Slager bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.

Slager gets a clinch.
Slager wants to break free but OSullivan has control.
Slager has had enough of the clinch but OSullivan keeps him there for the moment.

Slager escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Slager tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
OSullivan throws a right and a left that both miss.

Slager forces OSullivan back against the cage and clinches.
Slager is trying to break the clinch but OSullivan is controlling him.
OSullivan has Slager pressed against the cage, preventing Slager from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
OSullivan tries to pull guard but Slager forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Slager wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but OSullivan has him pressed against the cage.
Slager wants to get back to striking at distance but OSullivan won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Slager's face as he tries to break the clinch.
OSullivan jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Slager walks away with a smile on his face. OSullivan gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Slager tries to close the distance and clinch up but OSullivan swats him away and circles back towards the center.
OSullivan wants to counter the offense by Slager and move into the clinch position.
Slager tries to clinch but OSullivan is having none of it.
Slager is looking to clinch.
OSullivan tries to counter by closing the distance.
A combination from Slager does no damage.
OSullivan steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Slager.
OSullivan circles away from the clinch attempt.
Slager throws a right hand that OSullivan ducks under and follows up with a left that OSullivan also avoids with ease.
Slager blocks the body kick.
OSullivan tries to clinch but Slager moves out of range.
Slager appears to be looking for a big counter.
Slager takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
OSullivan shoots and misses
and Slager cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
OSullivan avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Slager clinches up against the cage.
Slager tries a body shot but OSullivan blocks it.
Slager lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt OSullivan or not.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slager is trying to push OSullivan away but OSullivan has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
OSullivan jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Slager walks away with a smile on his face. OSullivan gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Slager fails in his attempt to clinch.
Slager connects with a body shot that sends OSullivan's belly button to the back.
Slager throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A right-left combo lands from Slager.
Slager tries to close the distance and clinch up but OSullivan swats him away and circles back towards the center.
OSullivan is looking to clinch but Slager is avoiding it.
Slager tries to close the distance and clinch but OSullivan swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Slager moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
OSullivan dodges the punch combination from Slager.
OSullivan shoots in looking for a takedown but Slager manages to keep the fight standing, pushing OSullivan's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Slager tries to clinch there but OSullivan circles away.
Slager tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Noel Slager dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Slager is looking to clinch but OSullivan is avoiding it.

OSullivan has Slager up against the cage in a clinch.

OSullivan ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. OSullivan no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Slager trying to stand up but can't free himself from OSullivan's guard.
Slager wants to stand and escape but instead OSullivan has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

OSullivan postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
OSullivan sitting in guard here, content to control.
OSullivan is continuing to stall.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
OSullivan prevents Slager from getting back to his feet.
Slager might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Slager can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as OSullivan controls the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.
OSullivan working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Slager's head.
Enda OSullivan has got the better of the ground game so far.
Slager wants to stand and escape but OSullivan is having none of it.
OSullivan is standing up over Slager. Slager looks to escape but OSullivan dives into side control.
OSullivan moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
OSullivan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Slager keeps working.
Slager is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
OSullivan remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Slager is trying to buck OSullivan off.

OSullivan decides to stand back up.
OSullivan scores with a head kick.
OSullivan misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
OSullivan takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Slager throws a combination but it was largely blocked by OSullivan.
Slager tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. OSullivan manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Slager misses with a two punch combination.
Slager tries to clinch up but OSullivan circles away and keeps his distance.
Slager wants to clinch up but OSullivan keeps it at a distance.
OSullivan fails with a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slager is looking to clinch but OSullivan is avoiding it.
OSullivan is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Noel Slager is winning the standup battle so far.
Slager tries to clinch but OSullivan is having none of it.
OSullivan is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
OSullivan misses with a takedown attempt
and Slager makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Noel Slager has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Enda OSullivan.
OSullivan throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Slager's waist but Slager gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing OSullivan off to one side.
Slager tries to close the distance and clinch but OSullivan swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Despite the aggression on OSullivan's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Noel Slager is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Slager tries to clinch up.
Slager goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Slager shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. OSullivan eats them both and turns towards Slager to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

Slager gets in close and instigates a clinch.

OSullivan manages to break the clinch.
Slager wants to clinch.

Slager moves into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slager wants to break free but OSullivan has control.
Slager taking a breather.

OSullivan breaks the clinch.
Slager stalks OSullivan and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into OSullivan's face. OSullivan staggers backwards, shaken.
Enda OSullivan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
OSullivan tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Slager is able to avoid easily.
OSullivan catches Slager with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
OSullivan takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
OSullivan shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Slager but Slager pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Slager pushes OSullivan up against the cage in a clinch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Slager wants to break the clinch but can't.
Noel Slager is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
OSullivan doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Noel Slager.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Slager, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Santiago Holmes scores the fight 30:27
Judge David Hoff scores the fight 29:28
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Noel Slager!
During a confident post fight interview, Noel Slager thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.