PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ricky Stephenson (ranked 3283 p4p, 294 weight class) and Damen Mayer (ranked 1349 p4p, 144 weight class). Stephenson kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Ricky Steamboat Theme Song. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Stephenson
vs
Mayer

180 cm
25
153 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

170 cm
24
150 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Intelligent

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

IniTech Nutrition
Green Machine Nutritional Supplements

Revenge Clothing

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ricky Stephenson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Damen Mayer!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Vladimir Khabensky and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mayer closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
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.

Mayer is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Stephenson is just riding it out for now. Mayer eventually gives up the hold.
Mayer is thwarting Stephenson's attempts to control the position.

Mayer is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Stephenson defends it well.

Mayer is working for a submission of some sort.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stephenson is in trouble now - Mayer has advanced to mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mayer wants to finish this one by submission but Stephenson is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Mayer.
Mayer wants to take his opponent's back but Stephenson doesn't allow it.

Mayer wants to finish this one by submission but Stephenson is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Mayer.
Stephenson is looking to improve his position but Mayer isn't that keen on the idea.
Stephenson is working hard here to advance position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mayer is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Stephenson can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.

Mayer moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Stephenson has worked his arm free - good work by Stephenson!

Mayer is trying to get an arm triangle but Stephenson is defending well.
Stephenson prevents Mayer from improving position.
Stephenson definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Mayer advances nicely into full mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mayer takes his opponent's back. Perhaps a chance to lock up a rear naked choke here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Mayer is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Stephenson with him. Stephenson is trying to defend but Mayer has an arm under the chin now! Stephenson grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:29 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Damen Mayer!
Damen Mayer is the new featherweight champion!