PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Aljamain Sterling (ranked 1117 p4p, 1041 weight class) and Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin (ranked 60 p4p, 52 weight class). Sterling's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, I Love. Iwaga Genochin has chosen Majinahanashi as his entrance music. 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.

Sterling
vs
Iwaga Genochin

170 cm
26
135
9 - 2 - 0

175 cm
27
142
7 - 4 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Powerful

BE Younick

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 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Aljamain Sterling!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin!
The judges for this bout are Lou da Vinci, Bruno Lombardi and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Iwaga Genochin looks to land a combination but Sterling avoids it well.

Sterling has closed the distance and engaged Iwaga Genochin in a clinch.
Iwaga Genochin lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

Iwaga Genochin manages to break the clinch.
Sterling shoots in but Iwaga Genochin avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Iwaga Genochin raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Iwaga Genochin throws a big shot that misses.
Nice shot by Iwaga Genochin.
Sterling shoots for a double leg takedown but Iwaga Genochin sprawls well. He's pushed Sterling's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Iwaga Genochin lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Sterling fails in his attempt to clinch.
That kick from Iwaga Genochin tenderised Sterling's leg. Sterling is trying to keep his angry face on.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Sterling shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Iwaga Genochin manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Sterling keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sterling fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljamain Sterling. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Iwaga Genochin feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Sterlings jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Sterling tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Iwaga Genochin counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Iwaga Genochin is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Sterling has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Iwaga Genochin wants to stand up but Sterling is controlling the position.

Iwaga Genochin is working for a kimura but Sterling is defending it quite comfortably.
Sterling has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.

Iwaga Genochin is working for a kimura but Sterling is defending it quite comfortably.
Sterling is trying to control but Iwaga Genochin passes into side control!
Sterling gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Iwaga Genochin is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Sterling is just riding it out for now. Iwaga Genochin eventually gives up the hold.
Sterling is trying to control but can't.
Iwaga Genochin uses his free foot to push down on Sterling's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Sterling.
Iwaga Genochin can't control as he wanted to and Sterling manages to get the fight back to his half guard.
Iwaga Genochin looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Iwaga Genochin wants to control but Sterling is keeping him busy.
Iwaga Genochin wants to free his trapped foot but Sterling is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Iwaga Genochin is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Sterling doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Iwaga Genochin.
Iwaga Genochin trying to pass the guard but Sterling defending well.
Sterling trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Sterling is desperately trying to improve his position but Iwaga Genochin has a good base and remains in mount.
Sterling manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Iwaga Genochin tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Sterling tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Iwaga Genochin manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Iwaga Genochin throws a quick inside leg kick.
A low kick lands for Iwaga Genochin.
No luck for Sterling with that takedown attempt.
Sterling shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Iwaga Genochin counters by clinching up.

Iwaga Genochin's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Iwaga Genochin stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljamain Sterling. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sterling tries to clinch there but Iwaga Genochin circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sterling tries for a takedown but Iwaga Genochin sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Iwaga Genochin misses the shot to the body.
Sterling moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Iwaga Genochin throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sterling throws a quick counter head kick but Iwaga Genochin was just out of range.
Iwaga Genochin throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sterling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab lands there for Iwaga Genochin.
Sterling looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
A solid leg kick lands there for Iwaga Genochin.
Sterling fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Iwaga Genochin misses with an uppercut. Sterling saw that one coming.
Sterling swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Sterling fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Sterling fails to land the takedown.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Iwaga Genochin fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Sterling has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Iwaga Genochin connects with a single shot there.
Iwaga Genochin throws a leg kick but Sterling moved away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Iwaga Genochin finds it's target.
Sterling moves forwards but Iwaga Genochin connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Iwaga Genochin is looking to slow Sterling down with leg kicks.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sterling closes this distance looking for a takedown but Iwaga Genochin circles away.
Sterling dives in and grabs Iwaga Genochin's left leg, looking for a takedown. Iwaga Genochin pushes down on Sterling's head and hops out.

Sterling shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Iwaga Genochin wants to get back to full guard.
Iwaga Genochin preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Sterling prevents Iwaga Genochin from standing back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sterling wants to free his trapped foot but Iwaga Genochin is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Iwaga Genochin tries to roll over but Sterling keeps him under control.
Iwaga Genochin desperately trying to maintain half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Iwaga Genochin tries to get to full guard but Sterling has control of the leg.

Sterling is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Iwaga Genochin is just riding it out for now. Sterling eventually gives up the hold.
Iwaga Genochin is doing well to control the position and prevent Sterling from advancing to side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Iwaga Genochin keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Iwaga Genochin is looking to escape.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

Sterling is working for a submission of some sort.
Iwaga Genochin tries to get to full guard but Sterling has control of the leg.
Iwaga Genochin is trying to control but can't.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Sterling shoots in for a double leg but Iwaga Genochin sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Sterling tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Iwaga Genochin defends well and Sterling ends up having to push Iwaga Genochin into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Iwaga Genochin breaks the clinch.
Iwaga Genochin slaps away a takedown attempt from Sterling, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Sterling moves out of range of the body kick from Iwaga Genochin.
Sterling shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljamain Sterling. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Iwaga Genochin throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Iwaga Genochin lands with a thumping leg kick.
Sterling tries for a takedown but Iwaga Genochin circles away easily

and Iwaga Genochin counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Iwaga Genochin manages to break the clinch.
Iwaga Genochin lands with a nice body punch.
Sterling looks for a takedown but Iwaga Genochin sprawls well.
Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Sterling gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Iwaga Genochin counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sterling keeping moving, preventing Iwaga Genochin from controlling successfully.
Iwaga Genochin has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Iwaga Genochin pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sterling is keeping the position for now.
Iwaga Genochin keeps trying to improve his position.
Iwaga Genochin slips nicely into half guard.
Sterling won't allow Iwaga Genochin to pass to mount.
Sterling is trying to maintain the position but Iwaga Genochin is very close to passing his half guard.
Iwaga Genochin wants to take a breather but Sterling is having none of it.

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.
Sterling trying to hold on to Iwaga Genochin's head to control him but Iwaga Genochin postures up.
Iwaga Genochin is taking a breather. Sterling says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Iwaga Genochin tries to stand but can't do so whilst Sterling controls his leg.
Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin has got the better of the ground game so far.
Sterling is looking to improve his position.
Iwaga Genochin is looking to take a break and control but Sterling is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Iwaga Genochin is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Iwaga Genochin is trying to control. Sterling wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sterling trying to control here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A solid leg kick lands there for Iwaga Genochin.
Sterling shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Iwaga Genochin as he jumps to the side.
That kick from Iwaga Genochin tenderised Sterling's leg. Sterling is trying to keep his angry face on.
Iwaga Genochin bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Sterling's head backwards.
Sterling tries for a takedown but Iwaga Genochin sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Iwaga Genochin circles away from the clinch attempt.
Iwaga Genochin with a nice calf kick.
Iwaga Genochin scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sterling shoots in looking for a takedown but Iwaga Genochin manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Sterling's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Iwaga Genochin chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Nice cross by Iwaga Genochin.
Iwaga Genochin cracks Sterling with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

Sterling shoots in and bounces Iwaga Genochin off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Aljamain Sterling has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Iwaga Genochin has his hands on Sterling's head, controlling the position.
Sterling wants to control from the top but Iwaga Genochin keeps moving.
Iwaga Genochin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Iwaga Genochin has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Lou da Vinci scores the fight 27:30
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 27:30
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin!
During a confident post fight interview, Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
The defeated Aljamain Sterling had this to say: 'Whether it's Bellator, OneFC, World Series, whatever, the door's open for me. Financial stability is the most important thing for me'.