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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Boryenka Stepanov (ranked 462 p4p, 2178 weight class) and Jeremy Arnason (ranked 71 p4p, 285 weight class). Stepanov's entrance music is Russian Paradise. A fine choice. Arnason has chosen Michael Jackson - Off The Wall as his entrance music. Jeremy Arnason will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.
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| 188 cm
27
181
12 - 0 - 0 |
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178 cm
21
172
5 - 2 - 0 |
Good takedowns
Basic striking
Cardio machine |
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BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Boryenka Stepanov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jeremy Arnason!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Donald Grub and James Atkins.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Arnason scores with a hook to the body. Stepanov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Stepanov has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Stepanov walks into a stiff left hand from Arnason.
Arnason misses with an uppercut. Stepanov saw that one coming.
Stepanov closes this distance looking for a takedown but Arnason circles away.
Stepanov feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Arnason utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Arnason has momentary wrist control but Stepanov slips an elbow through the middle.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stepanov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Stepanov makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
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!
Arnason looking to hit a scissor sweep but Stepanov is one step ahead there.
Stepanov throwing strikes but missing.
Stepanov landing with the ground and pound.
Arnason preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Arnason is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Stepanov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Stepanov throwing strikes from guard but Arnason blocks nicely.
Stepanov wants to pass the guard but Arnason is keeping the position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Stepanov scoring with some ground and pound.
Arnason really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Stepanov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Arnason keeping full guard, as Stepanov tries to pass.
Arnason controlling Stepanov's posture.
Stepanov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Stepanov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Arnason is keeping the position for now.
Stepanov is working hard here to advance position.
Stepanov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Arnason has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Stepanov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Arnason swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Stepanov stands and throws Arnason's legs to the side, diving into side control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arnason sneaks back into half guard.
Stepanov looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Arnason has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Stepanov is working away from the top position though.
Stepanov looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Arnason keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Arnason tries to get to full guard but Stepanov has control of the leg.
Arnason trying to control here.
Arnason keeping control of the position.
Stepanov wants to pass to mount but Arnason is defending the position.
Stepanov throwing shots but Arnason is blocking nicely.
Arnason is trying to get back to full guard.
Arnason trying to control here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stepanov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Stepanov lands a nice short elbow.
Stepanov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Arnason knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stepanov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Arnason tries to get to full guard but Stepanov has control of the leg.
Arnason works his way to full guard. Good work.
Arnason controlling the position.
Arnason is continuing to stall.
Arnason manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Stepanov manages to get himself to full guard.
Arnason is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Arnason won't allow Stepanov to sweep him here.
Stepanov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Arnason's guard.
Stepanov forces his way into half guard.
Arnason is looking to control Stepanov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Arnason avoid being mounted?
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arnason won't allow Stepanov to pass to mount.
Stepanov is nestled in close to Arnason, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Arnason trying to hold on to Stepanov's head to control him but Stepanov postures up.
Arnason moves into full guard.
We've been informed that Arnason has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Arnason is adopting a defensive guard.
Stepanov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stepanov passes easily into side control. Nice work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Arnason struggling a bit here.
Arnason tries to buck Stepanov off but Stepanov is having none of it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Boryenka Stepanov dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Stepanov walks into a straight right hand from Arnason.
Arnason slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Stepanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Arnason.
Arnason throws a lazy right hand but Stepanov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Stepanov walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Arnason throws a jab when Stepanov was well out of range.
Stepanov shoots for a double leg takedown but Arnason sprawls well. He's pushed Stepanov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Boryenka Stepanov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Stepanov shoots in looking for a takedown. Arnason tries to sprawl out of it but Stepanov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Arnason manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Stepanov shoots for a double leg takedown but Arnason sprawls well. He's pushed Stepanov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Boryenka Stepanov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No joy there for Arnason, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Stepanov has a takedown stuffed.
Stepanov shoots in but Arnason avoids the takedown attempt easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Arnason throws a right and a left that both miss.
Arnason lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Arnason.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Stepanov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Arnason swivels and escapes.
Arnason swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Stepanov.
Nice uppercut lands for Arnason. That snapped Stepanov's head back.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Arnason catches Stepanov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Arnason lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Arnason keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Arnason jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Stepanov shoots in and drives through. Arnason sprawls well.
Stepanov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Jeremy Arnason seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Arnason throws a nice looking combination but Stepanov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Stepanov walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Arnason lands a jab to the head.
Stepanov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Stepanov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Arnason lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Arnason.
Stepanov is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Arnason stuffs the takedown attempt from Stepanov. Stepanov gets slowly back to his feet.
Oh Stepanov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Arnason might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Nice shot lands for Arnason.
Stepanov seems to have got his legs back now.
Stepanov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Arnason as he jumps to the side.
Stepanov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Arnason cracks Stepanov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arnason lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Arnason.
Stepanov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Arnason is trying to defend but Stepanov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Arnason has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Stepanov is working away from the top position though.
Arnason keeping control of the position.
Arnason tries to roll over but Stepanov keeps him under control.
Arnason taking some punishment here, with Stepanov in his half guard.
Arnason has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Stepanov is working away from the top position though.
Arnason is pressing down on Stepanov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Stepanov is pushing down on Arnason's leg trying to pass to half guard. Arnason is fighting to maintain full guard but Stepanov has managed to sneak the leg through.
Stepanov is thwarting Arnason's attempts to control the position.
Arnason is pressing down on Stepanov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arnason trying to keep a closed guard but Stepanov is proving a slippery customer.
Arnason is controlling Stepanov's posture.
Arnason is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Stepanov preventing the sweep.
Arnason trying to keep a closed guard but Stepanov is proving a slippery customer.
Stepanov looking to pass the guard.
Arnason managing to control the position.
Stepanov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Arnason is trying to control the position but Stepanov postures up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stepanov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Arnason working a defensive guard here.
Arnason wants to sweep but no luck.
Boryenka Stepanov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Stepanov pushes down on Arnason's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Stepanov uses his free foot to push down on Arnason's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Arnason.
Stepanov breaks from Arnason's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Stepanov breaks from Arnason's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Arnason tries to hold on but Stepanov pushes him away.
Stepanov landing strikes, looking to finish!
Stepanov is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Arnason in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Arnason is looking to get to half guard.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Stepanov cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Stepanov avoids the attempt from Arnason to control.
Stepanov raining down shots from the mount!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stepanov postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Arnason looks a forlorn figure.
It looks like Jeremy Arnason has been cut.
Stepanov breaks from Arnason's wrist control and lands an elbow.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jeremy Arnason showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Jeremy Arnason's cut.
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.
Stepanov walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Stepanov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Arnason avoids it really well and circles away.
Arnason swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Stepanov.
Stepanov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Arnason.
Stepanov shoots in and drives through. Arnason sprawls well.
Stepanov slips a jab from Arnason.
Stepanov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Boryenka Stepanov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Arnason scores with a hook.
Arnason throws a good cross that connects.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Arnason throws the left hand but Stepanov avoids the punch easily.
Arnason lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A right-left combo lands from Arnason.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stepanov fails with a takedown attempt.
Arnason throws out a loose jab but Stepanov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Some wild striking there from Arnason.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Arnason is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Stepanov.
Stepanov feinted with a counter takedown.
Arnason ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Arnason moves into range and connects with a jab.
The crowd cheers as Arnason lands an impressive looking overhand right. Stepanov doesn't seem phased though.
Stepanov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Arnason sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Stepanov takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Stepanov has a takedown stuffed.
Arnason keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Stepanov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Arnason lands a nice looking body shot.
Horrible takedown attempt by Stepanov or perhaps it was just good defense by Arnason, which made it look bad.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Arnason will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Arnason throws a looping overhand right but Stepanov ducks down to avoid it.
Stepanov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Arnason.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Arnason moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arnason throws a right and a left that both miss.
Arnason moves into range and connects with a jab.
A big right from Arnason misses.
Arnason stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Arnason wants it to stay on the feet.
Stepanov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Arnason throws out a loose jab but Stepanov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Stepanov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Arnason keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Horrible takedown attempt by Stepanov or perhaps it was just good defense by Arnason, which made it look bad.
Stepanov fails with a takedown attempt.
Stepanov fails to land the takedown.
Stepanov dives in for a single leg takedown but Arnason sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Arnason manages to break the clinch.
Arnason lands a nice shot that snaps Stepanov's head back.
Stepanov slips a jab and a cross from Arnason.
Stepanov shoots in but no luck this time.
Stepanov looks for a takedown but Arnason sprawls well.
A little jabbing left from Arnason on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arnason uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Stepanov has time to react.
Arnason looks to land a combination. Stepanov sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Stepanov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Arnason paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Arnason throws a series of punches but Stepanov moves out of range.
Stepanov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Arnason as he avoids it easily.
Stepanov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Arnason.
Arnason dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Stepanov.
Good shot there by Arnason.
Jeremy Arnason is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Arnason looks to land a combination but Stepanov avoids it well.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Arnason looks to land a right hand but Stepanov moved out of range.
Nice cross by Arnason.
Arnason scores with a jab to the body.
Stepanov walks into a left hand.
Stepanov shoots in for a takedown but Arnason shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arnason throws out a loose jab but Stepanov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Stepanov fails with the takedown.
Arnason keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Nice sprawl there from Arnason as Stepanov shoots in.
Arnason slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
A decent looking cross lands there for Arnason.
Arnason with a jab.
Horrible takedown attempt by Stepanov or perhaps it was just good defense by Arnason, which made it look bad.
It seemed like Arnason was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Arnason stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Stepanov goes for a double leg but Arnason avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Arnason continues to drive forward.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stepanov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Arnason gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Arnason breaks from the clinch.
Stepanov moves forwards but Arnason connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Stepanov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Arnason sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
A little jabbing left from Arnason on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Stepanov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Arnason.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jeremy Arnason really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jeremy Arnason's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Stepanov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Arnason but Arnason pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Arnason catches Stepanov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Stepanov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Arnason swivels and escapes.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Arnason! But no joy.
Stepanov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Stepanov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Arnason sprawls well. Arnason wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Stepanov gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Boryenka Stepanov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Arnason scores with a punch to the head.
Arnason swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Stepanov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stepanov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Arnason misses with a wild combination.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Arnason connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Stepanov's hands.
A decent looking cross lands there for Arnason.
Arnason has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Arnason.
Stepanov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Arnason closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Arnason misses with a looping left.
Stepanov darts in looking for a takedown but Arnason gets double underhooks and turns Stepanov into the cage.
Stepanov tries to score a body lock takedown but Arnason shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Stepanov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Arnason pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Stepanov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Arnason gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Arnason manages to break the clinch.
A combination from Arnason does no damage.
Arnason jabs Stepanov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Arnason throws a series of punches but Stepanov avoids them all with ease.
Stepanov misses with a takedown attempt - Arnason sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice shot by Arnason.
Stepanov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Arnason swivels and escapes.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stepanov walks into a left hand.
Arnason misses with an uppercut. Stepanov saw that one coming.
Arnason throws a hook but Stepanov avoids it easily.
Stepanov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Arnason swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Stepanov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Arnason sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Stepanov somewhat.
Stepanov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Arnason scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Arnason misses with a hook.
Donk. Arnason catches Stepanov right on the button with a cross.
Arnason misses with a jab, cross combination.
Stepanov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Stepanov drives through with a takedown into guard.
Arnason is pulling down on Stepanov's head to control his posture.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Stepanov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Arnason utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Stepanov with a nice head shot there.
Arnason working a defensive guard here.
Stepanov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Arnason is keeping the position for now.
Arnason looking for a sweep. Not yet Arnason, not yet.
Arnason looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Arnason looking to hit a scissor sweep but Stepanov is one step ahead there.
Stepanov looking to pass the guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stepanov postures up.
Stepanov distracts Arnason with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Stepanov won't allow Arnason to sweep him here.
Stepanov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Arnason is keeping the position for now.
Stepanov postures up and lands a big shot to Arnason's brow.
Arnason preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Arnason trying to control the position.
Stepanov landing with the ground and pound.
Stepanov wants to pass the guard but Arnason is keeping the position.
Arnason seems keen to control Stepanov's posture.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Jeremy Arnason dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Jeremy Arnason's cut.
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. And we move into the final round!
Stepanov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Arnason as he avoids it easily.
Arnason lands a jab to Stepanov's midsection.
Stepanov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Stepanov fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Boryenka Stepanov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stepanov fails with the takedown.
Nice takedown defense from Arnason. No joy for Stepanov on that attempt.
Stepanov walks into a left hand.
Arnason scores with the left hand. Stepanov knows he should have avoided that one.
Stepanov walks into a straight right hand from Arnason.
Stepanov fails to land the takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A telegraphed right hand from Arnason misses the target.
Arnason connects with a crisp jab.
Arnason goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A punch combination from Arnason misses.
Arnason clobbers Stepanov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Arnason stuffs the takedown attempt from Stepanov. Stepanov gets slowly back to his feet.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Arnason thows a left - swing and a miss!
Arnason misses with a looping right.
Stepanov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Stepanov shoots in looking for a takedown but Arnason manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Stepanov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Stepanov darts in looking for a takedown but Arnason gets double underhooks and turns Stepanov into the cage.
Arnason's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Stepanov walks into a jab.
Danga de danga de dang - Arnason scores with a four punch combination!
Stepanov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Arnason smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Arnason throws a jab but it's blocked by Stepanov.
Stepanov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Stepanov takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Arnason misses with a series of wild punches.
Stepanov goes for a double leg but Arnason avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Arnason continues to drive forward.
Arnason throws out a counter right but Stepanov avoids it with no problem.
Arnason is pressed up against the cage. Stepanov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Arnason down to the mat. Arnason avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Arnason scores with a nice strike.
Arnason works Stepanov's body with a nice hook.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stepanov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Arnason throws out the jab.
Stepanov takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Arnason is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Stepanov shoots in for a double leg but Arnason sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Stepanov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Arnason swivels and escapes.
Stepanov darts in looking for a takedown but Arnason gets double underhooks and turns Stepanov into the cage.
Arnason swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Arnason breaks the clinch.
Arnason displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Stepanov.
Arnason ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Stepanov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Arnason lands an overhand right.
A slow jab from Arnason misses its intended target.
Stepanov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Arnason.
Stepanov feints and as Arnason raises his hands in defense, Stepanov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Stepanov is looking to work some ground and pound but Arnason has wrist control.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arnason can't keep his opponent in guard - Stepanov advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Arnason wants to get back to full guard.
Stepanov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Stepanov passes to side control.
Arnason sneaks back into half guard.
Arnason moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Arnason controls Stepanov momentarily but Stepanov frees himself.
Stepanov advances position into side control!
Stepanov tries to advance to mount but Arnason denies him.
Arnason keeps Stepanov under control for a moment.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stepanov connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Arnason some visible discomfort.
Arnason is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Arnason is trying to control Stepanov's posture but Stepanov avoids it.
Arnason takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Arnason tries to buck Stepanov off but Stepanov is having none of it.
Arnason is trying to control Stepanov's posture but Stepanov avoids it.
Stepanov is putting a hurting on Arnason here, landing some big shots from side control.
Arnason taking punishment in the form of punches.
Stepanov tries to move into full mount but can't pass Arnason's legs.
Stepanov in side control lands a decent elbow.
Boryenka Stepanov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Arnason is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stepanov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Arnason tries to roll over but Stepanov keeps him under control.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jeremy Arnason comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Arnason 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 Richard Clark scores the fight 45:49
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 45:49
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 45:49
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jeremy Arnason! Jeremy Arnason retains his welterweight title!
A very excited looking Jeremy Arnason made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
76% |
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