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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Aljamain Sterling (ranked 1276 p4p, 2345 weight class) and Kaiden Thibodeaux (ranked 98 p4p, 152 weight class). Sterling comes into the arena with I Love blaring out of the sound system. Thibodeaux has chosen Scotty x D4L as his entrance music. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.
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| 170 cm
31
135
15 - 8 - 0 |
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150 cm
32
140
14 - 8 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Good chin |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank |
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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 15 - 8 - 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 14 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kaiden Thibodeaux!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Paul Tew and Colin Fotheringham.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Sterling.
Thibodeaux changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Sterling shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Thibodeaux as he avoids it easily.
Thibodeaux is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Sterling throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sterling shoots in but no luck this time.
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.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljamain Sterling. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Thibodeaux wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sterling throws a shot from downtown. Thibodeaux moves away and avoids it.
Sterling throws a sloppy body shot
and Thibodeaux counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Sterling looks to score with a jab to the body but Thibodeaux is just out of range.
A punch combination from Sterling misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sterling lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Thibodeaux with a jab.
Sterling throws a looping overhand right but Thibodeaux ducks down to avoid it.
Sterling misses with a straight right.
Sterling lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Thibodeaux circles away quickly and effectively.
Sterling avoids the body shot from Thibodeaux.
Sterling is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Sterling.
A nice side step and Thibodeaux releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Sterling moves out of range of the strikes.
Thibodeaux 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 misses with a body punch
and Thibodeaux counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Thibodeaux jabs Sterling right on the nose. Sterling blinks but takes it well.
Sterling throws a body shot but no joy.
Thibodeaux looks like he wants to counter punch here.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sterling connects with the punch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sterling missing with a left hand there. Thibodeaux was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sterling fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Thibodeaux sprawls well initially but Sterling persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Sterling is looking for a kimura but Thibodeaux is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Sterling to get the leverage.
Sterling thows a huge punch but Thibodeaux dodges it nicely.
Sterling is keen to just control but Thibodeaux is a slippery customer.
Sterling seems to be working for a kimura but Thibodeaux defends the submission attempt.
Sterling seems to be looking for submissions.
Sterling will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Sterling thows a huge punch but Thibodeaux dodges it nicely.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sterling is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Thibodeaux doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Sterling.
Sterling wants to pass to mount but Thibodeaux is defending the position.
Sterling trying to control the action but Thibodeaux is working from the bottom.
Sterling is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Thibodeaux defends it well.
Sterling is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Thibodeaux doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Sterling.
Thibodeaux felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
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.
Thibodeaux keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Sterling is looking for a kimura but Thibodeaux is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Sterling to get the leverage.
Sterling is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Thibodeaux is staying active underneath Sterling, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Kaiden Thibodeaux will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Thibodeaux digs a good body shot into Sterling's ribs.
Sterling shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Thibodeaux counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Thibodeaux lands with a cross.
Sterling misses with an uppercut
and Thibodeaux connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Sterling misses with a hook
letting Thibodeaux counter with a right hand.
Kaiden Thibodeaux seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sterling fails with a takedown attempt.
It seemed like Thibodeaux was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Sterling fails with the takedown
and Thibodeaux counters with a nice body shot.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljamain Sterling. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thibodeaux scores with a jab to the head.
Thibodeaux digs a good body shot into Sterling's ribs.
Thibodeaux lands a jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sterling misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Thibodeaux connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Sterling looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Kaiden Thibodeaux is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sterling loads up on a big right hand but Thibodeaux slips the punch.
Thibodeaux lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Sterling throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Thibodeaux sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sterling has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Thibodeaux finds it's way round the side to connect with Sterling's head.
Sterling swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Thibodeaux works Sterling's body with a nice hook.
Nice cross by Sterling.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sterling swings away with a body shot that misses
and Thibodeaux counters with a right hand to the body.
Thibodeaux dodges the punch combination from Sterling.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sterling misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sterling shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Thibodeaux sprawls well. Thibodeaux wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Sterling gets slowly back to his feet.
The fighters circle momentarily. Thibodeaux darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Sterling drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Thibodeaux tries to bench press Sterling off him but Sterling keeps the position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Thibodeaux regains half guard there - taking advantage of Sterling's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
Thibodeaux wants to get back to his feet.
Sterling seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Thibodeaux does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Sterling is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Thibodeaux still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Thibodeaux has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Sterling sneaks back into half guard.
Sterling looking for submissions off his back.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sterling looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Sterling trying to hold on to Thibodeaux's head to control him but Thibodeaux postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Kaiden Thibodeaux showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!
Thibodeaux waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sterling.
Sterling cracks Thibodeaux with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Sterling cracks Thibodeaux with a right hand to the side of the head.
Sterling takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Thibodeaux throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sterling on the side of the head.
Sterling throws a sloppy body shot
and Thibodeaux counters with a nice uppercut.
Thibodeaux lands with a nice body punch.
Thibodeaux with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Sterling to score with a decent uppercut.
Thibodeaux stuffs the takedown.
Sterling thows a left - swing and a miss!
A countering left hand to the body from Thibodeaux misses.
Sterling changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Thibodeaux tries to avoid it but Sterling manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Thibodeaux to the ground. Thibodeaux escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Thibodeaux uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sterling.
Thibodeaux doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Thibodeaux misses with a body shot.
Thibodeaux throws a looping overhand right but Sterling ducks down to avoid it.
Sterling throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sterling shoots in looking for a takedown but Thibodeaux manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Sterling's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljamain Sterling. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sterling uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Thibodeaux.
Sterling misses with a hook
and Thibodeaux counters with a stiff right hand.
Thibodeaux takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Thibodeaux lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Jab, jab by Thibodeaux - just one landing.
Sterling looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Sterling shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Thibodeaux lands a glancing blow to the side of Sterling's head.
Thibodeaux has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sterling smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sterling missing with a left hand there. Thibodeaux was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Thibodeaux scores with a jab. Sterling acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sterling throws a body punch but Thibodeaux moves out of range.
Thibodeaux takes a swing at Sterling's ribcage but misses.
Sterling swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Sterling misses with an uppercut.
Sterling shoots in for a double leg but Thibodeaux sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Thibodeaux! But no joy.
Sterling swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Thibodeaux looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Thibodeaux dips to his left and cracks Sterling with an uppercut!
Aljamain Sterling seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Thibodeaux throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sterling takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Sterling throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Thibodeaux's waist but Thibodeaux gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sterling off to one side.
A big right from Sterling misses.
Thibodeaux looks like he wants to counter punch here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Thibodeaux finds it's target.
Thibodeaux uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sterling.
A little jabbing left from Thibodeaux on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Thibodeaux scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
The fighters circling - Sterling throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Thibodeaux! But no joy.
Sterling throws the left hand but Thibodeaux avoids the punch easily.
Sterling swings away with a body shot that misses
and Thibodeaux counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kaiden Thibodeaux is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sterling rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Thibodeaux counter with a right hand.
Sterling throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Thibodeaux to counter with a crisp jab.
Sterling takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Thibodeaux connects with a body shot.
A left lands for Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux slips under a jab from Sterling.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sterling misses with a wild body shot.
Sterling throws a lazy uppercut
and Thibodeaux counters with a straight right hand.
A jab from Thibodeaux does it's job there.
Sterling takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Aljamain Sterling has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sterling swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sterling jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sterling misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sterling on the side of the head.
Thibodeaux works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Thibodeaux lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Sterling at a distance.
Sterling misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Thibodeaux.
And that's the end of the fight!
Kaiden Thibodeaux comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Thibodeaux winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Richard Clark scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 27:30
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kaiden Thibodeaux!
Kaiden Thibodeaux tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.
In defeat, Aljamain Sterling stepped up to the mic, saying 'Whether it's Bellator, OneFC, World Series, whatever, the door's open for me. Financial stability is the most important thing for me'.
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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
51% |
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