PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Aljamain Sterling (ranked 1843 p4p, 1761 weight class) and Slim Slow (ranked 132 p4p, 126 weight class). Sterling comes to the cage accompanied by I Love. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Sterling
vs
Slow

170 cm
31
135
15 - 9 - 0

185 cm
25
135
6 - 15 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Powerful

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 - 9 - 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 6 - 15 - 0, fighting out of New York, Slim Slow!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Tarja Halkonen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Slow leaves Sterling with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
As Sterling backs off Slow throws a huge counter combo but Sterling manages to avoid it all.
Sterling takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Slow is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
A cross from Slow lands.
Slow tries to bum rush Sterling with a series of wild strikes but Sterling uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Slow pushes Sterling up against the cage in a clinch.
Slow digs a right hand into Sterling's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Sterling's gas tank.
Sterling jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Slow walks away with a smile on his face. Sterling gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Slow takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Slow scores with a punch to the head.
Slow keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Slow moves into the clinch successfully.
Nice body punch from Slow.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Sterling gets control of Slow's arms and successfully pulls guard. Sterling will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Slow would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Slow stands up from Sterling's guard - Slow perhaps looking for a knockout.
Slow throws out a powerful jab.
Slim Slow is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slow lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Slow wants to clinch up but Sterling keeps it at a distance.
Sterling swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Slow lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Slim Slow seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sterling misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Slow.

Slow clinches.
I was talking to Sterling's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
A shot in the inside from Slow.
A short right from Slow on the inside.
Sterling has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Slow avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljamain Sterling. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sterling blocking some punches.
Slow working aggressively here.
Slow throws a punch but it's blocked by Sterling.
Slow is pressed up against the cage. Sterling has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Slow down to the mat. Slow avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Slow swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Slow looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Sterling fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Slow manages to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Slow rushes Sterling and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Slow tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Sterling successfully pulls guard.
Slow has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Sterling is proving hard to escape from.

Slow stands up from Sterling's guard - Slow perhaps looking for a knockout.

Slow clinches up with Sterling and pushes him back against the cage.

Sterling successfully pulls guard.
Slow is looking to stand up but Sterling won't let him.
Sterling trying to keep a closed guard but Slow is proving a slippery customer.

Sterling working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Slow doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Slow manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Slow has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Sterling is proving hard to escape from.
Slow must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sterling looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Slow wants to stand but Sterling has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Sterling lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Sterling stops Slow from standing up.
Sterling connects with a couple of short punches.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Sterling passes Slow's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Sterling is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Slow!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slow is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.

Sterling with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Slow is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.

Sterling working for a guillotine from mount but Slow is in no mood to give up.
Slow wants to try and get back to his feet.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Slow can do anything to dispel that myth.

Sterling is working for a guillotine from mount but Slow frees his head quite easily.
You get the feeling that Slow really doesn't like being in this position too much.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Slim Slow dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Sterling bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Slow pushes Sterling away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Sterling gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Slow has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Sterling working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Sterling tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Sterling working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Slow is not content to let Sterling control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Sterling tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Sterling tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Slow is trying to get back to his feet.

Sterling looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

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.
Slow is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

Sterling tries for a kimura but Slow is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Slow is looking to get back to his feet here but Sterling is keeping cool and he's managed to take Slow's back.
Sterling has Slow flattened out and is raining down punches.
The referee is taking a good look at Slow as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Sterling!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slow wants to get back to his feet.

Sterling working for a choke but Slow is defending well.

Sterling looking for the choke from the back.
Slow is trying to stand back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slow is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Slow really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sterling. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Sterling is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Slow manages to stand up with Sterling still on his back. Eventually Sterling drops to his feet and we're back in the standing position.
Slow throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Sterling throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Slow has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Sterling throws a lazy uppercut
and Slow connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Slow has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Sterling is landing a low percentage of strikes.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sterling fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Slow misses with a wild combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Slow moves into the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Slow moves into range and connects with a jab.
Slow stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Slow wants it to stay on the feet.
Slow throws a right and a left that both miss.
Sterling was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Sterling has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Sterling there as he acknowledges the shot.
Sterling shoots for a double leg takedown but Slow sprawls well. He's pushed Sterling's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Sterling is trying hard to land a takedown here. Slow sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aljamain Sterling. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Slow stuffs the takedown.
Slow let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Sterling is looking to wear down Slow with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Slow scores with a three punch combo!
Sterling is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Slow.
Slow's jab looks to have found its range, popping Sterling under the eye.
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!
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Slow.
Sterling wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Slow tests Sterling's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Slim Slow is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Slow lands with a good body shot.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Slow keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sterling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slow tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sterling swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Slow ducks under a wild hook from Sterling.
Sterling swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Slow bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Sterling's head backwards.
Sterling misses with an uppercut
and Slow counters with a nice uppercut.

Slow darts in and clinches Sterling up against the cage.
Sterling blocking some punches.

Sterling has clasped his hands together around Slow's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

Sterling tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Sterling has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Sterling looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Slow wants to get back to his feet but Sterling drags him back down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sterling is trying to get an arm triangle but Slow is defending well.

Slow sneaks out the side door and pushes Sterling away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Slow scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Slow scores with a one two! Sterling had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Danga de danga de dang - Slow scores with a four punch combination!
Slow defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Sterling.
Nice jab there from Slow.
Slim Slow seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sterling dives in for a single leg takedown but Slow sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Slow lands a right hand that snaps the head of Sterling backwards.
Slow misses with a punch to the body.
Sterling wants a takedown but no success here.
Sterling blocks an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sterling is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Slow to keep the fight standing.
Slow tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Slow lands with a right to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Slow fails to land.
Sterling tries to pull guard but Slow won't allow it.
Sterling has Slow pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Slow manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Slow misses with a body punch.
Slow lands a shoulder strike.
Slow misses with a hook to the ribs.
Sterling tries to pull guard but Slow holds him up against the cage and eventually Sterling drops back down to his feet.
Slow lands with a right to the head.
Slow working aggressively here.
Slow presses Sterling against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sterling.
Slow keeps control of Sterling as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Slow digs a right hand underneath Sterling's ribcage. Sterling let out a lung full of air as it connected.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Slow.
Slow works on Sterling's body with a couple of short punches.
Slim Slow seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Slow fails to land.
Slow lands a left hand that snaps the head of Sterling backwards.
Slow lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Slow working some nice short punches in the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Slow lands a hook that snaps the head of Sterling backwards.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Slow.
Slow working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Sterling's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Slow misses with the head strike.
Slow struggles to land a body shot inside as Sterling controls his hands.
Slow lands with a left to the head.

Sterling is rocked!
A left hand lands to the body for Slow.
Oh Sterling is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Slow lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Sterling seems to have got his legs back now.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Slow pushes Sterling back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Slow misses with a punch to the body.
Slow lands a right hand.
Sterling goes for a takedown in the clinch but Slow prevents it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Slim Slow comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Slow 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Slim Slow!
Slim Slow was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
Aljamain Sterling was interviewed post fight and said 'Whether it's Bellator, OneFC, World Series, whatever, the door's open for me. Financial stability is the most important thing for me'.