PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ricky Steamboat (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Damien Paine (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Steamboat comes to the ring accompanied by Dragon Fire. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Steamboat
vs
Paine

180 cm
22
185 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

185 cm
23
199 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Rastafarii Clothing

GTI-Roid Rage

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ricky Steamboat!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Damien Paine!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Steamboat drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Steamboat working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Steamboat working the ground and pound but Paine is defending the strikes.

Steamboat working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Steamboat in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Paine is trying to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Steamboat looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Paine is trying to control Steamboat's posture but Steamboat avoids it.
Steamboat tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Paine is looking to reverse the position.

Steamboat working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Steamboat in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Steamboat is trying to get an arm triangle but Paine is defending well.

Steamboat is trying to get an arm triangle but Paine is defending well.
The ground and pound from Steamboat seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
The ground and pound from Steamboat seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paine is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the ropes but Steamboat has just dragged him back down to the mat.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Paine can do anything to dispel that myth.

Steamboat is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Paine has escaped the position, nice work there.
Paine really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Steamboat. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Steamboat thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Steamboat 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.
Steamboat is breathing heavily.
Paine tries to improve position but can't.
Steamboat throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Paine is trying to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Paine looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Paine throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Steamboat sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Paine misses with a jab, cross combination.
Paine jabs Steamboat right on the nose. Steamboat blinks but takes it well.

It looks like Ricky Steamboat has been cut.
Steamboat tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Paine swivels and escapes.
Steamboat shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Paine stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricky Steamboat. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Paine throws a nice looking combination but Steamboat bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Horrible takedown by Steamboat or perhaps it was just good defense by Paine which made him look bad.
Nice sprawl there from Paine as Steamboat shoots in.
Paine throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ricky Steamboat seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Paine fails to land with a series of punches.

Steamboat shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Paine tries to lock up and control but Steamboat gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Steamboat jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Paine manages to avoid the submission attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Steamboat dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ricky Steamboat's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Paine scores with a three punch combo!
Steamboat will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Paine throws out a loose jab but Steamboat uses good head movement to avoid it.
The fighters circling - Paine throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Steamboat tries to score a power double leg takedown but Paine sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Steamboat somewhat.
Steamboat changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Paine tries to avoid it but Steamboat manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Paine to the ground. Paine escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricky Steamboat. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Paine throws a right and a left that Steamboat avoids nicely.
Paine jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Paine stuffs the takedown attempt from Steamboat. Steamboat gets slowly back to his feet.
Paine jabs at Steamboat's body.
Paine lands a jab to the head.
Steamboat takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Steamboat ducks right into an uppercut from Paine.
Paine missing with a left hand there. Steamboat was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Paine digs a good body shot into Steamboat's ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steamboat takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
No joy there for Paine, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Paine throws a hook but Steamboat blocks it.
Steamboat misses with a takedown attempt - Paine sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Paine throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Paine misses with a hook.
Steamboat takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
A jab from Paine misses.
Steamboat takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Paine lands the left hand.
Steamboat takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Paine throws an overhand right that lands on Steamboat's shoulder, as Steamboat tries to avoid the shot.
Paine scores with a jab to the head.
Steamboat looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Paine is fending him off so far but Steamboat persists. Nope, Paine circles away and we're back to standing.
A decent looking cross lands there for Paine.
Damien Paine seems to be getting the better of the standup.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Paine lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Steamboat takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Steamboat closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

Steamboat is rocked!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Paine swivels and escapes.
Nice cross by Paine.
Steamboat takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Steamboat dodges the punch combination from Paine.
Paine 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.
Steamboat avoids a punch combination nicely.
Steamboat fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Steamboat walks into a stiff left hand from Paine.
Paine lands with a nice body punch.
Steamboat tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Paine swivels and escapes.
Paine lands a slapping body shot.
Paine jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Damien Paine is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Steamboat takes one to the side of the head.
Paine just misses with a punch to the body.
Paine stuffs the takedown attempt from Steamboat. Steamboat gets slowly back to his feet.
Damien Paine is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Steamboat takes one to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat takes one to the chin there.
Paine throws a series of punches but Steamboat moves out of range.
Steamboat shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Paine as he avoids it easily.
Paine misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Steamboat.
Paine lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Steamboat circles away quickly and effectively.
Paine throws out a loose jab but Steamboat uses good head movement to avoid it.
Steamboat shoots in looking for a takedown. Paine tries to sprawl out of it but Steamboat keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Paine manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Nice sprawl there from Paine as Steamboat shoots in.
Paine moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Paine stuffs the takedown.
Paine throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Steamboat bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nice defenses there by Steamboat.
Steamboat shoots in but Paine avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Paine misses with the combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Paine swinging wilding here.
Paine swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Paine throws a big shot that misses.
Paine stuffs the takedown attempt from Steamboat. Steamboat gets slowly back to his feet.
Steamboat shoots in for a double leg but Paine sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Paine lands a jab-cross combination.
Paine scores with a sloppy right hand. Steamboat should have avoided that one.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Steamboat is defended easily by Paine.
Steamboat looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Steamboat bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Horrible takedown by Steamboat or perhaps it was just good defense by Paine which made him look bad.
Paine throws a one two combo.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Damien Paine showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ricky Steamboat's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A left and a right from Paine both land. Nice combination.

Steamboat changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Paine looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Steamboat misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

Steamboat is trying to get an arm triangle but Paine is defending well.
Paine is trying to improve his position.
An elbow from Steamboat crashes against the mat.
Paine is looking to regain half guard here but Steamboat keeps moving and retains side control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steamboat in side control, throwing shots but Paine defends.
Steamboat working away.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Paine throws a hook to the side of Steamboat's head but Steamboat sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Steamboat shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Paine as he avoids it easily.
Steamboat shoots in looking for a takedown. Paine tries to sprawl out of it but Steamboat keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Paine manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Paine looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Paine swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Steamboat shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Steamboat showed some decent athleticism there.

Steamboat is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat stops Paine from getting back to his feet.
Paine avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Steamboat.
Steamboat passes into side control, despite Paine's attempt to control the position.

Steamboat is trying to get an arm triangle but Paine is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paine is looking to regain half guard here but Steamboat keeps moving and retains side control.
Paine wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Paine misses with an uppercut.
Steamboat fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricky Steamboat. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Steamboat looks for a takedown but Paine sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Steamboat takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Paine throws a hook to the side of Steamboat's head but Steamboat sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Paine misses with a body shot.
Paine scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Paine connects with a right hand. Steamboat shakes it off.
Steamboat shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Paine swings for the body but Steamboat moves out of range.
Paine connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Steamboat will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Steamboat fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Paine avoids it really well and circles away.
Steamboat displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Paine throws out the jab.
Paine throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Steamboat stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Paine 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.
Paine misses with a few strikes there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Damien Paine really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ricky Steamboat's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Paine lands a nice looking body shot.
Steamboat misses with a takedown attempt - Paine sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Steamboat fails with a takedown attempt.
Paine lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Paine.
Paine throws a series of punches but Steamboat moves out of range.
Steamboat shoots in but Paine avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricky Steamboat. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Steamboat has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Paine finds it's way round the side to connect with Steamboat's head.
Paine comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Steamboat shoots in for a takedown but Paine shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Paine rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Steamboat moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Paine lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Paine throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Steamboat.

Steamboat shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Paine is trying to defend but Steamboat finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Steamboat throwing shots but Paine is blocking nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steamboat sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Paine defending well though.

Steamboat is trying to work for a kimura but Paine is defending well.
Steamboat not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Paine has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Paine tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Steamboat has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Paine is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Steamboat thowing shots but they're missing.

Steamboat is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Paine is surviving well by controlling Steamboat's body position as best he can.
Paine wants to hold on but Steamboat pushes him away.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat thowing shots but they're missing.

Steamboat is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Paine can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Paine really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

Steamboat looking for a guillotine from mount but Paine is having none of it.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Paine struggling a bit here.
Steamboat in side control, throwing shots but Paine defends.
Paine tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Steamboat wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Damien Paine dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Ricky Steamboat's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Steamboat moves away from the strike by Paine.
Steamboat showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Paine.

Steamboat feints and as Paine raises his hands in defense, Steamboat changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Steamboat thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Paine is looking to sweep but instead, Steamboat has passed into half guard.

Steamboat is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Paine works his way to full guard. Good work.

Steamboat is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steamboat throws a strike but Paine rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Steamboat is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Paine defends well.
Paine wants to stand but Steamboat has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Paine must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Steamboat looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Paine is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Steamboat keeping full guard, as Paine tries to pass.
Ricky Steamboat has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Steamboat throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Paine not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Paine would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paine is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Paine won't allow Steamboat to sweep him here.
Paine pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Steamboat is keeping the position for now.

Steamboat looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Steamboat is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Paine controlling from the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Steamboat is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Paine is aware though and is defending well.

Steamboat escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Paine gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Steamboat throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

Paine avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Paine wants to stand but Steamboat is controlling his posture from full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ricky Steamboat showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Paine 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 Andi Peters scores the fight for Damien Paine!
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight for Damien Paine!
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight for Damien Paine!

Damien Paine wins by unanimous decision!
Damien Paine is the new middleweight champion!