PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Joe Stevenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Olias Pasaltha (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Stevenson
vs
Pasaltha

165 cm
19
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

172 cm
20
142 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Big heart

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Tends to cut

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Joe Stevenson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Olias Pasaltha!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Steve Erwin and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pasaltha darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Pasaltha seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Pasaltha sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Stevenson defending well though.
Pasaltha thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Stevenson's head.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Pasaltha lands a nice short elbow.
Pasaltha lands with a punch from half guard.
Stevenson wants to control but Pasaltha is keeping busy.
Pasaltha misses with a head shot. Stevenson uses the momentum to regain guard.
Pasaltha postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Pasaltha working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Pasaltha throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Stevenson is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

Pasaltha jumps guard and drags Stevenson to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pasaltha trying to strike off his back.
Pasaltha looking for a sweep. Not yet Pasaltha, not yet.
Pasaltha pulls Stevenson in to control the position.
Pasaltha looking for a sweep. Not yet Pasaltha, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Pasaltha is still trying to improve position.
Stevenson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pasaltha is keeping the position for now.

Pasaltha working for a triangle but Stevenson defends it easily.
Pasaltha is pulling down on Stevenson's head to control his posture.
Stevenson won't allow Pasaltha to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson throws a big right hand that misses.
Pasaltha keeping moving, preventing Stevenson from controlling successfully.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Stevenson throws a head kick but Pasaltha moves out of range.

Pasaltha drives through with a takedown into Stevenson's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Pasaltha working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Pasaltha is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Pasaltha has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Stevenson is proving hard to escape from.
Pasaltha lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Pasaltha lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Stevenson has his foot on Pasaltha's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Pasaltha works his way back into a safe position though.
Stevenson is breathing heavily.
Pasaltha lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Pasaltha's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Pasaltha keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Stevenson's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pasaltha landing some decent shots from guard.
Pasaltha postures up and lands a big shot to Stevenson's brow.
Pasaltha has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Pasaltha pushes down on Stevenson's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Pasaltha drops an elbow to the side of Stevenson's head.
Pasaltha is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Pasaltha takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Stevenson is trying to stand back up but Pasaltha is controlling him
Stevenson trying to control but Pasaltha postures up.
Pasaltha working over Stevenson with some ground and pound. Stevenson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Pasaltha looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Pasaltha scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Pasaltha connects with a nice short shot to Stevenson's temple.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pasaltha working over Stevenson with some ground and pound. Stevenson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Stevenson wants to improve his position but Pasaltha is controlling well.
Stevenson has hold of Pasaltha's hands but Pasaltha slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Pasaltha looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Stevenson trying to control from the bottom.
Ground and pound from Pasaltha.
Pasaltha scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Stevenson taking some punishment here, with Pasaltha in his half guard.
Pasaltha drops an elbow to the side of Stevenson's head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Stevenson is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Pasaltha scores with a couple of nice shots.
Pasaltha lands with a punch from half guard.
Pasaltha scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Pasaltha lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Olias Pasaltha dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Pasaltha shoots in and bounces Stevenson off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pasaltha throws a big elbow that misses.
Pasaltha working some strikes from top position.
Pasaltha is in close to Stevenson's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Pasaltha postures up and lands a big shot to Stevenson's brow.
Pasaltha scoring with punches to the head and body.
Pasaltha scoring with punches to the head and body.
Pasaltha landing with the ground and pound.
Pasaltha landing some decent shots from guard.
Pasaltha working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Stevenson's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pasaltha is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Pasaltha cracks Stevenson with a solid left hand.
Pasaltha won't allow Stevenson to sweep him here.
Stevenson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Pasaltha lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Pasaltha is working Stevenson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Pasaltha sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Stevenson's guard.
Pasaltha looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Stevenson with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Nice strikes from Pasaltha there.
Pasaltha working over Stevenson with some ground and pound. Stevenson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Pasaltha lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Pasaltha working Stevenson over with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pasaltha working over Stevenson with some ground and pound. Stevenson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Pasaltha landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Pasaltha lands with a punch from half guard.
Stevenson gets back to full guard.
Stevenson has momentary wrist control but Pasaltha slips an elbow through the middle.
Pasaltha makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Pasaltha's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Pasaltha wants to pass the guard but Stevenson is keeping the position.
Pasaltha cracks Stevenson with a solid left hand.
Pasaltha working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Pasaltha landing with the ground and pound.
Pasaltha cracks Stevenson with a solid left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pasaltha working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Stevenson's head.
Pasaltha working some strikes from top position.
Pasaltha is working Stevenson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Pasaltha lands a couple of digs.
Pasaltha working some strikes from top position.
Pasaltha with a nice head shot there.
Pasaltha lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Pasaltha connects with a couple of short punches.
Stevenson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Stevenson has momentary wrist control but Pasaltha slips an elbow through the middle.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Pasaltha's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Stevenson escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Pasaltha gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Pasaltha lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Pasaltha working some strikes from top position.

Pasaltha stands up and waves to Stevenson to follow him.

Pasaltha gets a double leg takedown into Stevenson's guard.
Pasaltha working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Stevenson's head.
Pasaltha postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Pasaltha has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Pasaltha is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Pasaltha trying to stand up but can't free himself from Stevenson's guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Pasaltha with a nice head shot there.
Pasaltha stands up over Stevenson, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Olias Pasaltha 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! This is the final round!

Pasaltha shoots in but no luck this time.
Stevenson is looking to clinch.

Pasaltha dives in and scores a takedown into Stevenson's guard.
Pasaltha chips away with some ground and pound.
Stevenson is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Pasaltha chips away with some ground and pound.
Stevenson controls Pasaltha momentarily but Pasaltha frees himself.
Pasaltha keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Stevenson's head.
Pasaltha distracts Stevenson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Pasaltha stops Stevenson from standing up.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Pasaltha scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Pasaltha landing with the ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Pasaltha lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pasaltha scoring with punches to the head and body.
Pasaltha with a nice head shot there.
Pasaltha makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Stevenson wants to sweep but no luck.
Pasaltha postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Pasaltha cracks Stevenson with a solid left hand.
Pasaltha keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Stevenson's head.
Pasaltha postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Pasaltha working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Pasaltha lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Pasaltha lands a couple of digs.
Pasaltha keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Stevenson's head.
Pasaltha landing some decent shots from guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Pasaltha's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Pasaltha is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Pasaltha working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Pasaltha makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Pasaltha cracks Stevenson with a solid left hand.
Pasaltha postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Pasaltha working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Stevenson's head.
Pasaltha lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Stevenson wants to stand and escape but Pasaltha is having none of it.
Stevenson has momentary wrist control but Pasaltha slips an elbow through the middle.
Stevenson is trying to keep Pasaltha in close.
Pasaltha postures up and lands a big shot to Stevenson's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pasaltha keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Stevenson's head.
Pasaltha landing with the ground and pound.
Pasaltha postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Pasaltha with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Pasaltha is working Stevenson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Pasaltha with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Pasaltha is working Stevenson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Pasaltha postures up and lands a big shot to Stevenson's brow.
Pasaltha works over Stevenson with some ground and pound from guard.
Pasaltha with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Pasaltha working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Stevenson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Pasaltha doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Pasaltha manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pasaltha with a nice head shot there.
Stevenson wants to stand and escape but Pasaltha is having none of it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pasaltha with a nice head shot there.
Pasaltha is working Stevenson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Pasaltha is in close to Stevenson's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Pasaltha's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Pasaltha working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Stevenson's head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Pasaltha postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Pasaltha postures up and lands a big shot to Stevenson's brow.
Pasaltha lands a couple of digs.
Joe Stevenson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Olias Pasaltha is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Pasaltha engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

And that's the end of the fight!
Olias Pasaltha comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Pasaltha 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 Winston Howard scores the fight for Olias Pasaltha!
Judge Steve Erwin scores the fight for Olias Pasaltha!
Judge John Mangel scores the fight for Olias Pasaltha!

Olias Pasaltha wins by unanimous decision!
During a confident post fight interview, Olias Pasaltha thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.