PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Bear Stevenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kilafwa Tatlumahi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bear Stevenson had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Stevenson
vs
Tatlumahi

178 cm
32
168 lbs
25 - 7 - 1

170 cm
24
155 lbs
13 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Decent wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

KAISER
V-Mask Clothing (10%)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Bear Stevenson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kilafwa Tatlumahi!
The judges for this bout are Micheangelo Fripello, Jeff Smith and Josh West.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stevenson looks to land a right hand but Tatlumahi moved out of range.
Tatlumahi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Stevenson connects with a crisp jab.
Stevenson avoids the head kick by Tatlumahi.
An attempted straight right counter from Stevenson misses the target.
Stevenson throws a combination that misses
and Tatlumahi counters with a stiff right hand.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick but Stevenson moves out of range.
Stevenson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Tatlumahi.
Tatlumahi throws a body shot but no joy.
Stevenson avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Stevenson misses the shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stevenson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Tatlumahi lands a head kick!

Stevenson drives through with a takedown into Tatlumahi's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stevenson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevenson won't allow Tatlumahi to sweep him here.
Stevenson 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.
Stevenson passes Tatlumahi's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Stevenson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Stevenson working the head and body with strikes.
Tatlumahi really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Stevenson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Stevenson working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Stevenson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Tatlumahi's head.
Tatlumahi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Stevenson.
Tatlumahi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Stevenson.
Stevenson is trying to control the action in half guard but Tatlumahi is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Stevenson looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Tatlumahi with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Stevenson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Tatlumahi keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Stevenson winds up and cracks Tatlumahi with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Stevenson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Tatlumahi defending well though.
Tatlumahi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Stevenson.
Tatlumahi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Stevenson.

Stevenson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Tatlumahi sees it coming and defends easily.
Stevenson wants to pass the guard but Tatlumahi is defending well.
Stevenson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Stevenson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Tatlumahi defending well though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Tatlumahi with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Tatlumahi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Stevenson.
Tatlumahi regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Stevenson.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tatlumahi controls Stevenson momentarily but Stevenson frees himself.
Stevenson with a flurry of punches that miss.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Stevenson blocks a jab.
Stevenson is trying hard to land a takedown here. Tatlumahi sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Tatlumahi chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Stevenson can pounce on him.
Bear Stevenson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tatlumahi moves out of range of the body kick.
Stevenson backing away here, and Tatlumahi unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Stevenson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tatlumahi was well out of range. Poor timing from Stevenson.
An inside leg kick lands from Tatlumahi.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Tatlumahi enables Stevenson to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Tatlumahi manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stevenson is looking to work some ground and pound but Tatlumahi has wrist control.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Stevenson preventing the sweep.
Tatlumahi has his hands on Stevenson's head, controlling the position.
Stevenson working some strikes from top position.
Stevenson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bear Stevenson dominated that round.
That's time! Stevenson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Stevenson on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tatlumahi. Tatlumahi obviously looking to wear him down.
Tatlumahi misses with a low kick.
Stevenson throws the left hand but Tatlumahi avoids the punch easily.
Tatlumahi looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Stevenson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tatlumahi.
Tatlumahi takes one to the side of the head.
Tatlumahi leaves Stevenson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Stevenson throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Tatlumahi counters with a leg kick.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick but Stevenson moves out of range.
Tatlumahi avoids the head kick by Stevenson.
Stevenson looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick but Stevenson moves out of range.
Tatlumahi has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Tatlumahi gets caught flat footed, as Stevenson shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Stevenson chips away with some ground and pound.
Stevenson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Stevenson throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatlumahi trying to control the position.
Stevenson throws a big right hand that misses.
Stevenson wants to control from the top but Tatlumahi keeps moving.
Stevenson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Stevenson postures up in Tatlumahi's guard and throws a big left but Tatlumahi blocks it.
Stevenson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tatlumahi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Stevenson working some strikes from top position.
Stevenson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Stevenson with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's two 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.
Stevenson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tatlumahi looking to control.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Stevenson with a flurry of punches that miss.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Tatlumahi misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kilafwa Tatlumahi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tatlumahi has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Stevenson.

Stevenson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Tatlumahi on his heels. He'll look to pass Tatlumahi's guard now, I'm sure.

Stevenson drops back looking for a leg! Tatlumahi is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Tatlumahi manages to kick Stevenson off! Stevenson jumps back into Tatlumahi's guard.
Stevenson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Bear Stevenson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Stevenson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson is looking to work some ground and pound but Tatlumahi has wrist control.
Stevenson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Tatlumahi is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Stevenson trying to control the position from guard on top but Tatlumahi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Stevenson preventing the sweep.
Stevenson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Stevenson is looking to work some ground and pound but Tatlumahi has wrist control.
Stevenson with a nice head shot there.
Tatlumahi wants to sweep here but Stevenson controlling him for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Stevenson is in close to Tatlumahi's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Stevenson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tatlumahi can do to turn this around?
Tatlumahi controls Stevenson momentarily but Stevenson frees himself.
Stevenson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Stevenson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Stevenson content to stall in guard here.
Stevenson with a flurry of punches that miss.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Stevenson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tatlumahi's head.
Tatlumahi 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bear Stevenson dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Tatlumahi enables Stevenson to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Tatlumahi manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Tatlumahi is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Stevenson tries to free his leg and advance position but Tatlumahi is retaining full guard.
Stevenson stopping the sweep attempt from Tatlumahi.
Stevenson throws a big right hand that misses.
Stevenson working some strikes from top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stevenson slips nicely into half guard.
Tatlumahi has hold of Stevenson's hands but Stevenson slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Stevenson not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevenson wants to free his trapped foot but Tatlumahi is holding on for dear life with his legs.
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. Stevenson connects with a nice short shot to Tatlumahi's temple.
Stevenson throwing shots but Tatlumahi is blocking nicely.
Tatlumahi is not content to let Stevenson control the position.
Tatlumahi trying to hold on to Stevenson's head to control him but Stevenson postures up.
Tatlumahi wants to get back to full guard.
Tatlumahi keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Stevenson not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Stevenson lands a nice short elbow.

Stevenson wants to work for an arm triangle but Tatlumahi is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Stevenson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Stevenson lands with a punch from half guard.
Tatlumahi on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Stevenson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Stevenson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Stevenson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Tatlumahi blocking the ground and pound attempt from Stevenson.
Stevenson lands strikes from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Stevenson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Stevenson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Stevenson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Stevenson scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
An inside leg kick from Tatlumahi misses.
Stevenson misses with a looping left.
Stevenson swinging wildly here.
Stevenson takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Stevenson's corner calls for a 1-2. Stevenson obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Stevenson lands a glancing blow to the side of Tatlumahi's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tatlumahi lands a nice shot that snaps Stevenson's head back.
Stevenson misses with a wild body shot.
Sloppy strikes from Stevenson. Those never looked like landing.
Stevenson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tatlumahi.
Stevenson blocks a leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stevenson works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Tatlumahi blocks a head kick by Stevenson.
Tatlumahi plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Tatlumahi throws a low kick but it's checked well by Stevenson.
Stevenson tries to score with a low kick but Tatlumahi moves his leg out of the way.
Stevenson digs a good hook to Tatlumahi's body.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tatlumahi throws a leg kick that misses.
Kilafwa Tatlumahi seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tatlumahi moves forwards but Stevenson connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Tatlumahi is looking to chop away at Stevenson's legs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bear Stevenson clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Tatlumahi ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Tatlumahi ducks under a wild hook from Stevenson.
Tatlumahi finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Stevenson scores with a shot to the body.
Stevenson swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Tatlumahi.
Tatlumahi bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Tatlumahi looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Tatlumahi throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
The crowd cheers as Stevenson lands an impressive looking overhand right. Tatlumahi doesn't seem phased though.
Stevenson finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tatlumahi with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Tatlumahi throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.

Stevenson scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stevenson is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatlumahi is looking to control Stevenson's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Tatlumahi avoid being mounted?
Tatlumahi is staying active underneath Stevenson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Stevenson is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Stevenson drops an elbow to the side of Tatlumahi's head.
Tatlumahi is trying to maintain the position but Stevenson is very close to passing his half guard.

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

Stevenson is working for a kimura but Tatlumahi is defending it quite comfortably.
Tatlumahi won't allow Stevenson to pass to mount.
Stevenson is trying to control the action in half guard but Tatlumahi is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Tatlumahi walks into a left hand.
Stevenson checks a leg kick nicely.
Tatlumahi takes a swing at Stevenson's ribcage but misses.
Stevenson stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

Stevenson has managed to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tatlumahi throws a head punch that misses.
Stevenson throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Tatlumahi blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Stevenson breaks from the clinch.
Tatlumahi scores with a head kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Tatlumahi misses the target.
Tatlumahi shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
A swing and a miss from Tatlumahi.
It looked like Stevenson wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Stevenson gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Tatlumahi.
Tatlumahi staying out of range there.
Stevenson lands with an overhand left.
Stevenson fails to land the takedown.
Stevenson pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Tatlumahi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tatlumahi avoids the body shot from Stevenson.
Nice jab there from Tatlumahi.
Stevenson scores with a crisp jab that stopped Tatlumahi in his tracks.
Tatlumahi throws a sloppy head kick and Stevenson moves out of range easily.
Good work by Tatlumahi as he checks the leg kick.
Stevenson scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
As Tatlumahi looks to move away, Stevenson throws a big counter combo bu Tatlumahi just gets out of the way.
Stevenson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Stevenson drops his hands momentarily and Tatlumahi takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Tatlumahi misses with a straight right.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bear Stevenson had his way with Kilafwa Tatlumahi in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Stevenson moves out of range of the body kick from Tatlumahi.

Stevenson fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Tatlumahi to the ground. Stevenson is now in Tatlumahi's guard.
Stevenson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Stevenson wants to pass the guard but Tatlumahi is keeping the position.
Stevenson stopping the sweep attempt from Tatlumahi.
Stevenson tries to free his leg and advance position but Tatlumahi is retaining full guard.
Stevenson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stevenson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tatlumahi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Stevenson with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Stevenson scoring with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stevenson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Stevenson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tatlumahi's head.
Stevenson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Stevenson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tatlumahi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Stevenson cracks Tatlumahi with a solid left hand.
Stevenson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Tatlumahi utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Tatlumahi throws a leg kick
and Stevenson counters with a stiff right hand.
Tatlumahi fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Stevenson blocks a head kick by Tatlumahi.
Stevenson is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Stevenson cracks Tatlumahi with a good jab.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Stevenson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tatlumahi throws a body punch but Stevenson moves out of range.

Stevenson shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Tatlumahi manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Tatlumahi keeping moving, preventing Stevenson from controlling successfully.
Stevenson postures up.
Tatlumahi wants to sweep but no luck.
Tatlumahi avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Stevenson working some strikes from top position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Stevenson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson throws a big elbow that misses.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Stevenson throws a big elbow that misses.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Stevenson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Stevenson checks the leg kick.
A little feinted left hand from Stevenson on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Stevenson thumps Tatlumahi with a low kick.
Stevenson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Tatlumahi fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Stevenson.
Stevenson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Stevenson throws a body punch but Tatlumahi moves out of range.
Tatlumahi delivers a nice body kick.
Stevenson misses with a hook
and Tatlumahi counters with a nice leg kick.
Stevenson scores with a crisp jab that stopped Tatlumahi in his tracks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tatlumahi digs a good body shot into Stevenson's ribs.
Bear Stevenson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Stevenson scores with a shot to the body.
Stevenson fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Tatlumahi on the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stevenson throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Tatlumahi ducks right into an uppercut from Stevenson.
Tatlumahi lands a right hook to the body.
Stevenson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tatlumahi.
Stevenson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Tatlumahi's waist but Tatlumahi gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Stevenson off to one side.
Tatlumahi checks a low kick from Stevenson.
Tatlumahi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tatlumahi on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Stevenson scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kilafwa Tatlumahi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stevenson checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Stevenson tries to counter with a takedown but Tatlumahi is quick to defend against it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bear Stevenson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Stevenson has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 50:45
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 50:45
Judge Josh West scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bear Stevenson!
Bear Stevenson retains his lightweight title!
A victorious Bear Stevenson thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.