PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Arturo Del Torro (ranked 2139 p4p, 2998 weight class) and Patrick Slinger (ranked 228 p4p, 301 weight class). Slinger is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Hail Mary. Patrick Slinger acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Del Torro
vs
Slinger

172 cm
24
150
5 - 2 - 1

170 cm
25
145
8 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Powerful

Brooklyn Apothecary

HELLBENT

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, Arturo Del Torro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Patrick Slinger!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Phil Schofield and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Slinger takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Del Torro throws a lazy right hand but Slinger sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Slinger lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Patrick Slinger seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A head kick misses from Del Torro.
Slinger throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Some bone on bone action there as Del Torro checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

Slinger shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Del Torro is defending against the submission attempts here by Slinger.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Slinger in particular looking to stall.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slinger wants to take a breather but Del Torro is having none of it.
Slinger working over Del Torro with some ground and pound. Del Torro looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Slinger keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Slinger not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Del Torro wants to get back to his feet.
Slinger is just content to waste time from the top position. Del Torro takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Slinger working his ground and pound in the gym.
Slinger looking to sit in guard and control but Del Torro gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Slinger not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Del Torro gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slinger tries to score with a low kick but Del Torro moves his leg out of the way.
Slinger tries a head kick but it misses.
Del Torro was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Slinger gets cracked there but stands up to it.

Slinger drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Slinger fails to land a wild elbow strike.
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!
Slinger taking a break here but Del Torro is having none of it and regains half guard.
Slinger with the ground and pound but Del Torro uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Slinger is looking to work some ground and pound but Del Torro has wrist control.
Del Torro working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Slinger.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slinger wants to control from the top but Del Torro keeps moving.
Slinger is working Del Torro over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Slinger with a flurry of punches that miss.
Slinger trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Slinger with a flurry of punches that miss.
Slinger postures up in Del Torro's guard and throws a big left but Del Torro blocks it.
Slinger wants to control from the top but Del Torro keeps moving.
Del Torro working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Slinger.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

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.
Slinger trying to control but Del Torro is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Slinger throws a head kick that misses.
Slinger uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Del Torro.
Del Torro jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Del Torro defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Slinger.
Slinger slips under a jab.
Slinger misses with a takedown attempt
and Del Torro counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Slinger tries to score a power double leg takedown but Del Torro sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Slinger somewhat.
Arturo Del Torro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Patrick Slinger.
Slinger is trying hard to land a takedown here. Del Torro sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Del Torro blocks a head kick by Slinger.
Del Torro is looking for a counter combo.

Slinger changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Del Torro looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Arturo Del Torro will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Del Torro fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Slinger looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Del Torro lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Slinger circles away quickly and effectively.
Slinger shoots in for a takedown but Del Torro shows good takedown defense.

Del Torro gets caught flat footed, as Slinger shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Del Torro keeping moving, preventing Slinger from controlling successfully.
Del Torro preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Slinger throwing strikes but missing.
Slinger throws a strike but Del Torro rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Slinger looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Del Torro has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Slinger is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Del Torro defends well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Del Torro gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Slinger moves out of range of the body kick.
Slinger pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Slinger gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Del Torro counters with a nice uppercut.
Slinger has his takedown stuffed
and Del Torro counters with a stiff right hand.
Arturo Del Torro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Patrick Slinger.
Del Torro scores with a one two! Slinger had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Del Torro blocks a head kick by Slinger.
It looked like Del Torro wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

Del Torro lands a big head kick that sends Slinger tumbling to the mat! Del Torro takes a step backwards and waves Slinger back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Slinger is rocked!

It looks like Patrick Slinger has been cut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Del Torro fails to land with a series of punches.
Slinger tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Slinger is still on wobbly legs! Can Del Torro finish him?
Slinger shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Del Torro defends it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Slinger shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Del Torro manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Slinger seems to have recovered his senses.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Slinger looking to sit in guard and control but Del Torro gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Del Torro wants to stand but Slinger has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Slinger has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Del Torro can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Slinger throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Slinger is trying to keep Del Torro in close.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Del Torro wants to stand but Slinger has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Slinger is trying to keep Del Torro in close.
Patrick Slinger has got the better of the ground game so far.
Del Torro would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Slinger has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Slinger has his foot on Del Torro's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Del Torro works his way back into a safe position though.
Del Torro wanted to stand there but Slinger had control of the position.
Slinger wants to hit a sweep here but Del Torro passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Slinger there!
Slinger bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

Slinger is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Del Torro is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Del Torro has escaped and now he's on top!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Slinger has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Del Torro can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Del Torro would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Del Torro gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Slinger with a poor takedown
and Del Torro counters with a three punch combo that has Slinger backing up. Slinger nods at Del Torro to acknowledge the strikes.
Slinger throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Del Torro lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Slinger circles away quickly and effectively.
Del Torro is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Slinger can do to turn this around?
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Slinger shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Del Torro is trying to defend but Slinger finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Del Torro looks like he's trying to stand up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Arturo Del Torro dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Patrick Slinger's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Del Torro avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Del Torro was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Slinger shoots in for a takedown but Del Torro shows good takedown defense.

Slinger drives through with a takedown into Del Torro's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Slinger is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Del Torro keeping moving, preventing Slinger from controlling successfully.
Slinger is looking to work some ground and pound but Del Torro has wrist control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Del Torro wants to stand and escape but Slinger is having none of it.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Del Torro manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.

Del Torro breaks from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horrible takedown attempt by Slinger or perhaps it was just good defense by Del Torro, which made it look bad.
Slinger turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Del Torro swinging wildly here.
Del Torro tries a head kick but it misses.
Slinger misses with a head kick.
Del Torro tests Slinger's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Slinger decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Slinger thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Patrick Slinger has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Slinger seems to be looking for submissions.
Del Torro has hold of Slinger's hands but Slinger slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Slinger wants to lay and pray for a moment but Del Torro keeps working.
Del Torro blocking the ground and pound attempt from Slinger.
Slinger stops Del Torro from getting back to his feet.
Slinger performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Slinger misses with a head shot. Del Torro uses the momentum to regain guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slinger with a flurry of punches that miss.
Slinger looking to sit in guard and control but Del Torro gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Slinger has his foot on Del Torro's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Del Torro works his way back into a safe position though.
Arturo Del Torro is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Slinger has a closed guard, preventing Del Torro from standing up.

Del Torro stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Good work by Del Torro as he checks the leg kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Del Torro darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Del Torro misses with a straight left.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Slinger misses with a takedown attempt
and Del Torro counters with a good low kick that Slinger was not able to check.
Arturo Del Torro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Patrick Slinger.
Slinger throws a leg kick
and Del Torro counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Slinger looks to land a body kick but Del Torro moved away.
Del Torro is looking to counter punch.
Del Torro fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Slinger.
Slinger dives in for a single leg takedown but Del Torro sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Slinger is looking to chop away at Del Torro's legs.
Slinger tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Del Torro defends well and Slinger ends up having to push Del Torro into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
As Slinger looks to move away, Del Torro throws a big counter combo but Slinger just gets out of the way.
Slinger takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Del Torro bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Slinger's head backwards.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Del Torro!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Slinger gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Del Torro counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Del Torro lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Del Torro lands a jab to Slinger's midsection.

And that's the end of the fight!
Arturo Del Torro showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Del Torro, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 James Atkins scores the fight 30:27
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Arturo Del Torro!
Our winner, Arturo Del Torro, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.
Patrick Slinger was interviewed post fight and said 'Congratulations to my opponent. He got the better of me, and deserves all the credit in the world for his hard work. I hope we meet again.'.