PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Guibons Shueryuken (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cain Velasquez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Guibons Shueryuken could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Cain Velasquez's chin.

Shueryuken
vs
Velasquez

197 cm
22
256 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

185 cm
23
238 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

Shamanic Labs

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Guibons Shueryuken!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Cain Velasquez!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Seu Braga and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shueryuken leaves Velasquez with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Shueryuken shoots for a takedown but Velasquez saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Velasquez closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Velasquez is nestled in close to Shueryuken, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Velasquez throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Nice strikes from Velasquez there.
Shueryuken tries to kick Velasquez off but Velasquez keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Velasquez thows a huge punch but Shueryuken dodges it nicely.
Velasquez not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Velasquez winds up and cracks Shueryuken with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Velasquez thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Shueryuken's head.
Shueryuken is looking to control Velasquez's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Shueryuken avoid being mounted?
Shueryuken looks like he's trying to stand up.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Velasquez looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Velasquez accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velasquez in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Shueryuken wants to get back to his feet but Velasquez is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Velasquez is looking to work some ground and pound but Shueryuken has wrist control.
Velasquez looks gassed!
Velasquez with a nice head shot there.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Velasquez postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Shueryuken wriggles free and stands up.
Shueryuken scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Shueryuken lands a head kick!

Velasquez is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Shueryuken's half guard.
Velasquez has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Velasquez throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Velasquez thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shueryuken works his way to full guard. Good work.
Shueryuken is trying to keep Velasquez in close.
Velasquez throwing strikes but missing.
Shueryuken trying to keep a closed guard but Velasquez is proving a slippery customer.
Velasquez lands a couple of elbows.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Velasquez shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Velasquez.
Guibons Shueryuken has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cain Velasquez.
Velasquez shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Shueryuken connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Shueryuken throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Velasquez's head.
Shueryuken lands with a slapping head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Velasquez bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Shueryuken wings away with a couple of strikes but they don't land.
Velasquez works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Velasquez should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Shueryuken avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Velasquez.
Shueryuken takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Velasquez works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Velasquez throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Shueryuken takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Shueryuken parries the strikes from Velasquez easily there. Velasquez is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Shueryuken to escape.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Nice sprawl there from Shueryuken as Velasquez shoots in.
An inside leg kick lands from Shueryuken.
Velasquez has his takedown stuffed
and Shueryuken counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Velasquez shoots in and drives through. Shueryuken sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Shueryuken.
Shueryuken throws a head kick that misses.
Velasquez shoots in but Shueryuken avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Velasquez has his takedown stuffed
and Shueryuken cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Velasquez shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Shueryuken is trying to defend but Velasquez finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Velasquez throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Velasquez throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Velasquez sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Shueryuken defending well though.

Shueryuken has one foot on Velasquez's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Velasquez shoots in for a takedown but Shueryuken shows good takedown defense.
Velasquez tries for a takedown but Shueryuken circles away easily
and Velasquez takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cain Velasquez dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Velasquez is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Shueryuken.

Velasquez changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Shueryuken looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Velasquez throws a strike aimed at the side of Shueryuken's head but Shueryuken avoids it well.
Shueryuken is looking for a sweep.
Velasquez lands a nice forearm strike.
Cain Velasquez has got the better of the ground game so far.
Shueryuken gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Velasquez scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Velasquez lands with a punch from half guard.
Velasquez thows a huge punch but Shueryuken dodges it nicely.
Shueryuken blocking the ground and pound attempt from Velasquez.
Ground and pound from Velasquez.
Shueryuken trying to hold on to Velasquez's head to control him but Velasquez postures up.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Velasquez missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Velasquez is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Velasquez shoots for a takedown but Shueryuken saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Velasquez fails with the takedown.
Velasquez looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Shueryuken throws a nice looking combination but Velasquez bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Shueryuken stuffs the takedown attempt from Velasquez. Velasquez gets slowly back to his feet.
Guibons Shueryuken has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cain Velasquez.
Shueryuken will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Shueryuken pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Shueryuken lands with a nice combination. Velasquez backs away looking to recover.
Velasquez changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Shueryuken tries to avoid it but Velasquez manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Shueryuken to the ground. Shueryuken escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Velasquez fails with a takedown attempt.
Cain Velasquez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Shueryuken pulls out of a head kick attempt.

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.

Velasquez shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Velasquez dominating with strikes here.
Shueryuken wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Velasquez fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Shueryuken keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Velasquez fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Velasquez scoring with strikes but Shueryuken is staying in there.
Velasquez looking to finish Shueryuken with some ground and pound. This is bad for Shueryuken!
Shueryuken working to try and regain half guard.
Velasquez punishing his opponent with strikes.
Velasquez lands a nice shot to the head.
Velasquez with the ground and pound from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez avoids the attempt from Shueryuken to control.
BOOM! Velasquez connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Velasquez landing strikes from the mount and Shueryuken is in trouble!
Velasquez lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Shueryuken hang on?
Velasquez postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Shueryuken looks a forlorn figure.
A nice elbow there by Velasquez.
Velasquez lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
BOOM! Velasquez connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Velasquez lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Shueryuken hang on?
Velasquez is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Velasquez lands a big elbow.
Velasquez lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Velasquez working the ground and pound effectively.

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.
Velasquez with the ground and pound from mount.
Velasquez lands a big shot there that rocks Shueryuken but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Velasquez landing strikes from the mount.
Velasquez misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Velasquez scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Velasquez working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Shueryuken wants to hold on but Velasquez pushes him away.
Velasquez with a couple of short strikes.
Velasquez is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Velasquez looking to finish Shueryuken with some ground and pound. This is bad for Shueryuken!
Velasquez putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Shueryuken bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Shueryuken preventing the sweep.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cain Velasquez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

A head kick misses from Shueryuken.
Shueryuken dives in and grabs Velasquez's left leg, looking for a takedown. Velasquez pushes down on Shueryuken's head and hops out.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Velasquez is defended easily by Shueryuken.
Velasquez looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Shueryuken throws a combination. Velasquez tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Velasquez tries to clinch
and Shueryuken counters with a three punch combo that has Velasquez backing up. Velasquez nods at Shueryuken to acknowledge the strikes.
Shueryuken is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Velasquez fails with the takedown
and Shueryuken counters with a head kick. That will keep Velasquez thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Guibons Shueryuken has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cain Velasquez.
Velasquez will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Velasquez takes one to the chin there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Velasquez has his takedown stuffed
and Shueryuken counters with a left to the body.
Velasquez fails with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Shueryuken.
Velasquez shoots and misses
and Shueryuken counters with a nice body kick.
Shueryuken feints and then cracks Velasquez's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Velasquez down.
Shueryuken scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Shueryuken lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Shueryuken tries a head kick but it misses.
Velasquez misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Velasquez closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Velasquez lands in his opponent's guard.
Velasquez postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Velasquez throws a big right hand that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez distracts Shueryuken with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Shueryuken has momentary wrist control but Velasquez slips an elbow through the middle.
Velasquez prevents Shueryuken from getting back to his feet.

Shueryuken escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Velasquez gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Velasquez missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Shueryuken avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Velasquez shoots for a takedown but Shueryuken saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Shueryuken shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Velasquez defends it nicely.
Shueryuken throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Velasquez's head.
Shueryuken connects with a high kick.
Shueryuken lands with a kick to the ribs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Velasquez shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Shueryuken is trying to defend but Velasquez finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Shueryuken keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Shueryuken pushes Velasquez off looking to stand but Velasquez dives back in and keeps control.
Velasquez not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Velasquez slips a nice elbow through Shueryuken's hands, connecting with Shueryuken's forehead.
Velasquez missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Velasquez not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Velasquez sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Shueryuken defending well though.
Cain Velasquez is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Shueryuken taking some punishment here, with Velasquez in his half guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Velasquez tries for a takedown but Shueryuken sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Velasquez is defended easily by Shueryuken.
Shueryuken is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Shueryuken works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Guibons Shueryuken has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Velasquez looks for a takedown but Shueryuken sprawls well.
Shueryuken displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Guibons Shueryuken is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Velasquez tries for a takedown but Shueryuken circles away easily
and Shueryuken counters with a head kick.

Velasquez decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Velasquez not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Velasquez sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Shueryuken defending well though.
Shueryuken wants to improve his position but Velasquez is controlling well.
Shueryuken wants to get back to his feet.
Velasquez is keen to just control but Shueryuken is a slippery customer.
Velasquez takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Cain Velasquez.
I've got Velasquez winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Daniel Cesar scores the fight 27:30
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 27:30
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Cain Velasquez!