PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shape Shifter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mayo Kermode (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kermode has chosen Song of Australia as his entrance music. Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Mayo Kermode enters the cage!

Shifter
vs
Kermode

192 cm
32
214 lbs
20 - 12 - 0

185 cm
42
220 lbs
41 - 26 - 0

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Great elbows
Powerful

KAISER Nutrition - Q160/$250
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 12 - 0, fighting out of London, Shape Shifter!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 41 - 26 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Mayo Kermode!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, William Peck and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kermode misses with a lunging right hand
and Shifter counters with a nice leg kick.
Kermode jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Shifter appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Kermode missing with a left hand there. Shifter was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Shifter walks into a straight right hand from Kermode.
Shifter fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kermode misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Shifter drives through and clinches with Kermode against the cage.

Shifter has Kermode pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Shifter pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Kermode tumbling to the mat - Shifter dives into Kermode's guard.
Shifter has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Shifter throws a big right hand that misses.
Shifter stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kermode swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Shifter drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Kermode dives on top into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kermode is looking to stand up but Shifter won't let him.

Shifter is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kermode is aware though and is defending well.

Shifter throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Kermode stands up from Shifter's guard - Kermode perhaps looking for a knockout.
Shifter doesn't manage to clinch there - Kermode circles away.
Kermode steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Shifter. That one must have hurt.
Shifter uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kermode.
Kermode misses with a kick to the body

and Shifter counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Kermode!
Shifter 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.

Shifter is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Kermode knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Shifter working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Shifter thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Shifter is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Kermode knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Kermode is trying to improve his position.

Shifter swings around for an armbar but Kermode sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Shifter's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shifter looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Kermode is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Shifter tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Kermode stands and steps away. Shifter gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Kermode looks to throw the jab but Shifter is out of range.
Mayo Kermode is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Shifter fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kermode is out of range.

Shifter clinches.
Shifter tries to pull guard but Kermode holds him up against the cage and eventually Shifter drops back down to his feet.
Kermode wants to break the clinch but can't.
Shifter is trying to drag Kermode to the mat but Kermode just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Shifter is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kermode to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shape Shifter. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kermode breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kermode misses with a lunging right hand
and Shifter counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kermode's knee momentarily.
Kermode lands a head shot.
Shifter has his takedown stuffed
and Kermode counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Shifter darts in looking for a takedown but Kermode gets double underhooks and turns Shifter into the cage.
A good leg kick by Kermode.
A jab from Kermode misses.
Shifter walks into a jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kermode throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Shifter counters with a stiff right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mayo Kermode will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Kermode waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Shifter.
Kermode pivots, looking for a leg kick but Shifter is out of range and Kermode settles back down.
Shifter shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kermode defends it nicely.
Kermode rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Shifter moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kermode swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shifter moves out of range of the strikes.
Shifter tried to counter with a leg kick but Kermode avoided it.
Kermode missing with a left hand there. Shifter was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Shifter looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Kermode has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kermode moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kermode tries to work over Shifter's front leg with a kick but Shifter checks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shifter blocks a jab.
Kermode thows a leg kick but Shifter checks it

and Shifter counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Shifter.

Kermode is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Shifter presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.

Shifter pulls guard successfully.
Kermode would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Kermode must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Shifter throws a nice elbow from the bottom.
Kermode wants to control from the top but Shifter keeps moving.
Shifter tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kermode has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Shifter is proving hard to escape from.

Kermode avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Shifter lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Kermode trying to keep a closed guard but Shifter is proving a slippery customer.
Kermode keeping full guard, as Shifter tries to pass.
Kermode looking to control.
Shifter tries to free his leg and advance position but Kermode is retaining full guard.
Shifter is working hard here to advance position.
Shifter postures up and lands a big shot to Kermode's brow.
Shifter missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Shifter throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kermode works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shifter drops back looking for a leg! Kermode is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Kermode manages to kick Shifter off! Shifter jumps back into Kermode's guard.
Kermode bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Shifter's guard.

Kermode trying to control the position from guard on top but Shifter is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shape Shifter overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kermode wanted to stand there but Shifter had control of the position.

Kermode gets to his feet. Shifter looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Nice takedown defense from Kermode. No joy for Shifter on that attempt.
Kermode displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Shifter shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shape Shifter. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kermode misses with a straight right.
Shifter feinted with a counter takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kermode ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Shifter moves away.
Shifter throws a sloppy head kick
and Kermode cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Shifter has closed the distance and engaged Kermode in a clinch.

Shifter wants the takedown. Kermode is fighting it off but Shifter persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Kermode's guard against the cage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shifter scoring with some ground and pound.
Shifter postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

Shifter thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Shifter throws a big right hand that misses.
Kermode preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Kermode is trying to keep Shifter in close.

Kermode kicks Shifter off and gets to his feet.
Kermode throws a nice inside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mayo Kermode showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Shifter's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Shifter ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Shifter tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kermode! But no joy.

Shifter moves into the clinch.

Shifter lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Kermode avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Shifter.

Shifter seems to be working for a kimura but Kermode defends the submission attempt.
Kermode regains full guard. Nicely done.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shifter throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Shifter throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Shifter trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Kermode wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kermode is on top in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Shifter is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kermode is aware though and is defending well.

Shifter has his foot on Kermode's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kermode works his way back into a safe position though.
Kermode has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Shifter is proving hard to escape from.

Shifter has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kermode can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kermode trying to control the position from guard on top but Shifter is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Shifter working for a triangle but Kermode defends it easily.
Kermode trying to control the position from guard on top but Shifter is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

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.

Kermode gets to his feet - Shifter follows without any prompting.
Shifter tries to clinch but Kermode is having none of it.
Kermode unleashes a big counter combination but Shifter bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Mayo Kermode seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kermode misses with a body shot.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Shifter is defended easily by Kermode.
Kermode looks for the body kick but Shifter saw that one coming.
Kermode misses with a low kick.
Shifter is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kermode throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kermode misses the shot to the body.
Kermode throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Shifter uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kermode.
Shifter tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Kermode manages to circle out of the way.
Shifter tries to clinch but Kermode moves out of range.
Kermode circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kermode loads up on a big right hand but Shifter slips the punch.
Shifter feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Shifter darts in trying to clinch
and Kermode counters with a stiff right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Shifter tenderised Kermode's leg. Kermode is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kermode is looking to slow Shifter down with leg kicks.
Kermode misses with a hook
and Shifter counters with an outside leg kick.
Kermode throws an ugly left hook that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Kermode throws a sloppy head kick
and Shifter counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kermode's knee momentarily.
Shifter tries to clinch
and Kermode counters with a right hand to the body.
Kermode throws a solid leg kick but Shifter takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kermode.
Kermode tries to score with a low kick but Shifter moves his leg out of the way.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kermode misses with a left hand
and Shifter counters with a good low kick that Kermode was not able to check.
Kermode throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Shifter seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mayo Kermode really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Shifter shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Shifter missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kermode is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shifter won't allow Kermode to sweep him here.

Shifter drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Shifter jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Shifter drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Kermode dives on top into guard.

Kermode wants to control from the top but Shifter keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kermode is looking to stand up but Shifter won't let him.

Shifter is looking for a triangle here but Kermode uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Shifter is looking to reverse the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shifter looking for a sweep but Kermode has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Shifter keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Kermode looking to control but Shifter is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Shifter is trying desperately to improve position.
Kermode trying to control but Shifter is having none of it.
Shifter is trying to escape the mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kermode controlling his opponent.
Shifter working to try and regain half guard.
Shifter gets back to half guard.
Kermode tries to stand but can't do so whilst Shifter controls his leg.
Kermode is looking to take a break and control but Shifter is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kermode might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Shifter haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Shifter tries to get to full guard but Kermode has control of the leg.
Shifter missing with punches from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kermode controlling the action here.
Shifter gets full guard.
Shifter wants to sweep here but Kermode controlling him for the moment.
Kermode would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Kermode gets to his feet - Shifter follows without any prompting.
A slow jab from Kermode misses its intended target.
Shifter throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kermode's waist but Kermode gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Shifter off to one side.
Shifter scores with a spinning back kick!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Kermode throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kermode paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kermode wants to land a leg kick but Shifter is out of range.

Kermode gets tackled into the cage by Shifter. Shifter maintains the clinch.
Shifter is trying to drag Kermode to the mat but Kermode just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Shifter is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kermode to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shape Shifter. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Shifter fails to pull guard.

Kermode breaks from the clinch.
Kermode scores with a jab to the jaw.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mayo Kermode dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Shifter blocks a head kick by Kermode.
A low kick from Kermode misses
and Shifter counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kermode's knee momentarily.
Shifter tries to close the distance and clinch but Kermode swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kermode tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kermode throws a series of punches but Shifter moves out of range.
Shifter is looking to clinch but Kermode is avoiding it.
Kermode misses with a hook. Shifter ducked under it nicely.
Shifter fires out a quick counter leg kick but Kermode just manages to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kermode throws an overhand right that lands on Shifter's shoulder, as Shifter tries to avoid the shot.
Shifter takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kermode missing with a left hand there. Shifter was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kermode loads up on a big right hand but Shifter slips the punch.
Kermode throws a sloppy head kick and Shifter moves out of range easily.
Shifter tries to clinch but Kermode is having none of it.
Kermode thows a left - swing and a miss!
Shifter fires out a quick counter leg kick but Kermode just manages to avoid it.
Shifter uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kermode.
Shifter blocks a jab.
Shifter tries to clinch but Kermode moves out of range.
Kermode swats away the attempt to clinch by Shifter.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Shifter darts in and clinches Kermode up against the cage.
Shifter has Kermode pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kermode manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kermode is trying to force a seperation but Shifter has the dominant position.

Kermode escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kermode throws a head kick that half lands.
Shifter uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kermode.
Shifter half committed to a counter leg kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Shifter looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kermode throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Shifter counters with a nice body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shifter checks a leg kick nicely.
Kermode throws a leg kick but Shifter checks it.
Shifter uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kermode.
Shifter steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kermode.
As Kermode tries to get set, Shifter tries to push him back and clinch up but Kermode manages to avoid the attempt.
Mayo Kermode is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kermode swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Shifter counters with a takedown into side control.

Shifter is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Kermode knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Shifter is trying to get an arm triangle but Kermode is defending well.
Kermode is trying to buck Shifter off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shifter landing strikes.

Shifter is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Kermode knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Kermode is trying to get back to half guard.

Shifter wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Kermode, who protects the arm well.

Shifter thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Shape Shifter has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kermode regains half guard, as Shifter was trying to land strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mayo Kermode comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Kermode 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 45:50
Judge William Peck scores the fight 45:50
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mayo Kermode!
Mayo Kermode is the new light heavyweight champion!
Mayo Kermode thanked the fans post fight for their support.