PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Soul Shadow (ranked 1778 p4p, 202 weight class) and Brock Sampson (ranked 2078 p4p, 226 weight class). Shadow comes to the cage accompanied by Shadow and Soul - Red. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Shadow
vs
Sampson

180 cm
19
163 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

170 cm
27
167 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Soul Shadow!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Brock Sampson!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sampson misses with a series of wild punches.
Sampson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Shadow moves away.
Shadow is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Sampson.
Shadow fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Sampson.
Sampson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Shadow.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Sampson has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Sampson throws a body shot but no joy.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Sampson, as that shot connected.
Shadow's jab looks to have found its range, popping Sampson under the eye.
Good exchange - Shadow coming out on top.

Shadow moves into the clinch successfully.
Shadow lands a nice uppercut.
Shadow lands with a short head shot on the inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Shadow.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shadow works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A head punch on the inside from Shadow fails to land.
Sampson tries to pull guard but Shadow won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shadow lands a right hand that snaps the head of Sampson backwards.
Shadow taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Shadow misses with a punch to the body.
Shadow has a couple of punches blocked by Sampson.
Sampson is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Shadow to keep the fight standing.
Sampson blocks a body shot from Shadow.
Shadow softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Shadow swings wildly with an uppercut but Sampson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Shadow stalling.
Shadow lands with a short shot to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shadow lands with a left to the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Shadow.
Shadow lands a nice uppercut.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Shadow.
A shot in the inside from Shadow.
Shadow misses with a short punch on the inside.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Shadow misses with a punch on the inside.
Sampson blocking some punches.
Shadow lands a left hand.
Sampson is trying to pull guard but Shadow turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Soul Shadow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brock Sampson.
Shadow throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shadow tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Shadow lands a nice uppercut.
Shadow scores with a nice hook to the head.
Sampson tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Shadow just stands there and leans against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Shadow.
Sampson tries to pull guard but Shadow won't allow it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sampson.
Shadow misses with some punches.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Shadow creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Shadow manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sampson. Shadow does a little dance to reset his feet.
Good shot there by Shadow.
Shadow misses with a head kick.
Shadow is looking to slow Sampson down with leg kicks.
Sampson misses with a body shot.
Shadow scores with a jab to the jaw.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sampson looks to land a combination. Shadow sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

It looks like Soul Shadow has been cut.

Shadow closes the distance and clinches.
Sampson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Shadow lands with a short shot to the head.
Sampson is trying to pull guard but Shadow turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Shadow misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Shadow breaks the clinch.
Sampson looks to land a combination but Shadow avoids it well.
Shadow slips a jab from Sampson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Soul Shadow dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Soul Shadow's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Shadow fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sampson manages to avoid it.
It seemed like Sampson was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Shadow pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sampson takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Sampson scores with a body shot.
Sampson misses with a hook. Shadow ducked under it nicely.
Shadow is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sampson can do to turn this around?
Sampson misses the shot to the body.

Oooh a lovely combination from Sampson sends Shadow down but not out. Sampson dives into side control looking to finish.

Shadow is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Sampson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Oh Shadow is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Shadow is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Sweat, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Sampson trying to control the position but Shadow is working away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shadow manages to work his way to half guard, despite Sampson's best efforts.
Shadow seems to have got his legs back now.

Sampson is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Shadow doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Sampson.
Sampson is looking to take a break and control but Shadow is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shadow is trying to get back to full guard.
Shadow is working hard here to advance position.
Sampson slows the pace down in half guard.
Shadow wants to control but Sampson is keeping busy and won't allow it.

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.
Shadow is refusing to be controlled, as Sampson sits in half guard.

Shadow looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Sampson wants to pass the guard but Shadow is defending well.
Shadow is trying to control but can't.
Sampson is pressing down on Shadow's thigh, looking to free his foot. Shadow is holding on for now.
Sampson is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Sampson takes his opponent's back. Perhaps a chance to lock up a rear naked choke here.
Shadow just trying to survive but Sampson is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shadow wants to escape the position.
Sampson trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.

Shadow preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Sampson.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.

Sampson is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Shadow manages to reverse the position and now he's in Sampson's guard. Nice work there by Shadow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shadow trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sampson wants to sweep here but Shadow controlling him for the moment.
Shadow has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Shadow is stalling in the full guard.
Shadow looking to pass the guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sampson is pulling down on Shadow's head to control his posture.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brock Sampson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Soul Shadow's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Sampson takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Sampson throws a body shot but no joy.
Sampson swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Shadow counters with a nice body kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Sampson misses the target.
Shadow slips under a jab.
A nice inside leg kick there by Shadow. That's going to slow Sampson down.
Shadow cracks Sampson with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

Shadow clinches with his opponent.
Shadow lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Shadow lands with a light punch inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shadow tries to throw a body punch but Sampson avoids it by throwing Shadow back against the cage.
Sampson is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Shadow to keep the fight standing.
Shadow lands a shoulder strike.
Shadow is pushing Sampson up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shadow lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Shadow misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Shadow lands a body punch.
Sampson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Shadow lands a hook to the side of the head.
Good body shot from Shadow.
Shadow lands a right hand.
A bit of stalling here from Shadow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sampson is trying to pull guard but Shadow has him pressed against the cage.
Shadow misses with a hook to the ribs.
Shadow works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Shadow is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Shadow works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Sampson is trying to pull guard but Shadow turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Soul Shadow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Brock Sampson.
Shadow lands a right hand.
Shadow swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A right handed body shot lands from Shadow.
Shadow cracks Sampson with a nice body shot.
Sampson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Shadow scores with a shoulder strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sampson manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Shadow drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Sampson manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Shadow has Sampson in his guard.

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

Shadow is looking for a triangle but Sampson pushes his legs off easily.

Shadow looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Sampson won't allow Shadow to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sampson slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Shadow is not content to let Sampson control the position.

Sampson tries for a kimura but Shadow is defending well.
Shadow tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Sampson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Sampson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Shadow keeps working.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Shadow tries to bench press Sampson off him but Sampson keeps the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Soul Shadow showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Shadow has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 29:28
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 29:28
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Soul Shadow!
Our winner, Soul Shadow, 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.