PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jake Shields (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dolph Lundgren (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lundgren has chosen Till I Collapse as his entrance music. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Dolph Lundgren was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Shields
vs
Lundgren

195 cm
26
270 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

195 cm
20
250 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Jake Shields!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Dolph Lundgren!
The judges for this bout are Ryoma Takatsuka, Josh West and Paul Gruel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shields shoots in and drives through. Lundgren sprawls well.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Lundgren leaves Shields with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Lundgren stalks Shields and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Shields's face. Shields staggers backwards, shaken.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Shields.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jake Shields. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shields shoots in for a takedown but Lundgren shows good takedown defense.

Lundgren changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Shields looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Shields tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Shields is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Sloppy strikes there by Lundgren.
Lundgren in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Shields tries to bench press Lundgren off him but Lundgren keeps the position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The ground and pound from Lundgren seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Lundgren in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Lundgren misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Lundgren in side control, throwing shots but Shields defends.
Lundgren really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Shields. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Lundgren creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Shields sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Shields manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Shields content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shields's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Shields tries to pass the half guard into mount. Lundgren knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lundgren is trying to maintain the position but Shields is very close to passing his half guard.

Shields is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Lundgren is refusing to be controlled, as Shields sits in half guard.
Lundgren has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Shields is working away from the top position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shields controlling the action here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Shields fails to land the takedown.
Lundgren lands a jab to the nose.
Lundgren keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Lundgren fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Lundgren tries to clinch up but Shields circles away and keeps his distance.
Lundgren throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Lundgren slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice straight punches there by Lundgren. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Lundgren.

Lundgren closes the distance and clinches.
Lundgren gets underhooks to prevent Shields's takedown attempt.

Lundgren has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Shields uses from the top position.
Shields not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Shields forces his way into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lundgren has hold of Shields's hands but Shields slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Shields missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Shields takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Shields wants to pass to mount but Lundgren is defending the position.
Lundgren tries to get to full guard but Shields has control of the leg.
Shields is controlling the pace.
Lundgren is staying active underneath Shields, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Shields thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Lundgren's head.
Lundgren is trying to control but can't.
Lundgren is refusing to be controlled, as Shields sits in half guard.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Lundgren throws a chopping leg kick but Shields manages to avoid taking any serious damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shields throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Lundgren's waist but Lundgren gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Shields off to one side.
Shields shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Shields is breathing heavily.

Lundgren closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Lundgren lands in his opponent's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lundgren postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Shields looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Shields is on top in guard.
Lundgren keeping moving, preventing Shields from controlling successfully.
Lundgren trying to control the position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Shields stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lundgren swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Shields sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Lundgren's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Dolph Lundgren will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Lundgren shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Shields ducks right into an uppercut from Lundgren.
Shields has a takedown stuffed.
Lundgren keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Jake Shields seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Shields has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jake Shields. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shields looks for a takedown but Lundgren sprawls well.

Lundgren gets a double leg takedown into Shields's guard.
Lundgren with a flurry of punches that miss.
Shields looking for a sweep. Not yet Shields, not yet.
Lundgren lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Lundgren postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Jake Shields overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shields is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Shields avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Shields tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Lundgren postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lundgren throwing strikes from guard but Shields blocks nicely.
Shields has his hands on Lundgren's head, controlling the position.
Lundgren won't allow Shields to sweep him here.
Lundgren throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Shields works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Lundgren missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Lundgren lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Lundgren must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Shields lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Lundgren!
Shields tries to control but Lundgren wriggling away.
Lundgren is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Shields prevents Lundgren from getting the reversal.
Shields looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lundgren can't escape the position.
Shields punishing his opponent with strikes.
Lundgren tries to hold on but Shields pushes him away.
Shields with the ground and pound from mount.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice elbow there by Shields.

Shields working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Shields content just to control the position here.
Lundgren is in all sorts of trouble here.
Shields controlling from the full mount.
Lundgren is looking to get to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shields with shots to the head and body - Lundgren looks very uncomfortable down there.
Shields wants to control the pace but Lundgren is squirming around nicely.

Shields with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Shields with good strikes from the mount here!

Shields looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Lundgren is working to get back to half guard.
Shields with shots to the head and body - Lundgren looks very uncomfortable down there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lundgren tries to lock up and control but Shields gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
BOOM! Shields connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Shields is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Lundgren can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Shields scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Shields landing punches.
Shields looking to finish Lundgren with some ground and pound. This is bad for Lundgren!
Shields controlling from the full mount.
Lundgren keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Shields lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Lundgren hang on?
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Shields wants to finish this one by submission but Lundgren is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Shields.
Lundgren is in a horrible position here. Shields smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jake Shields dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Shields shoots in looking for a takedown. Lundgren tries to sprawl out of it but Shields keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Lundgren manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Lundgren lands a two punch combo.

Lundgren rushes Shields and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Lundgren prevents a takedown attempt there.
Shields wants to take the fight to the mat but Lundgren manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jake Shields. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shields is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Lundgren gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Lundgren pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Shields takes one on the chin but seems OK.

Shields drives through with a takedown into guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lundgren keeping moving, preventing Shields from controlling successfully.
Lundgren is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Lundgren is controlling Shields's posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Let's hope that Lundgren has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

Dolph Lundgren has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Lundgren scores with a decent looking hook.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Shields.
Lundgren cracks Shields with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

Lundgren moves into the clinch.
A short uppercut from Lundgren.
Shields has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Lundgren after a bit of a struggle.

Lundgren breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Lundgren closes the distance and clinches.
Shields is working for takedown but Lundgren is calmly controlling the position for now.

Lundgren breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Lundgren does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Dolph Lundgren seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Lundgren fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Shields, pushing him back against the cage.

Lundgren jumps guard.
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!

Lundgren has his feet on Shields's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shields misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Lundgren changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Lundgren misses with a head kick.

Shields gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Lundgren to score an easy takedown into full guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Shields holds on and takes a little breather.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lundgren trying to control the position from guard on top but Shields is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lundgren stopping the sweep attempt from Shields.
Shields is trying to keep Lundgren in close.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lundgren lands a couple of elbows.
Lundgren throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Shields works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Lundgren throws a big right hand that misses.
Shields wants to sweep here but Lundgren controlling him for the moment.
Lundgren throwing strikes from guard but Shields blocks nicely.
Shields has control of Lundgren's left arm, preventing Lundgren from doing any damage.
Shields bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lundgren's guard.
Shields won't allow Lundgren to get back to his feet.
Shields content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Lundgren manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Shields sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shields is pressing down on Lundgren's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shields is pulling down on Lundgren's head. It's preventing any offense from Lundgren, at least for the moment.
Shields wants to sweep here but Lundgren controlling him for the moment.
Lundgren postures up.
Shields is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Shields thows a huge punch but Lundgren dodges it nicely.
Still in half guard, Shields seems content to control.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Shields wants to control but Lundgren is keeping him busy.
Shields prevents Lundgren from improving his position.
Well, if Shields is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dolph Lundgren comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Lundgren has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 28:29
Judge Josh West scores the fight 28:29
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dolph Lundgren!
A determined Dolph Lundgren didn't want to dwell on this fight in his post fight interview. Instead he was more keen to state he wants a title shot. Let's see if he gets it!