PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kuma Shiroma (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kazushi Sakuraba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Shiroma
vs
Sakuraba

193 cm
23
254 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

185 cm
23
275 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Dangerous knees
Self confident

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Powerful

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kuma Shiroma!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazushi Sakuraba!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Hirohito Nitta and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sakuraba fails with a takedown attempt.
Sakuraba misses with a takedown attempt

and Shiroma counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Sakuraba looking for a takedown.
Kuma Shiroma has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kazushi Sakuraba.
Shiroma unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Sakuraba looks winded!
Shiroma gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sakuraba.
Shiroma stalls.
Shiroma with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

It looks like Kazushi Sakuraba has been cut.
Sakuraba takes a knee right on the jaw!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Shiroma with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Shiroma prevents a takedown attempt there.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Sakuraba takes a knee right on the jaw!
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Knees in the clinch landing for Shiroma.
Shiroma unloads a knee to the mid-section. Sakuraba lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Shiroma dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shiroma landing knees to the head.
Shiroma is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
Shiroma with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Shiroma taking a breather.
Sakuraba is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Shiroma scores with a knee to the head.
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to the mat but Shiroma manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Shiroma landing knees to the head.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Sakuraba takes a knee right on the jaw!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shiroma prevents a takedown attempt there.
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to the mat but Shiroma manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Shiroma content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Shiroma prevents a takedown attempt there.
Shiroma landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
Shiroma connects with a nasty looking knee right to Sakuraba's face.
Sakuraba is looking for a takedown.
Shiroma lands a nice knee to the body.
Shiroma landing knees to the body.
Sakuraba drops down looking for an ankle pick but Shiroma pulls his leg out and moves away.

Shiroma moves into range and clinches up with Sakuraba.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shiroma is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Shiroma with a knee to the head.
Shiroma with a knee to the head.
Shiroma is trying to stall.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Shiroma is pressed up against the cage. Sakuraba has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Shiroma down to the mat. Shiroma avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Horrible takedown by Sakuraba or perhaps it was just good defense by Shiroma which made him look bad.

Shiroma closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Shiroma is stalling here.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Shiroma tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shiroma stops a takedown attempt from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba takes a knee right on the jaw!
Shiroma throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Sakuraba blocks it with crossed arms.
Shiroma is pressed up against the cage. Sakuraba has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Shiroma down to the mat. Shiroma avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Sakuraba shoots in for a double leg but Shiroma sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba misses with a takedown

and Shiroma counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Shiroma.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shiroma with a knee to the head.
Sakuraba is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Shiroma is defending well.
Shiroma controlling the action here for a moment.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Shiroma connects with a nasty looking knee right to Sakuraba's face.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Shiroma connects with a nasty looking knee right to Sakuraba's face.
Shiroma is struggling to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kuma Shiroma dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kazushi Sakuraba'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.

Shiroma stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Shiroma wants it to stay on the feet.

Shiroma forces Sakuraba back against the cage and clinches.
Shiroma landing knees to the head.
Sakuraba has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Shiroma after a bit of a struggle.
Sakuraba changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Shiroma fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kuma Shiroma has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kazushi Sakuraba.

Shiroma clinches up against the cage.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Sakuraba drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Shiroma gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Shiroma misses with a punch on the inside.
Sakuraba is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shiroma prevents the takedown attempt.
Shiroma is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Shiroma is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Shiroma stalling.
Shiroma gets underhooks to prevent Sakuraba's takedown attempt.
Shiroma has Sakuraba pressed against the cage.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Sakuraba tries to score a body lock takedown but Shiroma shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head.
Shiroma unloads a knee to the mid-section. Sakuraba lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head.
Sakuraba tries for a takedown but Shiroma manages to get underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shiroma with a knee to the head.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head.
Shiroma gets underhooks to prevent Sakuraba's takedown attempt.
Shiroma is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
Sakuraba is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Shiroma pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Shiroma crunches a lovely knee into Sakuraba's ribcage.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Shiroma is pressed up against the cage. Sakuraba has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Shiroma down to the mat. Shiroma avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Sakuraba misses with a takedown attempt

and Shiroma holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Come on Shiroma - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Sakuraba tries to score a body lock takedown but Shiroma shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Shiroma scores with a knee to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba has Shiroma pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Shiroma manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Shiroma just leaning against Sakuraba, taking a breather.
Sakuraba is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Shiroma gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Shiroma with a knee to the head.
Shiroma is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Shiroma with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Sakuraba is trying to drag Shiroma to the mat but Shiroma just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Shiroma misses with a knee to the head.
Sakuraba looking for a takedown.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head.
Sakuraba can't get the takedown.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to the mat but Shiroma manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shiroma with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Sakuraba tries to score a body lock takedown but Shiroma shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
Sakuraba is looking for a takedown.
Shiroma utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Shiroma using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sakuraba has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Sakuraba is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Shiroma is pushing Sakuraba up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Shiroma landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Sakuraba is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Shiroma is defending well.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sakuraba wants a takedown.
A knee to the head by Shiroma.
Shiroma with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Sakuraba looking for a takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kuma Shiroma dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Kazushi Sakuraba'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!

Shiroma clinches with his opponent.
Shiroma with a knee to the head.
Sakuraba changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Shiroma fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Sakuraba misses with a takedown

and Shiroma holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Shiroma scores with a knee to the head.
Shiroma unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Shiroma takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Sakuraba drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kuma Shiroma has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kazushi Sakuraba.
Shiroma connects with a nasty looking knee right to Sakuraba's face.
Shiroma with a knee to the head.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Shiroma lands a nice knee to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shiroma gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sakuraba.
Shiroma content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Sakuraba can't get the takedown.
Shiroma scores with a knee to the head.
Shiroma is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sakuraba can do to turn this around?
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Shiroma here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Shiroma stops a takedown attempt from Sakuraba.
Shiroma unloads a knee to the mid-section. Sakuraba lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Shiroma with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Sakuraba goes for a takedown attempt but Shiroma pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Shiroma forces Sakuraba back against the cage and clinches.
Sakuraba is looking to take this one to the mat.
Sakuraba being controlled against the cage.
Shiroma landing knees to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Shiroma is defending well.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Sakuraba tries to score a body lock takedown but Shiroma shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Shiroma scores a nice knee to the body.
Sakuraba drops down looking for an ankle pick but Shiroma pulls his leg out and moves away.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Shiroma moves into the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shiroma landing knees to the head.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head.
Shiroma gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sakuraba.
Shiroma displaying some good clinch control by pressing Sakuraba up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Shiroma avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Sakuraba wants to take the fight to the mat but Shiroma manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Shiroma avoiding damage.
Sakuraba goes for a takedown in the clinch but Shiroma prevents it.
Shiroma lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Shiroma gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sakuraba.
Shiroma is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Shiroma landing knees to the body.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba goes for a takedown attempt but Shiroma pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Sakuraba with a poor takedown

and Shiroma holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Shiroma looking to throw knees to the head but Sakuraba is blocking nicely.
Shiroma is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Shiroma connects with a knee to the head.
Sakuraba changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Shiroma fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Shiroma throws a head kick that misses.
Sakuraba closes the distance and clinches up with Shiroma, looking for a takedown. Sakuraba pushes Shiroma against the cage but Shiroma circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Shiroma moves into range and clinches up with Sakuraba.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shiroma stops a takedown attempt from Sakuraba.
Shiroma pressing his opponent against the cage.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Shiroma obliges.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kuma Shiroma showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Shiroma has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Ren Mimura scores the fight for Kuma Shiroma!
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight for Kuma Shiroma!
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight for Kuma Shiroma!

Kuma Shiroma wins by unanimous decision!