Bellator 11 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Fabricio Matias (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jeff Monson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Matias
vs
Monson

190 cm
23
300 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

185 cm
25
300 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Brawler
Intelligent

Cripplers Corner
Valhalla Fight Wear

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Fabricio Matias!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jeff Monson!
The judges for this bout are Seu Braga, Leandro Rodrigues and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Matias shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Matias showed some decent athleticism there.
Monson is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

Monson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Monson is positioning himself well to prevent Matias advancing to mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Monson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matias wants to take a breather but Monson is having none of it.
Matias is really struggling to control Monson but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Monson regains full guard. Nicely done.

Matias is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Monson has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Matias is looking to defend but Monson has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Matias! Monson pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Matias taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Jeff Monson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
47%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Cho Ming (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shakim Abdulkerimov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shakim Abdulkerimov is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Ming
vs
Abdulkerimov

178 cm
21
160 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

180 cm
20
150 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Knockout power

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Cho Ming!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shakim Abdulkerimov!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Paulo Santos and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Abdulkerimov wants to clinch up but Ming keeps it at a distance.
Ming avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ming shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Abdulkerimov defends it nicely.
Abdulkerimov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ming circles away from the clinch attempt.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch
and Ming counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Whack! Ming lands a heavy head kick that drops Abdulkerimov. The ref tackles Ming to stop the fight - a great save by the referee because Abdulkerimov was done.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:44 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Head Kick). Cho Ming!
Cho Ming got down on his knees post fight and begged the management for a title shot. 'Please, I want that title shot so bad! Give it to me!'

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
61%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hannibal Die Rücksichtslos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricardo Nogueira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Die Rücksichtslos comes into the arena with Theme from Gilligans isle blaring out of the sound system. 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.

Die Rücksichtslos
vs
Nogueira

188 cm
38
225 lbs
38 - 21 - 0

189 cm
40
209 lbs
27 - 19 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good takedowns
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 38 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hannibal Die Rücksichtslos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo Nogueira!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Leandro Rodrigues and Matheus Silva.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nogueira shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Hannibal Die Rücksichtslos seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nogueira tries to move into range but Die Rücksichtslos moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

It looks like Ricardo Nogueira has been cut.
Nogueira avoids a kick to the body.
Die Rücksichtslos thuds his shin into the meat of Nogueira's side.
Die Rücksichtslos dips to his left and cracks Nogueira with an uppercut!
Die Rücksichtslos sizes up Nogueira with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Die Rücksichtslos lands with a right that hurts Nogueira. Nogueira looks to clinch but Die Rücksichtslos throws a short knee that drops Nogueira. This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:19 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch and Knee). Hannibal Die Rücksichtslos!
Hannibal Die Rücksichtslos decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Chazz Michael Michaels (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gideon Jura (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Michaels comes into the arena with Blades of Glory blaring out of the sound system. Jura is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Pain - Dancing with the dead. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Michael Michaels
vs
Jura

185 cm
40
200 lbs
25 - 11 - 0

188 cm
24
194 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Chazz Michael Michaels!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Gideon Jura!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Alexandre Firmino and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A bone on bone clash there as Michaels blocks the leg kick.
A big right from Jura misses.
Jura waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Michaels.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Jura misses the shot to the body.
Jura getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Jura lands a jab to the head.
Michaels dances in with a quick combination. Jura is being worked over with jabs and crosses. Oooh, a right straight from Michaels snaps Jura's head back. Jura stumbles backwards against the cage. Michaels steps forward and delivers a right cross that connects with Jura's jaw, simultaneously knocking him out and sending his mouthpiece into the crowd! There's a worthy souvenir for the fans. This one is over folks. Jura just didn't come prepared.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:19 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Chazz Michael Michaels!
Chazz Michael Michaels thanked the fans post fight for their support.
In defeat, Gideon Jura stepped up to the mic, saying 'zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Vitaliy Shunkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joe Sutherland (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Sutherland's choice of entrance music: 2Pac - Keep Ya Head Up. Joe Sutherland will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Shunkov
vs
Sutherland

175 cm
26
164 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

190 cm
25
160 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Cripplers Corner
Dissolution Fight Wear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Vitaliy Shunkov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Joe Sutherland!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Mauricio Rocha and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shunkov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sutherland sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Shunkov somewhat.
Shunkov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sutherland sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Shunkov somewhat.
Shunkov throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Sutherland counters with a two punch combo.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Shunkov.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vitaliy Shunkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shunkov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shunkov shoots in for a takedown but Sutherland shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Shunkov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Sutherland looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Shunkov trying to control the position but Sutherland is working away.
Shunkov wants to stand but Sutherland is controlling his arm.
Shunkov works to advance to full mount. Sutherland defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Shunkov lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Sutherland hang on?
Shunkov controlling the position easily from mount.
Sutherland is squirming around, avoiding Shunkov's attempts to control the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shunkov throwing strikes here but Sutherland is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Shunkov takes his opponent's back. Perhaps a chance to lock up a rear naked choke here.

Shunkov working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Shunkov just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shunkov has Sutherland flattened out and is raining down punches.

Shunkov is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
I would not like to be Sutherland right now.
Sutherland manages to reverse the position and now he's in Shunkov's guard. Nice work there by Sutherland.
Shunkov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Sutherland stops Shunkov from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Shunkov looking for a guillotine here but Sutherland defends easily.
Shunkov looking to control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sutherland would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Sutherland is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Shunkov controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vitaliy Shunkov dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Shunkov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sutherland counters with a two punch combo.

Shunkov fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Sutherland to the ground. Shunkov is now in Sutherland's guard.

Shunkov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Sutherland is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Shunkov is aware though and is defending well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Sutherland isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Shunkov stacks Sutherland on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Shunkov!
Shunkov cracks Sutherland with a big right hand but Sutherland just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shunkov sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Sutherland is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Vitaliy Shunkov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Sutherland is looking for a sweep.

Shunkov thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Sutherland is trying to improve his position.

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.
Shunkov gets to mount! Sutherland was on the offensive and wasn't defending properly.

Shunkov working for a guillotine from mount but Sutherland is in no mood to give up.
Shunkov tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment.
Shunkov trying to control but Sutherland is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sutherland regains half guard.
Sutherland is not content to let Shunkov control the position.
Still in half guard, Shunkov seems content to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Shunkov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sutherland keeps working.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Shunkov trying to pass the guard but Sutherland defending well.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Sutherland slips a jab and a cross from Shunkov.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Shunkov.
Shunkov moves into full mount!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Shunkov is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vitaliy Shunkov dominated that second 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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Shunkov throws a series of punches but Sutherland moves out of range.
Shunkov throws a right and a left that Sutherland avoids nicely.
Shunkov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Sutherland as he jumps to the side.
Shunkov shoots for a double leg takedown but Sutherland sprawls well. He's pushed Shunkov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shunkov misses with a takedown attempt
and Sutherland counters with a three punch combo that has Shunkov backing up. Shunkov nods at Sutherland to acknowledge the strikes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vitaliy Shunkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shunkov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Sutherland sprawls well. Sutherland wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Shunkov gets slowly back to his feet.
Shunkov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shunkov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Sutherland but Sutherland pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Shunkov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Sutherland is looking for a triangle but Shunkov pushes his legs off easily.
Shunkov wants to control from the top but Sutherland keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sutherland looking for a guillotine here but Shunkov defends easily.
Shunkov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sutherland can do to turn this around?

Sutherland has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Shunkov should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Sutherland has tightened it up now! Shunkov should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:48 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Joe Sutherland!
Joe Sutherland is the new lightweight champion!
A relieved looking Joe Sutherland thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.