PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Shawn Ziribastow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mr Felding (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ziribastow's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, DEAD STARS. Mr Felding has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Ziribastow
vs
Felding

177 cm
20
141 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

165 cm
23
135 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

MADE IN GERMANY
MADE IN GERMANY

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Shawn Ziribastow!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mr Felding!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Leandro Rodrigues and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Felding gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ziribastow scoring with punches to the head and body.
Ziribastow scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Ziribastow postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ziribastow throws a big right hand that misses.
Ziribastow is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ziribastow scoring with punches to the head and body.
Ziribastow in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ziribastow throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Felding works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ziribastow will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Ziribastow postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Felding trying to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Felding working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ziribastow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Felding utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Ziribastow throwing strikes from guard but Felding blocks nicely.
Ziribastow preventing the sweep.
Ziribastow trying to control the position from guard on top but Felding is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ziribastow postures up and lands a big shot to Felding's brow.
Ziribastow wants to pass the guard but Felding is keeping the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ziribastow shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Felding as he jumps to the side.

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.

Ziribastow decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Ziribastow throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Ziribastow not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Felding wants to get back to his feet.
Ziribastow working the head and body with strikes.
Ziribastow is keen to just control but Felding is a slippery customer.
Felding is trying to maintain the position but Ziribastow is very close to passing his half guard.
Ziribastow looks to land a strike but Felding avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Felding wants to stand and escape but Ziribastow is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Felding keeping full guard, as Ziribastow tries to pass.
Ziribastow throws a big right hand that misses.
Ziribastow missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Ziribastow is looking to work some ground and pound but Felding has wrist control.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Felding scores with a spinning back kick!
Ziribastow sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Ziribastow shoots in but no luck this time.
Mr Felding is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Both fighters circling a little - Felding finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Felding throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

Ziribastow shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Ziribastow was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Felding is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ziribastow throws some wild stikes that Felding manages to avoid easily.
Felding is trying to stand up.
Ziribastow landing punches.
Ziribastow unloads with some shots from mount but Felding bucks and avoids them well.
Ziribastow looking to finish Felding with some ground and pound. This is bad for Felding!
Felding is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Ziribastow lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Felding hang on?
Ziribastow misses with some ground and pound and Felding recovers position to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shawn Ziribastow dominated that 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.

Felding throws a quick inside leg kick.
Ziribastow fails with a takedown attempt.
Felding throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Shawn Ziribastow seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ziribastow moves out of range of the body kick.
Ziribastow moves out of range as Felding throws a body kick.
Ziribastow shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Felding but Felding pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Ziribastow tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Felding swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shawn Ziribastow. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ziribastow shoots in but Felding avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Felding leaves Ziribastow with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ziribastow avoids the head kick by Felding.
Felding throws a sloppy head kick and Ziribastow moves out of range easily.
Felding finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Felding pushes Ziribastow away with a front kick.
Ziribastow shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Felding but Felding pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Felding stuffs the takedown.

Ziribastow bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Felding tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ziribastow wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Ziribastow prevents Felding from escaping the position.
Ziribastow working the ground and pound.
Felding wants to get back to his feet.
Ziribastow just content to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ziribastow misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Ziribastow creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Felding sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
You can see the frustration on Felding's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Ziribastow throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Felding works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Ziribastow missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ziribastow seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Ziribastow thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Felding's head.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Ziribastow connects with a nice short shot to Felding's temple.
Felding is trying to stand up here but Ziribastow is controlling him well.
Ziribastow is nestled in close to Felding, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Ziribastow throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Felding is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Ziribastow scores with a couple of nice shots.
Ziribastow not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Felding wants to get back to full guard.
Ziribastow tries to pass the half guard into mount. Felding knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ziribastow not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Felding regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Ziribastow.
Ziribastow is looking to work some ground and pound but Felding has wrist control.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Felding keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Ziribastow feints and as Felding raises his hands in defense, Ziribastow changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Ziribastow postures up in Felding's guard and throws a big left but Felding blocks it.
Ziribastow throws a strike but Felding rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Felding stands up from Ziribastow's guard - Felding perhaps looking for a knockout.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Shawn Ziribastow will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Felding tries to score with a low kick but Ziribastow moves his leg out of the way.
Felding feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Ziribastow's calf.
Felding slaps away a takedown attempt from Ziribastow, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Felding attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Felding throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Shawn Ziribastow is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Felding throws a head kick that misses.
Nice takedown defense from Felding. No joy for Ziribastow on that attempt.

Ziribastow closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Felding did well to prevent Ziribastow getting side control.
Ziribastow not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ziribastow not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Felding trying to control from the bottom.
Ziribastow not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ziribastow missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Ziribastow not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Felding blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ziribastow.
Ziribastow thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Felding's head.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Felding looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Felding throws a head kick but Ziribastow moves out of range.

Ziribastow feints and as Felding raises his hands in defense, Ziribastow changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Ziribastow thows a big elbow that misses.
Ziribastow stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Felding swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ziribastow with a flurry of punches that miss.

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.
Ziribastow trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ziribastow throws a strike but Felding rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Ziribastow looking to control.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Ziribastow is on top in guard.
Felding wants to get back to his feet but Ziribastow is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Ziribastow throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Felding works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Felding wants to get back to his feet but Ziribastow is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Felding has momentary wrist control but Ziribastow slips an elbow through the middle.
Ziribastow trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ziribastow is in close to Felding's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Shawn Ziribastow overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Ziribastow postures up in Felding's guard and throws a big left but Felding blocks it.
Felding utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's four 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.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ziribastow accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ziribastow throws and elbow that misses. Felding uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Ziribastow's guard. Nice move by Felding!
Ziribastow tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ziribastow is pulling down on Felding's head. It's preventing any offense from Felding, at least for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shawn Ziribastow clearly takes that round.
That's time! Ziribastow's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A head kick misses from Felding.

Ziribastow is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Felding's half guard.
Ziribastow throwing shots but Felding is blocking nicely.
Ziribastow sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Felding defending well though.
Felding regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Ziribastow.
Ziribastow with a flurry of punches that miss.
Ziribastow thows a big elbow that misses.
Ziribastow postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ziribastow in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ziribastow missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ziribastow shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Felding pinned against the cage. Felding gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Felding throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Ziribastow fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Ziribastow shoots for a takedown but Felding saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ziribastow fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Ziribastow changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Felding looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Ziribastow with the ground and pound but Felding regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Felding wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Felding is refusing to be controlled, as Ziribastow sits in half guard.
Felding regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Ziribastow.
Felding wants to stand but Ziribastow is controlling the position.
Ziribastow working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Ziribastow is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Felding avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ziribastow in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Ziribastow darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Ziribastow misses with a head shot. Felding uses the momentum to regain guard.
Felding being controlled here, momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ziribastow trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ziribastow in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ziribastow thows a big elbow that misses.
Ziribastow thows a big elbow that misses.
Ziribastow postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ziribastow with a nice head shot there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ziribastow throwing strikes but missing.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Ziribastow's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shawn Ziribastow had his way with Mr Felding in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Felding plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Felding looking to land some kicks to the body here.

Ziribastow closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Felding regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Ziribastow.
Ziribastow throws a big right hand that misses.
Ziribastow missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Felding preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Ziribastow thows a big elbow that misses.
Felding working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ziribastow.
Ziribastow pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Felding is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Felding working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ziribastow.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Felding connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ziribastow shoots for a double leg takedown but Felding sprawls well. He's pushed Ziribastow's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ziribastow shoots in for a takedown but Felding shows good takedown defense.
Felding cracks the inside of Ziribastow's front leg.
Felding fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Ziribastow checks it well.
Ziribastow shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Felding sprawls well. Felding wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ziribastow gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shawn Ziribastow. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Felding misses with a head kick.
Ziribastow shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Felding defends it nicely.
Ziribastow will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Felding throws a head kick that half lands.
Felding lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ziribastow's sensitive parts.
Ziribastow fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Ziribastow on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Felding. Felding obviously looking to wear him down.
Felding looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Ziribastow shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Felding pinned against the cage. Felding gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A nice inside leg kick there by Felding. That's going to slow Ziribastow down.
Felding moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Ziribastow looks for a takedown but Felding sprawls well.
Felding scores with a kick to the body.

Felding decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Felding wants to stand but Ziribastow has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Ziribastow wants to get back to full guard but Felding has mounted him!
Felding controlling from the full mount.
Ziribastow is squirming around, avoiding Felding's attempts to control the action.
Ziribastow tries to lock up and control but Felding gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's four 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.
Felding wants to control the pace but Ziribastow is squirming around nicely.
Ziribastow is in all sorts of trouble here.
Felding trying to control but Ziribastow is having none of it.
Shawn Ziribastow is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ziribastow is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Mr Felding has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ziribastow sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mr Felding comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ziribastow 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 49:46
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 49:46
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shawn Ziribastow!
Shawn Ziribastow retains his bantamweight title!