PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Aaron Fredriksson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Shepard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fredriksson comes to the cage accompanied by Fistful Of Steel - Rage Against The Machine. Aaron Fredriksson has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Fredriksson
vs
Shepard

172 cm
20
135 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

180 cm
19
135 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Good gas tank

Global Empire MMA Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aaron Fredriksson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, John Shepard!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Yuuki Gou and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fredriksson looks to land a right hand but Shepard moved out of range.

Shepard pushes Fredriksson up against the cage in a clinch.

Shepard pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Aaron Fredriksson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Shepard forces Fredriksson back against the cage and clinches.
Fredriksson wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Shepard has him pressed against the cage.

Shepard manages to break the clinch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Fredriksson.

Shepard has Fredriksson up against the cage in a clinch.

Shepard breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Shepard thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Fredriksson if he has to take too many more of those.
Shepard throws a front kick that sends Fredriksson stumbling back into the cage.
Fredriksson has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Shepard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Both fighters circling a little - Shepard finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Fredriksson fails with a takedown attempt.
Shepard shoots for a double leg takedown but Fredriksson sprawls well. He's pushed Shepard's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A slow jab from Fredriksson misses its intended target.
Shepard throws a shot to the body.
Fredriksson misses with a body shot

and Shepard counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Shepard.

Shepard pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Fredriksson shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Shepard but Shepard pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aaron Fredriksson. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Shepard closes the distance and clinches.

Shepard breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Shepard pushes Fredriksson up against the cage in a clinch.
Shepard is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Shepard manages to break the clinch.

Shepard manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Fredriksson on his heels. He'll look to pass Fredriksson's guard now, I'm sure.
Shepard pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Fredriksson is keeping the position for now.
Shepard trying to control but Fredriksson is working from the bottom.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Fredriksson trying to keep a closed guard but Shepard is proving a slippery customer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shepard stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Fredriksson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Shepard accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Shepard trying to control the position from guard on top but Fredriksson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. John Shepard wasn't active enough on the ground.
Fredriksson on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
A punch lands to the side of Fredriksson 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Shepard throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
A jab from Shepard does it's job there.
Shepard throws a leg kick which misses Fredriksson's front leg but catches the back leg as Fredriksson tries to avoid it.
Shepard scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fredriksson misses with a looping right.
Fredriksson shoots in and drives through. Shepard sprawls well.
Fredriksson misses the jab.

Shepard clinches.

Shepard escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Fredriksson. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Shepard tries a head kick but it misses.
Shepard throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

Shepard clinches up against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Fredriksson.

Shepard breaks the clinch.
Fredriksson shoots in for a takedown but Shepard shows good takedown defense.
Fredriksson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Fredriksson is breathing heavily.
Shepard stuffs the takedown attempt from Fredriksson. Fredriksson gets slowly back to his feet.
Shepard looks for a takedown but Fredriksson sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Shepard closes the distance and pushes Fredriksson back into the cage.

Shepard breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Shepard gets control of Fredriksson's arms and successfully pulls guard. Shepard will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Shepard looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fredriksson is one step ahead there.

Shepard has his feet on Fredriksson's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Shepard enables Fredriksson to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Shepard manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Shepard keeping full guard, as Fredriksson tries to pass.
Fredriksson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Shepard 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.

Shepard scores with a head kick.
Fredriksson shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Shepard but Shepard pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Shepard bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Shepard lunges at Fredriksson with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Fredriksson's hand.
Fredriksson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Shepard sprawls well. Shepard wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Fredriksson gets slowly back to his feet.

Shepard gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Shepard breaks from the clinch.
Fredriksson throws a jab but it's blocked by Shepard.

Shepard instigates a clinch.
Shepard keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Fredriksson's efforts to push away.
Fredriksson struggles to land a body shot inside as Shepard controls his hands.
Fredriksson misses with some punches.
Fredriksson has a couple of punches blocked by Shepard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Shepard breaks from the clinch.

Shepard clinches up against the cage.

Shepard breaks the clinch.
Shepard looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Shepard clinches with his opponent.
Fredriksson is looking to break free of the clinch but Shepard has double underhooks.
Fredriksson is looking to control Shepard's arms but Shepard gets an underhook and turns him. Now Fredriksson has his back to the cage.

Shepard breaks from the clinch.
Shepard keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Shepard fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Fredriksson.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Fredriksson.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aaron Fredriksson. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Shepard instigates a clinch.

Shepard escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Shepard wants to clinch up but Fredriksson keeps it at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shepard slaps away a takedown attempt from Fredriksson, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Shepard throws a quick inside leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fredriksson shoots in for a takedown but Shepard shows good takedown defense.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Shepard rushes Fredriksson and presses him up against the cage.

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

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

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

Shepard moves into the clinch.
Shepard letting Fredriksson take a breather here.

Shepard breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Shepard has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Shepard clinches.
Fredriksson misses with a punch on the inside.

Shepard's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Shepard moves into range and clinches up with Fredriksson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shepard escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fredriksson looks to throw the jab but Shepard is out of range.
Shepard connects with a nice looking jab.
Shepard slaps away a takedown attempt from Fredriksson, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Shepard lands a high kick!
Shepard stuffs the takedown.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Fredriksson crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Shepard - the referee stops the clock and Fredriksson gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Shepard. Fredriksson manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Fredriksson takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Fredriksson has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Shepard.
Fredriksson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Fredriksson misses the jab.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Shepard.
Shepard throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
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!
Shepard throws a head kick that half lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shepard connects with a crisp jab.

Shepard clinches with his opponent.

Shepard breaks from the clinch.
Fredriksson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

Shepard rushes Fredriksson and presses him up against the cage.
Fredriksson misses with a punch to the body.
Shepard goes for a takedown in the clinch but Fredriksson prevents it.

Shepard manages to break the clinch.
Fredriksson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Fredriksson walks into a jab.
Shepard has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Nice body kick there by Shepard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Fredriksson throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Shepard counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Shepard.

Shepard escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fredriksson stuffs the takedown attempt from Shepard. Shepard gets slowly back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Shepard showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Fredriksson on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Nice takedown defense from Shepard. No joy for Fredriksson on that attempt.

Shepard closes the distance and clinches.

Shepard breaks the clinch.
Shepard scores with a jab.
Shepard misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Shepard misses with a body shot.
Fredriksson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Shepard stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Fredriksson will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Shepard scores with a decent looking hook.
Fredriksson fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Shepard avoids it really well and circles away.

Shepard has closed the distance and engaged Fredriksson in a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Shepard's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Fredriksson blocks a head kick by Shepard.
Shepard stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
John Shepard seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fredriksson closes the distance and clinches up with Shepard, looking for a takedown. Fredriksson pushes Shepard against the cage but Shepard circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aaron Fredriksson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fredriksson shoots in but Shepard avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice uppercut there from Shepard.
Nice sprawl there from Fredriksson as Shepard shoots in.

Shepard clinches.

Shepard manages to break the clinch.
Fredriksson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Shepard swivels and escapes.

Shepard pushes Fredriksson up against the cage in a clinch.

Shepard breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Shepard moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Fredriksson shoots and misses
and Shepard counters with a straight right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shepard lands with a nice combination. Fredriksson backs away looking to recover.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Fredriksson gets tackled into the cage by Shepard. Shepard maintains the clinch.
Fredriksson can't break the clinch.

Shepard manages to break the clinch.

Shepard closes the distance and pushes Fredriksson back into the cage.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Shepard as Fredriksson tries to tie him up.

Shepard breaks from the clinch.

Shepard gets a clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Shepard with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Shepard escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Fredriksson throws a hook but Shepard avoids it easily.
Fredriksson slaps away a takedown attempt from Shepard, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Shepard scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Fredriksson doesn't seem bothered though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shepard's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Shepard duly obliges.

Shepard clinches with his opponent.
Fredriksson misses with the head strike.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Fredriksson.

Shepard breaks from the clinch.
Fredriksson drops his hands momentarily and Shepard takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Fredriksson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

Shepard clinches with his opponent.

Shepard breaks the clinch.
Fredriksson takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Shepard lands with a slapping head kick.
Fredriksson misses with a two punch combination.

Shepard clinches up with Fredriksson and pushes him back against the cage.
John Shepard is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Shepard manages to break the clinch.
Fredriksson is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Fredriksson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Fredriksson wants it to stay on the feet.
Fredriksson shoots in looking for a takedown. Shepard tries to sprawl out of it but Fredriksson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Shepard manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Fredriksson.
Fredriksson takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Shepard with a hook.
Shepard connects with a high kick.

Fredriksson is rocked!
Shepard works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Oh Fredriksson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Shepard scores with a spinning back kick!
Fredriksson throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fredriksson steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Shepard. That one must have hurt.
Shepard stuffs the takedown attempt from Fredriksson. Fredriksson gets slowly back to his feet.

Shepard clinches with his opponent.
Aaron Fredriksson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Shepard crunches a lovely knee into Fredriksson's ribcage.
Fredriksson seems to have got his legs back now.

Shepard escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Shepard comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Shepard has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Shigeki Sano scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Shepard!