PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Travis Wickline (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lyoto Shogun (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Wickline
vs
Shogun

183 cm
22
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

175 cm
22
185 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Improved boxing
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Heavy handed

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Travis Wickline!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Lyoto Shogun !
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Wickline shoots in and bounces Shogun off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Wickline forces his way into half guard.
Wickline tries to pass the half guard into mount. Shogun knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Shogun is trying to stand back up but Wickline is controlling him

Wickline is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Wickline is working for a kimura but Shogun is defending it quite comfortably.

Wickline is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Shogun has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wickline trying to mount his opponent but Shogun defends it.

Wickline seems to be looking for submissions.
Shogun pushes Wickline off looking to stand but Wickline dives back in and keeps control.

Wickline is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Shogun defends it well.

Wickline is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Shogun is just riding it out for now. Wickline eventually gives up the hold.
Wickline is breathing heavily.
Shogun tries to kick Wickline off but Wickline keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Wickline is looking for a kimura but Shogun is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Wickline to get the leverage.
Shogun pushes Wickline off looking to stand but Wickline dives back in and keeps control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Wickline is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Shogun defends it well.
Wickline is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Wickline looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Shogun tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shogun throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Wickline.
Shogun throws a right and a left that both miss.

Wickline shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Wickline was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Wickline is controlling this nicely and is looking to make no mistakes. Shogun is trying to wiggle out of this horrible position. Shogun flips to his side and attempts to get a leg in for half guard. Wickline anticipates the leg and manages to get behind Shogun and secures both hooks! This could be bad! Wickline slips an arm under Shogun chin and tries to position for a rear naked choke. Wickline has worked the choke in now and it looks tight. Wickline is squeezing on Shogun like an anaconda would it's prey. Shogun fails to tap and has fallen unconscious! We've got ourselves a winner by way of a rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:29 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Travis Wickline!