PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Fink McIllhenny (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sho Shinjo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shinjo has chosen Theme of Sho as his entrance music. Sho Shinjo has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

McIllhenny
vs
Shinjo

182 cm
29
165 lbs
16 - 4 - 1

176 cm
29
171 lbs
18 - 13 - 2

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

TWGC Champion
World class MT
Granite chin

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 16 - 4 - 1, fighting out of New York, Fink McIllhenny!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 13 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Sho Shinjo!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Felipe Paraventi and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McIllhenny swings widly with a right hand
and Shinjo counters with a leg kick.
McIllhenny throws a body punch but Shinjo moves out of range.
A clash of legs there as McIllhenny blocks the low kick.
Shinjo blocks the body kick.
Shinjo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract McIllhenny.
Shinjo checks the leg kick nicely there.
McIllhenny avoids a kick to the body.
McIllhenny checks a low kick from Shinjo.
We've been told by McIllhenny's head coaches at Disciples Top Team that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Shinjo throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts McIllhenny, as that shot connected.
Shinjo throws a leg kick but McIllhenny sees it coming and checks it nicely.
McIllhenny misses with an uppercut
and Shinjo counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Shinjo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but McIllhenny moves away.
McIllhenny fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nice shot lands for McIllhenny.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Shinjo!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Shinjo moves out of range as McIllhenny strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McIllhenny scores with a decent looking hook.
McIllhenny is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Shinjo bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Shinjo working away.
Shinjo wants to control but McIllhenny is keeping him busy.
McIllhenny is trying to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on McIllhenny's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
McIllhenny tries to improve position but can't.
Shinjo working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McIllhenny can't do much from the bottom here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McIllhenny tries to buck Shinjo off but Shinjo is having none of it.

Shinjo is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. McIllhenny knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Shinjo misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
McIllhenny is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Shinjo has just dragged him back down to the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
I wouldn't like to be where McIllhenny is right now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shinjo misses with the ground and pound.
McIllhenny is looking for a sweep.
McIllhenny is trying to control Shinjo's posture but Shinjo avoids it.
McIllhenny tries to improve position but can't.
Shinjo has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
McIllhenny is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Shinjo's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Shinjo thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Shinjo takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Shinjo throwing shots but McIllhenny is blocking nicely.
Shinjo not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Shinjo wants to work for an arm triangle but McIllhenny is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Shinjo prevents McIllhenny from improving his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny trying to control but Shinjo postures up.

Shinjo is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and McIllhenny defends it well.
McIllhenny wants to get back to full guard.
Shinjo wants to lay and pray for a moment but McIllhenny keeps working.
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!
Shinjo takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
McIllhenny is looking to control Shinjo's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can McIllhenny avoid being mounted?
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shinjo throwing shots but McIllhenny is blocking nicely.
McIllhenny tries to get to full guard but Shinjo has control of the leg.

Shinjo wants to work for an arm triangle but McIllhenny is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Sho Shinjo will probably get the nod.
That's time! McIllhenny's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

McIllhenny loads up on a big right hand but Shinjo slips the punch.
McIllhenny missing with a left hand there. Shinjo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
McIllhenny moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Shinjo moves out of range of the body kick.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by McIllhenny.
A telegraphed right hand from McIllhenny misses the target.
McIllhenny with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Shinjo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice body kick from Shinjo.
Fink McIllhenny seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A big left from McIllhenny misses.
Shinjo digs a good body shot into McIllhenny's ribs.
McIllhenny looking to land some kicks to the body here.
McIllhenny checks a low kick from Shinjo.
Shinjo misses with a low kick.
McIllhenny misses with a hook
and Shinjo counters with a leg kick.
Fink McIllhenny is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shinjo shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Shinjo scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
McIllhenny misses the shot to the body.
Shinjo misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Shinjo wants to land a leg kick but McIllhenny is out of range.
McIllhenny misses the shot to the body.
Shinjo throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Shinjo buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
A solid body kick from McIllhenny.
McIllhenny throws a predictable looking body shot
and Shinjo counters with a nice body kick.
Shinjo tries to close the distance and clinch up but McIllhenny swats him away and circles back towards the center.
McIllhenny tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Shinjo avoids the body shot from McIllhenny.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny throws an off balance right hand
and Shinjo counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Shinjo drives through with a takedown into McIllhenny's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Shinjo keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of McIllhenny's head.
Shinjo wants to pass the guard but McIllhenny is keeping the position.
Shinjo keeps trying to improve his position.
Shinjo postures up.
McIllhenny wants to get back to his feet but Shinjo is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Shinjo wants to control from the top but McIllhenny keeps moving.
Shinjo postures up.
Sho Shinjo has got the better of the ground game so far.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Shinjo tries to free his leg and advance position but McIllhenny is retaining full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny is pulling down on Shinjo's head to control his posture.

Fink McIllhenny has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
McIllhenny tries to clinch but Shinjo is having none of it.
Shinjo connects with a body shot that sends McIllhenny's belly button to the back.
Sho Shinjo seems to be getting the better of the standup.
McIllhenny misses with a hook.
McIllhenny lands a head shot.
Shinjo tries a head kick but it misses.
Shinjo has a takedown stuffed.
Shinjo slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Shinjo paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Shinjo tries to score a power double leg takedown but McIllhenny sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Shinjo somewhat.
Fink McIllhenny has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sho Shinjo.
McIllhenny tries to clinch up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shinjo moves away from the strike by McIllhenny.
McIllhenny keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McIllhenny thows a body shot but no joy.
Shinjo tries to clinch up.
Shinjo is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down McIllhenny rather than just go for the knockout.
McIllhenny moves out of range of the leg kick from Shinjo.
Shinjo takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A telegraphed right hand from McIllhenny misses the target.
Shinjo slips under a jab.
McIllhenny blocks a low kick nicely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Shinjo avoids a kick to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shinjo takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
McIllhenny throws a nice inside leg kick.
McIllhenny does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Shinjo lands a high kick!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Sho Shinjo will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Shinjo tries to close the distance and clinch but McIllhenny swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Shinjo dives in and grabs McIllhenny's left leg, looking for a takedown. McIllhenny pushes down on Shinjo's head and hops out.
McIllhenny lands with a cross.
McIllhenny lands a really nice looking cross but Shinjo seems unphased.
McIllhenny checks the leg kick nicely there.
McIllhenny pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
McIllhenny catches Shinjo with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
McIllhenny throws a jab when Shinjo was well out of range.
McIllhenny lands a jab to the head.
Shinjo shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says McIllhenny as he avoids it easily.
Shinjo is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
McIllhenny throws a head kick but Shinjo moves out of range.
No luck for Shinjo with that takedown attempt.
Fink McIllhenny has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sho Shinjo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Shinjo lands a head shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shinjo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from McIllhenny.
McIllhenny fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Shinjo shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Shinjo gets cracked with a nice right hand there by McIllhenny.
McIllhenny misses with a straight left.
McIllhenny loads up on a big right hand but Shinjo slips the punch.
McIllhenny fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Shinjo manages to avoid it.
McIllhenny connects with a right hand. Shinjo shakes it off.
McIllhenny tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Shinjo was well out of range. Poor timing from McIllhenny.
Shinjo connects with an inside leg kick.
McIllhenny misses with a straight left.
Shinjo throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from McIllhenny.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McIllhenny is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Shinjo is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in McIllhenny's half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shinjo throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Shinjo wants to pass to mount but McIllhenny is defending the position.
McIllhenny avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Shinjo.
Nice strikes from Shinjo there.
McIllhenny keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
McIllhenny tries to get to full guard but Shinjo has control of the leg.
McIllhenny trying to hold on to Shinjo's head to control him but Shinjo postures up.
Shinjo working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Sho Shinjo is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shinjo is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
McIllhenny trying to control but Shinjo postures up.
Shinjo throwing shots but McIllhenny is blocking nicely.
McIllhenny has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Shinjo is working away from the top position though.
Shinjo trying to mount his opponent but McIllhenny defends it.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
McIllhenny is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Shinjo winds up and cracks McIllhenny with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Fink McIllhenny has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Shinjo is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. McIllhenny doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Shinjo.
Shinjo trying to control from half guard but McIllhenny is working away.
McIllhenny wants to control but Shinjo is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Shinjo is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so McIllhenny is just riding it out for now. Shinjo eventually gives up the hold.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McIllhenny avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Shinjo.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Sho Shinjo.
I've got Shinjo winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Edson Gomes scores the fight 29:28
Judge Felipe Paraventi scores the fight 28:30
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Sho Shinjo!
After winning the bout, Sho Shinjo thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.