PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dustin Douglas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenichi Shirahama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Douglas's entrance music is La La La - Snoop Lion. A fine choice. Shirahama has chosen Fade To Black as his entrance music. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Douglas
vs
Shirahama

200 cm
35
265 lbs
43 - 10 - 0

202 cm
33
240 lbs
28 - 11 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

KAISER Nutrition (160!/220$)
Australian Xtreme Elite Supplements 160Q

Reaper Combatwear
Bloodlust Horde Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 43 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Dustin Douglas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kenichi Shirahama!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Sam Margolis and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Douglas tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Shirahama paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Shirahama blocks a head kick by Douglas.
Douglas misses with a low kick.
Shirahama showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Douglas.
Douglas has been working on his boxing with his coaches at The Original Nemesis Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Shirahama avoids the body shot from Douglas.
Douglas throws a leg kick that is checked

and Shirahama counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Shirahama.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Douglas pulls Shirahama in close to prevent any damage.
Shirahama trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Douglas is pulling down on Shirahama's head. It's preventing any offense from Shirahama, at least for the moment.
Shirahama pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Douglas is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Douglas keeping moving, preventing Shirahama from controlling successfully.
Douglas is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

Dustin Douglas has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Douglas missing with a left hand there. Shirahama was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Shirahama blocks a head kick by Douglas.
Douglas lands a right hook to the body.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Douglas lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Shirahama has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Shirahama and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Douglas swings for the body but Shirahama moves out of range.
The fighters circling - Douglas throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Douglas throws a lazy head kick
and Shirahama counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Douglas rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Douglas takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Douglas throws a chopping leg kick but Shirahama manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Douglas throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Shirahama sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Dustin Douglas is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Douglas misses with a left hand
and Shirahama counters with a good low kick that Douglas was not able to check.
Shirahama avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Douglas throws a sloppy head kick
and Shirahama counters with a thumping low kick.
Douglas misses with a low kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Douglas connects with a solid leg kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Douglas.
Douglas rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Shirahama moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Douglas swings for the body but Shirahama moves out of range.
Douglas throws a sloppy head kick

and Shirahama counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Shirahama.
Shirahama missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shirahama is fighting to break Douglas's control of his arms but Douglas is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Shirahama postures up.
Douglas pulls Shirahama in close to his closed guard and prevents Shirahama from doing any damage or advancing position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Shirahama in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Douglas trying to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Dustin Douglas.
Douglas misses with a body punch
and Shirahama makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Douglas lets loose with a powerful body kick. Shirahama will feel that in the morning.
Douglas throws a leg kick but Shirahama checks it.
Shirahama avoids the body shot from Douglas.
Douglas tries to land a body kick
and Shirahama counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Douglas missing with a left hand there. Shirahama was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Douglas attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dustin Douglas dominated that round.
That's time! Douglas's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Douglas throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Douglas throws a leg kick

and Shirahama counters with a takedown into side control.
Shirahama cracks Douglas with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Douglas manages to work his way to half guard, despite Shirahama's best efforts.

Shirahama seems to be working for a kimura but Douglas defends the submission attempt.
Shirahama wants to take a breather but Douglas is having none of it.
Shirahama scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Kenichi Shirahama has got the better of the ground game so far.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Douglas won't allow Shirahama to pass to mount.
Douglas avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Shirahama.
Shirahama sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Douglas defending well though.
Douglas desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Douglas wants to control but Shirahama is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Douglas is holding on to half guard well.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Dustin Douglas.
Douglas takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Douglas scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Douglas misses with a wild combination.
Douglas tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Shirahama was well out of range. Poor timing from Douglas.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Douglas, as that shot connected.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shirahama avoids the body shot from Douglas.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Douglas - that will leave a mark!
Shirahama avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Douglas tried to score with a low kick but Shirahama checks it.
A low kick from Douglas is predictable there

and Shirahama counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Shirahama with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Douglas is trying to control but Shirahama manages to pass to mount!
Shirahama can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Douglas is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Douglas is looking to get to half guard.
Douglas slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Shirahama takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Douglas is looking to escape.
Shirahama is looking to take a break and control but Douglas is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Shirahama has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Shirahama is thwarting Douglas's attempts to control the position.
Douglas is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Shirahama with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Dustin Douglas has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Douglas misses with a hook to the body
and Shirahama counters with a three punch combo that has Douglas backing up. Douglas nods at Shirahama to acknowledge the strikes.
Dustin Douglas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Douglas doesn't manage to clinch there - Shirahama circles away.
Douglas thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Shirahama if he has to take too many more of those.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Douglas throws a body punch but Shirahama moves out of range.
Shirahama takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Shirahama uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Douglas.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
That kick from Douglas tenderised Shirahama's leg. Shirahama is trying to keep his angry face on.
Douglas takes a swing at Shirahama's ribcage but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dustin Douglas dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Shirahama checks the leg kick.
Douglas misses with a left hand
and Shirahama counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Douglas throws a shot from downtown. Shirahama moves away and avoids it.
Shirahama takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Douglas pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Douglas misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Douglas doesn't manage to clinch there - Shirahama circles away.
Shirahama slips under a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Douglas connects with an inside leg kick.
Douglas punishes Shirahama's body with a nice straight punch.
Douglas scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Shirahama doesn't seem bothered though.
Douglas throws a solid leg kick but Shirahama takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Douglas.
Douglas misses with a wild body shot.
Douglas tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Shirahama is able to avoid easily.
Douglas with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Douglas throws a leg kick which misses Shirahama's front leg but catches the back leg as Shirahama tries to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama slips under a jab from Douglas.
Good leg kick by Douglas there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Douglas throws a leg kick
and Shirahama counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Douglas tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Shirahama manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Douglas attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Shirahama gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Douglas tries to work over Shirahama's front leg with a kick but Shirahama checks it.
A slapping leg kick lands for Douglas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Douglas misses with a left hand

and Shirahama counters with a single leg into guard. Douglas didn't expect that.
Douglas has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Shirahama trying to control the position from guard on top but Douglas is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Douglas has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

We're going to have a standup here because Dustin Douglas wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Douglas fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Shirahama manages to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Douglas throws a quick inside leg kick.
Douglas misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Shirahama.
Douglas throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Douglas lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Shirahama circles away quickly and effectively.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Douglas fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Shirahama.
Douglas tries a head kick but it misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Douglas connects with a leg kick. Shirahama looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Shirahama slips under a jab from Douglas.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dustin Douglas clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A jab lands there for Douglas.
Douglas misses with a leg kick
and Shirahama counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Douglas misses with a shot to the body

and Shirahama counters with a takedown into side control.
Douglas is trying to control Shirahama's posture but Shirahama avoids it.
Douglas tries to bench press Shirahama off him but Shirahama keeps the position.
Douglas is trying to control Shirahama's posture but Shirahama avoids it.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Dustin Douglas wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Shirahama slips under a jab.
A head kick by Douglas misses
and Shirahama counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Douglas swings widly with a right hand
and Shirahama counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Douglas thinking.
Douglas misses with a lunging right hand

and Shirahama counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Douglas's guard now.
Douglas working a defensive guard here.
Shirahama wants to pass the guard but Douglas is keeping the position.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Douglas holds on and takes a little breather.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Douglas controls Shirahama momentarily but Shirahama frees himself.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Dustin Douglas wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Douglas looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Douglas swings for the body but Shirahama moves out of range.
Shirahama takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Shirahama doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
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!
Douglas is looking to clinch.
Douglas is looking to wear down Shirahama with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Douglas chopping away at his opponent's legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Douglas doesn't manage to clinch there - Shirahama circles away.
Douglas lands with a kick to the ribs.
Douglas misses with an attempted mid kick.
Nice shot by Douglas.
Douglas misses with a kick to the body.
Douglas lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Shirahama at a distance.
Douglas misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Douglas thumps Shirahama with a low kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A looping hook to the body misses from Douglas. Shirahama does a little dance to reset his feet.
Douglas scores with a hook to the body. Shirahama takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
An inside leg kick from Douglas misses.
Shirahama takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Douglas throws a jab but it's blocked by Shirahama.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Douglas throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Shirahama with a lazy takedown attempt
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dustin Douglas had his way with Kenichi Shirahama in that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Douglas throws a jab when Shirahama was well out of range.
Douglas swinging wildly here.
Shirahama throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Douglas's waist but Douglas gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Shirahama off to one side.
The fighters circling - Douglas throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Douglas throws a leg kick that is checked
and Shirahama counters with a leg kick.
Douglas finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Douglas throws a head kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Douglas throws a jab but it's blocked by Shirahama.
Douglas throws a low kick, looking for Shirahama's leg but Shirahama calmly moves out of range.
Douglas is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Shirahama.
Douglas misses with a head kick.
Shirahama blocks a low kick nicely.
Shirahama checks the leg kick nicely there.
Douglas scores with a hook.
Kenichi Shirahama has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama staying out of range there.
Douglas is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shirahama can do to turn this around?
Douglas fails in his attempt to clinch.
Douglas scores with a push kick.
A head kick misses from Douglas.
Douglas throws a low kick, looking for Shirahama's leg but Shirahama calmly moves out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Douglas. Shirahama does a little dance to reset his feet.
Jab by Douglas.
Douglas misses with a body punch
and Shirahama counters with a nice low kick that buckles Douglas's knee momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama walks into a straight right hand from Douglas.
Shirahama moves out of range of the body kick.
Douglas listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
A solid leg kick lands there for Douglas.
Douglas ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Douglas fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Shirahama manages to avoid it.
Nice shot by Douglas.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Douglas misses with a low kick as Shirahama jumps back.
Shirahama slips under a jab.
A solid leg kick lands there for Douglas.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters circling - Douglas throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Douglas thows a body shot but no joy.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Douglas throws a head kick that misses
and Shirahama counters with a right hand to the body.
Douglas delivers a nice body kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dustin Douglas showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Douglas, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 50:45
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 50:45
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dustin Douglas!
Post fight, Dustin Douglas took to the microphone: 'More gold for the Lion. Thanks to everyone for putting on such a great Olympic event. One love.'.