PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Daniel Speed (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenichi Shirahama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Speed comes to the cage accompanied by Amon Tobin / El Cargo. Shirahama has chosen Fade To Black as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. This should be a great matchup!

Speed
vs
Shirahama

200 cm
31
241 lbs
34 - 12 - 0

202 cm
33
240 lbs
26 - 11 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Heisenberg
Perkele!

Bloodlust Horde Fightwear
Reaper Combatwear

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 34 - 12 - 0, fighting out of New York, Daniel Speed!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kenichi Shirahama!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Speed connects with a solid leg kick.
Daniel Speed seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Speed throws a quick inside leg kick.
Shirahama moves out of range of the body kick from Speed.
Speed will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Speed displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Shirahama.
A clash of legs there as Shirahama blocks the low kick.
Speed throws a nice head kick!
Speed dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Speed is looking to slow Shirahama down with leg kicks.
Shirahama circles away from the clinch attempt.
Shirahama blocks a leg kick.
Shirahama blocks the body kick.
Speed misses with a shot to the body
and Shirahama counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Speed feints and then cracks Shirahama's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Shirahama down.
Speed throws a jab but it's blocked by Shirahama.
Good work by Shirahama as he checks the leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Speed.
A jab from Speed finds it's way through Shirahama's defenses.
A jab from Speed finds it's way through Shirahama's defenses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shirahama circles away from the clinch attempt
and Shirahama counters with an inside leg kick.
Speed lands a head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Speed throws a low kick, looking for Shirahama's leg but Shirahama calmly moves out of range.
Speed throws out a leg kick but Shirahama moves out of range and Speed only half commits.
Speed throws a body kick, spinning off balance

and Shirahama counters with a shoot takedown. Speed fights it but they end up in guard.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Shirahama scoring with punches to the head and body.
Shirahama is looking to work some ground and pound but Speed has wrist control.
Shirahama loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Speed preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Shirahama looking to sit in guard and control but Speed gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Speed preventing the sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Speed postures up.
Speed advances position into side control!
Shirahama regains half guard there - taking advantage of Speed's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
Shirahama is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Speed's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Speed's back!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Shirahama is trying to control but Speed is trying to escape here - he's now mounted.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A low kick from Speed is predictable there

and Shirahama counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Shirahama trying to control the position from guard on top but Speed is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shirahama with a flurry of punches that miss.
Shirahama looking to pass the guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Speed is on top in guard.
Shirahama wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Shirahama is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Shirahama wants to sweep but no luck.
Shirahama keeping full guard, as Speed tries to pass.
Speed won't allow Shirahama to sweep him here.

Shirahama has his foot on Speed's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Speed works his way back into a safe position though.
Shirahama wants to sweep here but Speed controlling him for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Speed avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Shirahama controls Speed momentarily but Speed frees himself.
Shirahama wants to sweep but no luck.
Speed has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Shirahama is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Speed defends well.
Speed connects with a couple of short punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shirahama had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Speed defends it easily.
Shirahama tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Speed tries to stand but Shirahama is controlling from the bottom.

Shirahama is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Shirahama is on top in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Speed can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Shirahama controls the pace.
We've been hearing good reports from Speed's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Speed not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Shirahama trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Shirahama postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Speed keeping moving, preventing Shirahama from controlling successfully.
Shirahama stopping the sweep attempt from Speed.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Shirahama trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenichi Shirahama 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.

Speed throws a lazy body kick
and Shirahama counters with a nice body shot.
Shirahama blocks the body kick.
Shirahama defending well as Speed loads up on a big left hand.
Shirahama keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Speed.
Speed lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Speed scores with a hook to the body. Shirahama takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Shirahama circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shirahama circles away from the clinch attempt.
Shirahama moves away from the strike by Speed.
Speed tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Shirahama takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Speed lands a jab to Shirahama's midsection.
Speed throws a leg kick but Shirahama sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Speed lands a nice looking body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Speed swings for the body but Shirahama moves out of range.
Speed tries to land a front kick but Shirahama steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Shirahama moves out of range as Speed throws a body kick.
A slow jab from Speed misses its intended target.
Speed scores with a hook.
Shirahama circles away from the clinch attempt.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama blocks a body shot from Speed.
Speed lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Shirahama has Speed pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Speed manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Shirahama tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Speed lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Speed misses with a punch to the body.
Speed prevents a body shot from Shirahama.
Shirahama is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Speed to keep the fight standing.
Daniel Speed has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenichi Shirahama.
Speed tries to work over Shirahama's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Shirahama tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Speed just stands there and leans against the cage.
Shirahama tries for a takedown but Speed manages to get underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Speed fails to land.
Shirahama is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Speed to keep the fight standing.
Shirahama tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Speed misses with a body punch.
Speed stops a takedown attempt from Shirahama.
Shirahama tries to score a body lock takedown but Speed shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Speed.
Speed stalling the fight.
Speed scores with a hook to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Speed effectively controlling the action here.
Shirahama is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Speed to keep the fight standing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Speed clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Speed tries to score with a low kick but Shirahama moves his leg out of the way.
A big left from Speed misses.
Speed tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Shirahama counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Speed!
Shirahama tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Shirahama misses with the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shirahama working away.
Speed tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Shirahama wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Shirahama is looking to take a break and control but Speed is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Shirahama taking a breather here.
Speed managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Shirahama.
Shirahama in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama with the ground and pound but Speed regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Well, if Shirahama is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Shirahama throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Shirahama is keen to just control but Speed is a slippery customer.
Shirahama thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Shirahama throwing shots but Speed is blocking nicely.
Shirahama is pressing down on Speed's thigh, looking to free his foot. Speed is holding on for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Shirahama is working for a submission of some sort.
Speed is staying active underneath Shirahama, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Shirahama is looking for a kimura here.
Shirahama wants to lay and pray for a moment but Speed keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Speed regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Shirahama.
Shirahama lands a couple of elbows.
Speed wants to sweep but no luck.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shirahama trying to control the position from guard on top but Speed is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shirahama throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Speed works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Speed wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenichi Shirahama dominated that fourth 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. This is the final round!

Speed throws a low kick, looking for Shirahama's leg but Shirahama calmly moves out of range.
Speed thuds a left hand into Shirahama's body.
Speed is looking to clinch but Shirahama is avoiding it.
Speed throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Daniel Speed is winning the standup battle so far.
Speed tries to score with a low kick but Shirahama moves his leg out of the way.
Speed throws the left hand but Shirahama avoids the punch easily.
A swing and a miss from Speed.
Daniel Speed is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Speed feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Shirahama's calf.
Shirahama shoots for a takedown but Speed saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Speed throws a big shot that misses.
Speed chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Speed throws a jab but it's blocked by Shirahama.
Speed is looking to chop away at Shirahama's legs.
Speed tries to bum rush Shirahama with a series of wild strikes but Shirahama uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Speed misses with a leg kick

and Shirahama counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Speed!
Speed stops Shirahama from passing to mount.
Shirahama throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Shirahama throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Speed works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Speed is not content to let Shirahama control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Speed is trying to get back to full guard.
Speed is trying to maintain the position but Shirahama is very close to passing his half guard.
Shirahama tries to pass to full mount but Speed defends it.
Speed is trying to control but can't.
Shirahama is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Speed!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama with the ground and pound from mount.
Shirahama connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Shirahama throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Shirahama scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shirahama thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Shirahama throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Speed is wriggling around trying to escape.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shirahama looking to finish with strikes here!
Shirahama dominating with strikes here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kenichi Shirahama comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Shirahama has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 47:48
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 47:48
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kenichi Shirahama!
During a confident post fight interview, Kenichi Shirahama thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.