PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nearly Failing (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Shopionus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shopionus comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Truck stop - Baja maja kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Failing
vs
Shopionus

187 cm
22
212 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

186 cm
26
215 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nearly Failing!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ricky Shopionus!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Marco Blurström and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Failing is defended easily by Shopionus.
Shopionus pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Shopionus has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Failing is defended easily by Shopionus.
Nice cross by Shopionus.
Failing shoots in but Shopionus avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nearly Failing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Failing lands with a left to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shopionus misses with a punch to the body.

Failing's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Failing throws a combination that misses
and Shopionus counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Failing throws a right and a left that both miss.
Shopionus looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Shopionus swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Failing tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Shopionus manages to circle out of the way.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Failing misses with a takedown attempt
letting Shopionus counter with a right hand.
Failing tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Shopionus manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Shopionus looks to land a left hand but Failing moved out of range nicely.
Failing uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Shopionus.
A swing and a miss from Shopionus.
A combination from Shopionus does no damage.
Failing tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Shopionus manages to circle out of the way.
Failing keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Shopionus throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Failing scores with a push kick.
Failing fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Shopionus avoids it really well and circles away.
No luck for Failing with that takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Failing closes the distance but Shopionus moves to the side
and Shopionus counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Nice defenses there by Failing.
Nice takedown defense from Shopionus. No joy for Failing on that attempt.
Shopionus lands a nice shot to the body.
Shopionus lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fight stays on the outside here - Failing looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Shopionus rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Failing moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Failing tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Shopionus scores with a nice strike.
Failing uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Shopionus.
Failing looks to land a combination but Shopionus avoids it well.
Shopionus looks like he wants to counter punch here.
A looping hook to the body misses from Shopionus. Failing does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shopionus scores with a jab.
Failing throws a lazy body kick
and Shopionus counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The fighters circling - Shopionus throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Failing takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Shopionus displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Failing.
Shopionus lands a jab to the nose.

It looks like Nearly Failing has been cut.
Failing looks to score with a jab to the body but Shopionus is just out of range.
A little jabbing left from Shopionus on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Shopionus throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nice sprawl there from Shopionus as Failing shoots in.
Shopionus tries to bum rush Failing with a series of wild strikes but Failing uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Shopionus connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Shopionus takes a swing at Failing's ribcage but misses.
Failing looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Shopionus is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Failing had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Failing takes a shot right to the bread basket.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A slow jab from Shopionus misses its intended target.
Shopionus walks forward, straight into a front kick from Failing.
Shopionus stuffs the takedown attempt from Failing. Failing gets slowly back to his feet.
Failing throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Shopionus's waist but Shopionus gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Failing off to one side.
Shopionus takes a swing at Failing's ribcage but misses.
Failing fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Shopionus moves forwards but Failing connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Shopionus misses with an uppercut. Failing saw that one coming.
Failing is looking to clinch.
Ricky Shopionus is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Shopionus misses with a wild combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Shopionus dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Nearly Failing's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Failing moves in looking to clinch but Shopionus pushes him off.
Nearly Failing is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nice shot lands for Shopionus.
Shopionus is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Failing.
Failing misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Failing fails with a takedown attempt.
Shopionus throws out a counter right but Failing avoids it with no problem.
Shopionus lands with a straight right. Failing didn't see that one coming.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shopionus swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Failing is looking to counter the offense by Shopionus and move into the clinch.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Failing, as that shot connected.
Shopionus lands with a good body shot.
Both fighters circling a little - Failing finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Failing is looking to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shopionus is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Failing.
Shopionus connects with a good right hand that stumbles Failing. Failing circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Shopionus throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Shopionus misses with an uppercut.
Shopionus swinging wildly here.
Failing shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nearly Failing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shopionus misses with a body shot.
Failing is looking for a counter combo.
A big right from Shopionus misses.
Failing doesn't manage to clinch there - Shopionus circles away.
Shopionus misses the shot to the body.
Failing doesn't manage to clinch there - Shopionus circles away.
Shopionus throws a hook but Failing avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shopionus throws a big shot that misses.
Failing appears to be looking for a big counter.
Shopionus lands a jab to the nose.
Failing looks to land a combination but Shopionus avoids it well.
Shopionus throws out a counter right but Failing avoids it with no problem.

Failing closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Shopionus has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
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!
Shopionus is refusing to be controlled, as Failing sits in half guard.
Well, if Failing 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.
Failing frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Shopionus is working to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shopionus manages to regain half guard. Good work.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Shopionus trying to control but Failing postures up.
Failing slips a nice elbow through Shopionus's hands, connecting with Shopionus's forehead.
Failing perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shopionus trying to get back to full guard but Failing takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shopionus takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

Failing is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Shopionus can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Shopionus is trying to escape the mount.
Poor strikes thrown by Failing there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shopionus is desperately trying to improve his position but Failing has a good base and remains in mount.
Failing thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Shopionus is squirming around, avoiding Failing's attempts to control the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Ricky Shopionus will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Nearly Failing's cut.
That's time! Failing's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

A combination from Shopionus does no damage.
Failing tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ricky Shopionus seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Failing slips a straight right by Shopionus.
Failing tries to counter by clinching up but Shopionus breaks away and moves out of range.
Failing walks into a left hand.
Failing tries for a takedown but Shopionus sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Shopionus struggles to land a body shot inside as Failing controls his hands.
Shopionus tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Failing's elbow.
Failing tries to score a body lock takedown but Shopionus shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Failing jumps guard but Shopionus stands there with Failing around his waist. Failing gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nearly Failing. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Failing struggles to land a body shot inside as Shopionus controls his hands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shopionus looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Shopionus wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Failing is looking for a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee is keeping an eye on Shopionus - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Shopionus tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Shopionus gets through Failing's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Shopionus lands with a short shot to the head.
Shopionus lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Failing backwards.
Shopionus looking to stall.
Shopionus throws a punch but it's blocked by Failing.
Shopionus tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Failing is trying to pull guard but Shopionus turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Shopionus lands a hook to the side of the head.
Failing has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Shopionus is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Failing is trying to pull guard but Shopionus has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shopionus is trying to drag Failing to the mat but Failing just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Shopionus's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Failing has a takedown stuffed.
Shopionus avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ricky Shopionus seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Shopionus has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Failing.
Shopionus scores with a hook to the body. Failing takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Shopionus waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Failing.

Failing closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Shopionus did well to prevent Failing getting side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shopionus keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Shopionus tries to get to full guard but Failing has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Failing is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Shopionus doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Failing.

Failing stands up out of the half guard.

Failing clinches up against the cage.
Shopionus scores with a nice hook to the head.
A bit of stalling here from Shopionus.
A frustrated look appears on Shopionus's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Failing looking for a takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Failing lands an elbow just above Shopionus 's eye.

Failing escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Failing shoots in for a takedown but Shopionus shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Failing slips under a jab.
Failing fails with an attempt to clinch.

Failing instigates a clinch.
Shopionus prevents a body shot from Failing.

Failing has Shopionus pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Failing pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Shopionus tumbling to the mat - Failing dives into Shopionus's guard.
Shopionus is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Failing is controlling him.
Nearly Failing has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Failing missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ricky Shopionus.
I've got Shopionus 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 27:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 28:29
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ricky Shopionus!
Our winner, Ricky Shopionus, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.