PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Pol Cuaresma Iiii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenichi Shirahama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cuaresma Iiii comes to the cage accompanied by All of the lights!. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Cuaresma Iiii
vs
Shirahama

160 cm
26
140 lbs
20 - 8 - 0

178 cm
33
135 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

V-Mask Clothing + 10% laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Pol Cuaresma Iiii!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Kenichi Shirahama!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Chris Downing and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shirahama avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Shirahama clinches with his opponent.
Cuaresma Iiii pushes Shirahama back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Cuaresma Iiii struggles to land a body shot inside as Shirahama controls his hands.
Shirahama has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Cuaresma Iiii after a bit of a struggle.
Cuaresma Iiii swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cuaresma Iiii has a couple of punches blocked by Shirahama.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Shirahama.
Cuaresma Iiii throws a head punch that misses.
Cuaresma Iiii tries to work over Shirahama's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Shirahama blocking some punches.
Shirahama is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Cuaresma Iiii swings wildly with an uppercut but Shirahama uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cuaresma Iiii tries a body shot but Shirahama blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Shirahama manages to break the clinch.
Cuaresma Iiii looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Shirahama scores with a three punch combo!

It looks like Pol Cuaresma Iiii has been cut.
Cuaresma Iiii is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cuaresma Iiii lands with a nice combination. Shirahama backs away looking to recover.

It looks like Kenichi Shirahama has been cut.
Shirahama dives in for a single leg takedown but Cuaresma Iiii sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Cuaresma Iiii fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Shirahama tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Shirahama misses with a wild combination.
Cuaresma Iiii is looking to counter the offense by Shirahama and move into the clinch.
Shirahama scores with a jab.
Shirahama slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Cuaresma Iiii wants to clinch up but Shirahama keeps it at a distance.
Cuaresma Iiii leaves Shirahama with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Cuaresma Iiii seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Pol Cuaresma Iiii has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenichi Shirahama.

Shirahama has taken the fight to the clinch.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cuaresma Iiii struggles to land a body shot inside as Shirahama controls his hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma Iiii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Cuaresma Iiii fails to land.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Shirahama is looking for a takedown.
Shirahama goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cuaresma Iiii prevents it.
Cuaresma Iiii can't find room to land a body shot as Shirahama controls the action.
Shirahama has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Cuaresma Iiii seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Shirahama can turn it around.
Cuaresma Iiii tries a body shot but Shirahama blocks it.
Shirahama tries for a takedown. No joy.
Shirahama is trying to stall.
Shirahama is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cuaresma Iiii pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cuaresma Iiii throws a head punch that misses.
Shirahama is trying to maintain a safe position but Cuaresma Iiii gets an underhook and turns Shirahama into the cage.
Cuaresma Iiii struggles to land a body shot inside as Shirahama controls his hands.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a punch on the inside.
Shirahama blocks a body shot from Cuaresma Iiii.
Shirahama is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cuaresma Iiii pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cuaresma Iiii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Shirahama's elbow.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma Iiii tries a body shot but Shirahama blocks it.
Cuaresma Iiii lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Cuaresma Iiii can't find room to land a body shot as Shirahama controls the action.
Cuaresma Iiii throws a punch but it's blocked by Shirahama.
Cuaresma Iiii lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Cuaresma Iiii tries to throw a body punch but Shirahama avoids it by throwing Cuaresma Iiii back against the cage.
Cuaresma Iiii tries a body shot but Shirahama blocks it.
Shirahama is looking to take this one to the mat.
Shirahama is trying to stall.
A head punch on the inside from Cuaresma Iiii fails to land.
Shirahama leaning against his opponent.
A short right from Cuaresma Iiii on the inside.
Cuaresma Iiii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cuaresma Iiii presses Shirahama against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a hook from the clinch.
Shirahama blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cuaresma Iiii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cuaresma Iiii lands with a short shot to the head.
Cuaresma Iiii struggles to land a body shot inside as Shirahama controls his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama prevents a body shot from Cuaresma Iiii.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with the head strike.
Shirahama throws a punch but it's blocked by Cuaresma Iiii.
A head punch on the inside from Cuaresma Iiii fails to land.

Shirahama has clasped his hands together around Cuaresma Iiii's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cuaresma Iiii is trying to get back to his feet.
Cuaresma Iiii might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Shirahama scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Cuaresma Iiii to see if he's OK.
Cuaresma Iiii is trying to control Shirahama's posture but Shirahama avoids it.
Cuaresma Iiii throws a couple of strikes even though he's not really in a good position to do so.
Cuaresma Iiii is trying to control Shirahama's posture but Shirahama avoids it.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cuaresma Iiii is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Shirahama asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Shirahama scoring with punches from side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pol Cuaresma Iiii dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Cuaresma Iiii doesn't manage to clinch there - Shirahama circles away.
Cuaresma Iiii takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Cuaresma Iiii takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Shirahama closes the distance and clinches up with Cuaresma Iiii, looking for a takedown. Shirahama pushes Cuaresma Iiii against the cage but Cuaresma Iiii circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Shirahama scores with a jab. Cuaresma Iiii acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

Cuaresma Iiii darts in and clinches Shirahama up against the cage.
Cuaresma Iiii prevents the takedown attempt.
Cuaresma Iiii has Shirahama pressed against the cage, preventing Shirahama from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Shirahama is looking for a takedown.
Pol Cuaresma Iiii has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenichi Shirahama.

Shirahama pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cuaresma Iiii throws a body punch but Shirahama moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cuaresma Iiii takes a shot right to the bread basket.

Cuaresma Iiii rushes Shirahama and presses him up against the cage.
Shirahama works on Cuaresma Iiii's body with a couple of short punches.
Shirahama prevents a body shot from Cuaresma Iiii.
Shirahama stalling.
Cuaresma Iiii is defending well against a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cuaresma Iiii working aggressively here.
Shirahama looking to slow down the pace here.
Pol Cuaresma Iiii has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Shirahama blocking some punches.
Shirahama tries to circle away but Cuaresma Iiii has him pinned against the cage.
Cuaresma Iiii working aggressively here.
Shirahama has Cuaresma Iiii pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cuaresma Iiii manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Shirahama pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Shirahama connects with a nice looking jab.

Cuaresma Iiii takes the fight into the clinch.
Cuaresma Iiii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Cuaresma Iiii tries a body shot but Shirahama blocks it.

Shirahama has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Cuaresma Iiii is trying to keep an underhook but Shirahama manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Cuaresma Iiii taking some punishment here, with Shirahama in his half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cuaresma Iiii is pressing down on Shirahama's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Shirahama's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Cuaresma Iiii is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Shirahama won't allow Cuaresma Iiii to sweep him here.
Shirahama throws a big right hand that misses.
Cuaresma Iiii thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Shirahama being controlled here momentarily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shirahama preventing the sweep.

Cuaresma Iiii has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Shirahama can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Cuaresma Iiii has momentary wrist control but Shirahama slips an elbow through the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cuaresma Iiii works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cuaresma Iiii can't keep his opponent in guard - Shirahama advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Shirahama working the head and body with strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cuaresma Iiii has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Shirahama is working away from the top position though.
Shirahama prevents Cuaresma Iiii from improving his position.
Ground and pound from Shirahama.
Cuaresma Iiii moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Shirahama keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Cuaresma Iiii's head.
Shirahama postures up in Cuaresma Iiii's guard and throws a big left but Cuaresma Iiii blocks it.
Shirahama controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Shirahama stopping the sweep attempt from Cuaresma Iiii.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Shirahama won't allow Cuaresma Iiii to sweep him here.

Cuaresma Iiii is looking for a triangle here but Shirahama uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Shirahama looks up at the clock and then as Cuaresma Iiii takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Shirahama smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Cuaresma Iiii is trying to get back to half guard.
Shirahama cracks Cuaresma Iiii with a big right hand but Cuaresma Iiii just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Cuaresma Iiii tries to control but Shirahama manages to take his back.
Can Cuaresma Iiii hold on?! Shirahama is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.
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.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Cuaresma Iiii stuffs the takedown attempt from Shirahama. Shirahama gets slowly back to his feet.
Cuaresma Iiii is looking to counter punch.
Shirahama fails with a takedown attempt.
Shirahama misses with a double jab.
Cuaresma Iiii is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Cuaresma Iiii fails in his attempt to clinch.
Shirahama misses with the combination.

Cuaresma Iiii moves into the clinch successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shirahama drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Pol Cuaresma Iiii has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenichi Shirahama.
Shirahama blocks a body shot from Cuaresma Iiii.
Shirahama blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a punch to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shirahama has had enough of the clinch but Cuaresma Iiii keeps him there for the moment.
Cuaresma Iiii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Shirahama's elbow.
Shirahama working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Cuaresma Iiii gets underhooks to prevent Shirahama's takedown attempt.
Cuaresma Iiii lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Shirahama or not.
Cuaresma Iiii is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Cuaresma Iiii scores with a shot to the side of Shirahama's head.
Cuaresma Iiii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Shirahama drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Cuaresma Iiii gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Cuaresma Iiii working aggressively here.

Shirahama gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Shirahama postures up.
Cuaresma Iiii thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Cuaresma Iiii wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Shirahama is now in half guard.
Cuaresma Iiii moves into full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma Iiii working a defensive guard here.
Cuaresma Iiii keeping moving, preventing Shirahama from controlling successfully.
Shirahama seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Cuaresma Iiii avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Cuaresma Iiii keeping moving, preventing Shirahama from controlling successfully.
Shirahama postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Shirahama has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cuaresma Iiii is trying to keep Shirahama in close.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Cuaresma Iiii tries to close the distance and clinch but Shirahama swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Shirahama misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nice jab there from Shirahama.
Shirahama is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Cuaresma Iiii wants to clinch up but Shirahama keeps it at a distance.
Shirahama misses with a jab, cross combination.
Cuaresma Iiii appears to be looking for a big counter.

Shirahama has taken the fight to the clinch.
Shirahama blocks a body shot from Cuaresma Iiii.
Shirahama goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cuaresma Iiii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with a punch to the body.
Cuaresma Iiii is leaning against Shirahama and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama lands a hook that snaps the head of Cuaresma Iiii backwards.
Cuaresma Iiii misses with some punches.
Shirahama blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Shirahama has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Cuaresma Iiii after a bit of a struggle.
A short uppercut from Cuaresma Iiii.
Shirahama is trying to maintain a safe position but Cuaresma Iiii gets an underhook and turns Shirahama into the cage.
Cuaresma Iiii tries to work over Shirahama's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cuaresma Iiii throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Shirahamas head.
Cuaresma Iiii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Shirahama's elbow.

Shirahama has Cuaresma Iiii pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Shirahama pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Cuaresma Iiii tumbling to the mat - Shirahama dives into Cuaresma Iiii's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cuaresma Iiii is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Cuaresma Iiii working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Shirahama doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Shirahama manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Cuaresma Iiii is trying to control the position but Shirahama postures up.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Kenichi Shirahama.
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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 28:29
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kenichi Shirahama!
The defeated Pol Cuaresma Iiii had this to say: 'I'll go Fuck your sister, mother and your grand mother'.