PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Strategos Themistokles (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ravi Shankoli (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shankoli has chosen Ravi Shankar - Om Shiva as his entrance music. Ravi Shankoli has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Strategos Themistokles's chin.

Themistokles
vs
Shankoli

187 cm
20
218 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

187 cm
22
210 lbs
15 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Namunamu Clothing
V-Mask Clothing (10%)

V-Mask Clothing (10%)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Strategos Themistokles!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ravi Shankoli!
The judges for this bout are , Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Themistokles misses the body punch
and Shankoli counters with a nice uppercut.
Themistokles lands with an uppercut that bounces Shankoli off the cage and back into range.
Themistokles fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Shankoli manages to avoid it.
Themistokles throws out a leg kick but Shankoli moves out of range and Themistokles only half commits.
Themistokles throws a push kick but Shankoli slaps the foot to one side.
Shankoli throws out a counter right but Themistokles avoids it with no problem.
Shankoli lands the left hand.
Shankoli swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Themistokles counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Themistokles.
Shankoli working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Themistokles.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Shankoli can do anything to dispel that myth.
Shankoli looking to hit a scissor sweep but Themistokles is one step ahead there.
Shankoli is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Themistokles has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Shankoli is working away from the top position though.
Themistokles is looking for a sweep. Shankoli is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Themistokles trying to get back to full guard but Shankoli takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Shankoli wants to get back to his feet but Themistokles is holding on tight.
Shankoli looking to control but Themistokles is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Shankoli prevents Themistokles from getting the reversal.
Shankoli controlling the position easily from mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Themistokles is working hard here to advance position.
Themistokles gets back to half guard.
Shankoli keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Themistokles manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shankoli stopping the sweep attempt from Themistokles.
Shankoli trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Themistokles manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Shankoli looking to hit a scissor sweep but Themistokles is one step ahead there.
Themistokles slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Shankoli bucks up and tries to throw Themistokles off but instead Themistokles has got his back!
Themistokles is throwing strikes from the back here. Oh that last one was to the back of the head. Themistokles gets a warning from the referee. He throws another strike to the back of the head straight away though and the referee has seen enough. He breaks up the two fighters and stands them back up. Themistokles gets a real talking to here and is lucky not to get a point deducted. Themistokles apologises and we restart here on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles throws a quick inside leg kick.
Themistokles throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Shankoli blocks the body kick.
Themistokles misses with a hook
and Shankoli connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Shankoli is looking to clinch.
Themistokles thows a body kick. Shankoli tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Themistokles throws a head kick that half lands.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Themistokles throws a half hearted mid kick.
Themistokles misses with a leg kick
and Shankoli counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Shankoli tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Shankoli looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Themistokles tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Themistokles slips a jab and a cross from Shankoli.
Themistokles looks for the body kick but Shankoli saw that one coming.
Themistokles tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Strategos Themistokles dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Themistokles, right into the meat.
Themistokles is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shankoli can do to turn this around?
A thudding body kick lands there by Themistokles!
Themistokles misses with the combination.
Despite the aggression on Shankoli's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Shankoli doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Shankoli blocks a head kick by Themistokles.

Themistokles pushes Shankoli up against the cage in a clinch.
Themistokles misses with the head strike.
Themistokles tries to throw a body punch but Shankoli avoids it by throwing Themistokles back against the cage.
Shankoli misses with the head strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shankoli blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Themistokles.
Shankoli tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Themistokles's elbow.
Themistokles misses with some punches.
Shankoli lands a nice uppercut.
Themistokles misses with a punch to the body.
Shankoli goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shankoli throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Themistokless head.
Themistokles lands a left hand that snaps the head of Shankoli backwards.
Themistokles tries a body shot but Shankoli blocks it.
Themistokles has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.

Shankoli breaks from the clinch.
Themistokles throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Themistokles swings for the body but Shankoli moves out of range.
Strategos Themistokles is winning the standup battle so far.
Themistokles misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Shankoli takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Shankoli moves forwards but Themistokles connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Shankoli scores with a kick to the midsection.
Themistokles wants to clinch
and Shankoli counters with a left to the body.
Nice straight punches there by Shankoli. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Shankoli.
That kick from Themistokles tenderised Shankoli's leg. Shankoli is trying to keep his angry face on.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
An inside leg kick lands from Shankoli.
Shankoli throws a combination that misses

and Themistokles counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Shankoli!
Strategos Themistokles overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Shankoli avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Themistokles.
Themistokles is trying to control the action in half guard but Shankoli is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Shankoli wants to control but Themistokles is keeping busy.
Shankoli blocking the ground and pound attempt from Themistokles.
Shankoli keeping control of the position.
Shankoli trying to hold on to Themistokles's head to control him but Themistokles postures up.
Shankoli is looking to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli is trying to control but can't.
Shankoli preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Shankoli is not content to let Themistokles control the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Shankoli is trying to control but can't.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Themistokles just misses with a punch to the body.
Shankoli throws out a counter right but Themistokles avoids it with no problem.
A solid body kick from Themistokles.
Themistokles scores with the left hand. Shankoli knows he should have avoided that one.
Themistokles throws a hook to the side of Shankoli's head but Shankoli sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Shankoli looks to land a right hand but Themistokles moved out of range.
A slow jab from Shankoli misses its intended target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Themistokles chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Shankoli avoids the body shot from Themistokles.
Shankoli lands with an overhand left.
Themistokles missing with a left hand there. Shankoli was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Themistokles scores with a head kick. Shankoli tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Themistokles lands with a nice body kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Shankoli checks a low kick from Themistokles.
A big left from Themistokles misses.
Themistokles throws a hook to the side of Shankoli's head but Shankoli sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Shankoli cracks Themistokles with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Shankoli looks to score with a jab to the body but Themistokles is just out of range.
Themistokles lands a two punch combo.
Shankoli swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A chopping leg kick lands by Themistokles.
The fighters circle momentarily. Themistokles darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Shankoli connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Themistokles scores with a nice body kick.
Themistokles misses with a lunging right hand
and Shankoli counters with a stiff right hand.
Shankoli ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Themistokles moves away.
Themistokles keeps Shankoli at a distance using the push kick.
Themistokles looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Shankoli wants to land a leg kick but Themistokles is out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Themistokles misses the target.
Shankoli checks a low kick from Themistokles.
Themistokles is looking to chop away at Shankoli's legs.
Shankoli is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Themistokles with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shankoli uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Themistokles.
Themistokles tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Shankoli moves out of range of the leg kick from Themistokles.
Shankoli is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Themistokles throws a body punch but Shankoli moves out of range.
Themistokles throws a chopping leg kick but Shankoli manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Shankoli appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Shankoli. Themistokles does a little dance to reset his feet.
An attempted straight right counter from Themistokles misses the target.
Themistokles throws a combination. Shankoli tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Themistokles lands with a nice body kick.
Themistokles throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Jab, jab by Themistokles - just one landing.
Themistokles throws a series of punches but Shankoli moves out of range.
Themistokles rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Shankoli counters with a solid body kick.
A slapping body kick lands there for Themistokles.
Shankoli tries to clinch up.
Themistokles throws a head kick that misses.
Strategos Themistokles seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Themistokles connects with an inside leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shankoli jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles fakes the leg kick and cracks Shankoli in the body.
Themistokles swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A lazy body kick from Themistokles
and Shankoli counters with a low kick, right behind Themistokles 's knee.
Themistokles lands a front kick.
Themistokles showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Shankoli.
Themistokles pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A big right from Shankoli misses.
Shankoli checks a low kick from Themistokles.
Themistokles shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Shankoli swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Themistokles moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Shankoli looks to score with a jab to the body but Themistokles is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Themistokles is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Shankoli.
Themistokles staying out of range there.
Themistokles looks to score with a jab to the body but Shankoli is just out of range.
Themistokles throws a looping overhand right but Shankoli ducks down to avoid it.
Shankoli checks a low kick from Themistokles.
Shankoli lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Shankoli throws a body punch but Themistokles moves out of range.
Shankoli takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Shankoli fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Themistokles fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Shankoli manages to avoid it.
Themistokles throws a low kick but it's checked well by Shankoli.
Shankoli uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Themistokles.
Shankoli's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Shankoli throws a body punch but Themistokles moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli swings for the body but Themistokles moves out of range.
Shankoli lands a body shot.
Themistokles lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Themistokles misses with a body shot
and Shankoli counters with a slapping leg kick.
Themistokles tries to clinch but Shankoli is having none of it.
A nice side step and Shankoli releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Themistokles doesn't manage to clinch there - Shankoli circles away.
Shankoli looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Shankoli misses with a straight right.
Shankoli throws a leg kick but Themistokles moved away.
Shankoli keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A looping hook to the body misses from Themistokles. Shankoli does a little dance to reset his feet.
Shankoli moves out of range of the strikes.
Shankoli takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Themistokles throws a half hearted mid kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Strategos Themistokles clearly takes 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.

Themistokles needs to keep his hands up - Shankoli had a free shot at his head there.
Shankoli throws a right hand that Themistokles ducks under and follows up with a left that Themistokles also avoids with ease.
Themistokles just misses with a punch to the body.
Shankoli throws a counter combo.
Shankoli slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Themistokles looks to score with a jab to the body but Shankoli is just out of range.
Themistokles tries to clinch up.
Shankoli is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Themistokles with a body shot.
Themistokles lands with a thumping leg kick.
Themistokles moves forwards but Shankoli connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Shankoli works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Themistokles throws a head kick that half lands.
Good work by Themistokles as he checks the leg kick.
Themistokles throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Shankoli scores with a decent looking hook.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Themistokles - that will leave a mark!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shankoli is looking to clinch.
Themistokles is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Shankoli.
Shankoli throws a wild body kick that Themistokles sees coming a mile off.
Themistokles throwing a counter right hand but Shankoli manages to avoid it.
Shankoli fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Themistokles is out of range.
Shankoli uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Themistokles.
Shankoli looks to land a combination but Themistokles avoids it well.
Themistokles throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Themistokles throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Themistokles lands with a shot to the body.
Shankoli throws a nice outside leg kick.
Themistokles is looking to land body kicks.
Shankoli throws a counter combo.
Shankoli fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Themistokles wants to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Shankoli misses with a straight left.
A little feinted left hand from Themistokles on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A leg kick checked by Themistokles.
Themistokles is looking to land body kicks.
Themistokles avoids a punch combination nicely.
Themistokles lunges at Shankoli with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Shankoli's hand.
A slow jab from Shankoli misses its intended target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Themistokles decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Shankoli's guard.
Themistokles not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Themistokles won't allow Shankoli to sweep him here.
Shankoli is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Themistokles trying to control but Shankoli is working from the bottom.
Shankoli looking for a sweep. Not yet Shankoli, not yet.
Shankoli pulls Themistokles in close to his closed guard and prevents Themistokles from doing any damage or advancing position.
Shankoli looking to control.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Themistokles cracks the inside of Shankoli's front leg.
Good exchange - Themistokles coming out on top.
Themistokles is looking to slow Shankoli down with leg kicks.
Themistokles misses with a low kick as Shankoli jumps back.
Shankoli pushes Themistokles away with a front kick.
Themistokles throws a solid leg kick but Shankoli takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Themistokles.
Some bone on bone action there as Shankoli checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Themistokles, as that shot connected.
Shankoli thuds a left hand into Themistokles's body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Strategos Themistokles will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Shankoli lands with an overhand left.
Themistokles throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Themistokles throws a series of punches but Shankoli avoids them all with ease.
Shankoli throws out a counter right but Themistokles avoids it with no problem.
Themistokles misses with a kick to the body.
Themistokles finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Themistokles tries to move into range but Shankoli moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
A cross from Shankoli lands.
Shankoli takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Themistokles throws a body punch but Shankoli moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Themistokles misses with a body kick.
Shankoli throws a nice looking combination but Themistokles bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Shankoli takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
The fighters circle momentarily. Themistokles darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Themistokles throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shankoli throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Themistokles throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Shankoli blocks a leg kick.
Themistokles tries to close the distance and clinch up but Shankoli swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Themistokles ducks under a wild hook from Shankoli.
Shankoli has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Themistokles.
Themistokles throws a front kick that sends Shankoli stumbling back into the cage.
Themistokles lands a nice looking body shot.
Shankoli misses with an uppercut.
Themistokles throws a head kick but Shankoli moves out of range.
Themistokles connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Shankoli's hands.
Themistokles will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
No joy there for Themistokles, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Strategos Themistokles is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shankoli throws a head kick that misses.
Themistokles steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Shankoli. That one must have hurt.
Ravi Shankoli has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Themistokles uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Shankoli.
Shankoli throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Themistokles sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Themistokles has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Themistokles there as he acknowledges the shot.
Themistokles misses with a low kick.
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!
Shankoli looks for the body kick but Themistokles saw that one coming.
Shankoli throws a push kick but Themistokles slaps the foot to one side.
Themistokles throws a push kick but Shankoli slaps the foot to one side.
Nice body punch from Themistokles.
Themistokles lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Themistokles scores with a nice strike.
Themistokles lands with a nice body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as Themistokles checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

Themistokles gets tackled into the cage by Shankoli. Shankoli maintains the clinch.
A short right from Themistokles.
Themistokles prevents a body shot from Shankoli.
A short right from Shankoli.
Still in the clinch, Themistokles scores with a nice short uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Themistokles scores with a nice short uppercut.
Themistokles misses with the head strike.
Shankoli pushes Themistokles back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Shankoli prevents a body shot from Themistokles.
Shankoli has a couple of punches blocked by Themistokles.
Shankoli misses with a punch on the inside.
A short left from Shankoli.
A head punch on the inside from Themistokles fails to land.
Shankoli lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Themistokles backwards.
Shankoli throws a head punch that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles lands with a light punch inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Themistokles tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Themistokles misses with a punch to the body.
Strategos Themistokles has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Themistokles lands a nice uppercut.
Shankoli wants to get back to striking at distance but Themistokles won't allow it.
Themistokles gets through Shankoli's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Still in the clinch, Shankoli scores with a nice short uppercut.
Themistokles has a couple of punches blocked by Shankoli.
Themistokles softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Themistokles swings wildly with an uppercut but Shankoli uses good head movement to avoid it.
Themistokles tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Shankoli's elbow.
Shankoli swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Themistokles tries to work over Shankoli's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Shankoli working hard to break the clinch.
Themistokles misses with a shot to the kidneys.

And that's the end of the fight!
Strategos Themistokles showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Themistokles has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 50:45
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Strategos Themistokles!
Strategos Themistokles is the new light heavyweight champion!
Strategos Themistokles thanked the fans post fight for their support.
In defeat, Ravi Shankoli stepped up to the mic, saying 'I believe he forgotten shower for a week or something, I gagged on y own vomit and never could get it back together again. Take a shower you filthy bastard!'.