PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Keijo Kerjalainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenichi Shirahama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Kerjalainen
vs
Shirahama

179 cm
37
135 lbs
36 - 18 - 0

178 cm
36
142 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 36 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Keijo Kerjalainen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Kenichi Shirahama!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, Colin Fotheringham and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shirahama throws out a loose jab but Kerjalainen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kerjalainen shoots in for a takedown but Shirahama shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Kerjalainen shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Shirahama as he jumps to the side.
Kerjalainen shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keijo Kerjalainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kerjalainen shoots in for a takedown but Shirahama shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Shirahama stuffs the takedown attempt from Kerjalainen. Kerjalainen gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice sprawl there from Shirahama as Kerjalainen shoots in.
Kerjalainen fails to land the takedown.
Decent striking displayed by Shirahama there.

It looks like Keijo Kerjalainen has been cut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kerjalainen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Shirahama circles away.
Kerjalainen goes for a double leg but Shirahama avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Shirahama continues to drive forward.
Shirahama wants to counter the offense by Kerjalainen and move into the clinch position.

Shirahama closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Shirahama missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Shirahama has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Shirahama seems to be looking for submissions.
Shirahama thows a huge punch but Kerjalainen dodges it nicely.
Kerjalainen is controlling Shirahama's position as best he can from this difficult position.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Shirahama lands a nice short elbow.
Shirahama missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Shirahama not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kerjalainen has his hands clasped together around Shirahama's back. He's all about the action.
Shirahama is keen to just control but Kerjalainen is a slippery customer.
Shirahama throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kerjalainen really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Kerjalainen is looking to improve his position.
Shirahama is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Shirahama throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kerjalainen trying to control but Shirahama postures up.
Shirahama trying to control from half guard but Kerjalainen is working away.
Kerjalainen is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Shirahama thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kerjalainen's head.
Shirahama thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Shirahama is controlling the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kerjalainen.
Kerjalainen shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Shirahama changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kerjalainen tries to avoid it but Shirahama manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kerjalainen to the ground. Kerjalainen escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Kerjalainen tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Shirahama defends well and Kerjalainen ends up having to push Shirahama into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Kerjalainen goes for a double leg but Shirahama avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Shirahama continues to drive forward.
Kerjalainen goes for a double leg but Shirahama avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Shirahama continues to drive forward.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kerjalainen is defended easily by Shirahama.
Kerjalainen is breathing heavily.

Kerjalainen looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Shirahama!
Shirahama tries to bench press Kerjalainen off him but Kerjalainen keeps the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shirahama is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Kerjalainen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Shirahama keeps working.
Kerjalainen is really struggling to control Shirahama but he's trying to hold on to the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Shirahama tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenichi Shirahama dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Keijo Kerjalainen's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Shirahama tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kerjalainen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Shirahama with a nice cross.

Kerjalainen feints and as Shirahama raises his hands in defense, Kerjalainen changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Shirahama keeping moving, preventing Kerjalainen from controlling successfully.
Kerjalainen has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Shirahama is adopting a defensive guard.
Kerjalainen looking to pass the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kerjalainen controlling from the top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kerjalainen sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Shirahama's guard.
Shirahama is concentrating on defense, preventing Kerjalainen from advancing position.
Kerjalainen stops Shirahama from getting back to his feet.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Kerjalainen shoots in for a double leg but Shirahama sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Shirahama moves into the clinch successfully.
Shirahama blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kerjalainen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Shirahama is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kerjalainen is keeping busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kerjalainen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Shirahama taking a breather.
Kerjalainen misses with a punch on the inside.
Kerjalainen tries to work over Shirahama's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kerjalainen misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Kerjalainen fails to land.
Shirahama lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kerjalainen backwards.
Kerjalainen throws a punch but it's blocked by Shirahama.
A head punch on the inside from Kerjalainen fails to land.
Kerjalainen throws a head punch that misses.
Kerjalainen misses with some punches.
Shirahama goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kerjalainen prevents it.
Shirahama is working Kerjalainen over against the cage.
A short right from Kerjalainen on the inside.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kerjalainen misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kerjalainen tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kerjalainen throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kerjalainen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kerjalainen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kerjalainen lands a right hand.
Shirahama blocking some punches.
Shirahama goes for a takedown attempt but Kerjalainen pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Kerjalainen shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Shirahama is trying to defend but Kerjalainen finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Shirahama is looking for a sweep. Kerjalainen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kerjalainen is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shirahama is trying to get back to full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Shirahama moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keijo Kerjalainen dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Keijo Kerjalainen's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Shirahama misses with an uppercut.
Kerjalainen shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Shirahama pinned against the cage. Shirahama gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Kerjalainen shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Shirahama as he avoids it easily.
Shirahama thuds his right hand into Kerjalainen's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Shirahama has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kerjalainen dives in and grabs Shirahama's left leg, looking for a takedown. Shirahama pushes down on Kerjalainen's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keijo Kerjalainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shirahama lands with a hook. Kerjalainen tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Shirahama misses with an uppercut. Kerjalainen saw that one coming.
Kerjalainen tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Shirahama defends well and Kerjalainen ends up having to push Shirahama into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Kerjalainen fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shirahama swinging wildly here.
Kerjalainen shoots in for a double leg but Shirahama sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Shirahama tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Shirahama swings for the body but Kerjalainen moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shirahama connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Kerjalainen's hands.
Kerjalainen fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
It seemed like Shirahama was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Horrible takedown attempt by Shirahama or perhaps it was just good defense by Kerjalainen, which made it look bad.
Kerjalainen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Shirahama's waist but Shirahama gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kerjalainen off to one side.

Kerjalainen tries to keep at a distance but Shirahama has taken the fight into the clinch.
Kerjalainen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kerjalainen misses with the head strike.
Shirahama is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Keijo Kerjalainen has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kerjalainen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Shirahama drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kerjalainen pulls his leg out and moves away.
The crowd cheers as Shirahama lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kerjalainen doesn't seem phased though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kerjalainen shoots for a takedown but Shirahama saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Kenichi Shirahama seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kerjalainen fails with the takedown.
Kerjalainen gets cracked there but stands up to it.

Kerjalainen is rocked!
Kerjalainen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Shirahama is fending him off so far but Kerjalainen persists. Nope, Shirahama circles away and we're back to standing.
Oh Kerjalainen is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Kerjalainen looks for a takedown but Shirahama sprawls well.
Shirahama lands with an overhand left.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kerjalainen shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Shirahama shoots in for a takedown but Kerjalainen shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Kerjalainen misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
And Shirahama tries to counter it with a takedown but Kerjalainen pushes his down on his head and steps out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kerjalainen fails with the takedown
and Shirahama cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kerjalainen shoots in for a double leg but Shirahama sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Shirahama cracks Kerjalainen with an open hand slap.
Shirahama with a body punch. A glancing blow.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kerjalainen.
Kerjalainen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Shirahama avoids it really well and circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Shirahama closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Kerjalainen quickly recovers to half guard.
Shirahama lands with a punch from half guard.
Shirahama missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kerjalainen keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kerjalainen is not content to let Shirahama control the position.
Kerjalainen wants to control but Shirahama is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kerjalainen seems to have got his legs back now.
Kerjalainen tries to get to full guard but Shirahama has control of the leg.
Shirahama looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge William Gold scores the fight 28:29
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kenichi Shirahama!
The defeated Keijo Kerjalainen had this to say: 'As always I can do everything through Christ my lord and savior who strengthens me. Without him I wouldn't be here tonight. Don't worry I'll be back.'.