PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Strategos Themistokles (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sharky Shark (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shark has chosen Stand My Ground as his entrance music. 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.

Themistokles
vs
Shark

187 cm
26
218 lbs
11 - 6 - 0

197 cm
30
217 lbs
10 - 14 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Conviction

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 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Strategos Themistokles!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Sharky Shark!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Wagner Zegers and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shark moves out of range as Themistokles strikes.
Strategos Themistokles seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Themistokles throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Both fighters circling a little - Themistokles finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Themistokles swings widly with a right hand
and Shark counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Shark lands a nice looking kick to the body. Themistokles takes a step back to recover.
Themistokles misses with a straight right.
Themistokles throws a looping overhand right but Shark ducks down to avoid it.
Themistokles attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Themistokles throws a wild body kick that Shark sees coming a mile off.
Shark is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Themistokles looks for the body kick but Shark saw that one coming.
Themistokles tries to clinch up.
Shark follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Themistokles misses with a jab to the body

and Shark counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Shark.
Themistokles drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Shark gets the underhooks and prevents it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shark blocking some punches.
Come on Shark - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Shark escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Themistokles scores with a three punch combo!
Themistokles looks to throw a body kick
enabling Shark to counter with a crisp jab.
Themistokles connects with a body shot that sends Shark's belly button to the back.
Shark lands a front kick.
Themistokles looks to land a left hand but Shark moved out of range nicely.
Themistokles looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Shark throws a head kick that misses.
It looked like Themistokles was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Shark.
Themistokles goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Shark thinks about the counter body kick.
Themistokles goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
A countering left hand to the body from Shark misses.
Themistokles swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Shark throws a looping overhand right but Themistokles ducks down to avoid it.
Themistokles throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Shark.
It seemed like Shark was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Shark moves in looking to clinch but Themistokles pushes him off.
Themistokles thinks about countering with a body kick.
Themistokles is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Shark's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Shark tries to move into range but Themistokles moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Shark misses with a kick to the body.
Themistokles misses with a body punch

and Shark counters by clinching up.
Themistokles misses with a punch to the body.
Themistokles presses Shark against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Shark wants to get back to striking at distance but Themistokles won't allow it.
Themistokles taking a breather.
Themistokles tries to land knees in the clinch but Shark avoids the damage to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A bit of stalling here from Shark.
Themistokles misses with a body punch.
Themistokles doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Themistokles misses with a hook to the ribs.
Themistokles tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Themistokles taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Shark misses with some punches.
Themistokles struggles to land a body shot inside as Shark controls his hands.

Shark breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Shark moves out of range of the strikes.
Themistokles keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Themistokles buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Themistokles throws a body kick that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles throws the kick towards the body but Shark avoids it.
Themistokles takes a swing at Shark's ribcage but misses.
Shark jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A thudding body kick lands there by Shark!
Themistokles lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Themistokles ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Shark moves away.
Shark blocks the body kick.
Themistokles misses with a hook to the body
and Shark counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Themistokles thows a leg kick but Shark checks it
and Shark counters with a nice uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Themistokles throws a leg kick
and Shark cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Shark fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Themistokles, pushing him back against the ropes.
Shark working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Shark has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Themistokles scores with a shot to the side of Shark's head.
Themistokles tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Strategos Themistokles will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Shark fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Themistokles has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Shark ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Themistokles throws a leg kick but Shark sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Shark wants to counter with a clinch but Themistokles pushes him away.
Themistokles scores with a kick to the midsection.
Shark lands a front kick.

Themistokles closes the distance and pushes Shark back into the ropes.
Shark tries to break the clinch but Themistokles is controlling the position.
Themistokles makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Themistokles is trying to maintain a safe position but Shark gets an underhook and turns Themistokles into the ropes.
Shark blocks a punch to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Shark breaks the clinch.
Shark scores with a push kick.
Themistokles fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Shark manages to avoid it.
Shark takes one to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Themistokles avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Themistokles jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.

Shark has managed to clinch.
Themistokles scores a nice knee to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Themistokles.
Themistokles has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Shark avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Themistokles is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Themistokles is leaning against Shark and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Themistokles misses with a punch on the inside.
Themistokles throws a punch but it's blocked by Shark.
Themistokles looking to stall.
Themistokles fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Themistokles wants the takedown. Shark is fighting it off but Themistokles persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Shark's guard against the ropes.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Themistokles tries to free his leg and advance position but Shark is retaining full guard.
Shark working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Themistokles.
Themistokles throws a big elbow that misses.
Themistokles throws an elbow that misses. Shark uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Themistokles's guard. Nice move by Shark!

Themistokles is adopting a defensive guard.
Shark stopping the sweep attempt from Themistokles.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles trying to control the position.
Themistokles working a defensive guard but Shark passes into half guard.
Themistokles is looking for a sweep. Shark is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Themistokles wants to control but Shark is keeping busy.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Shark prevents Themistokles from improving his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Shark trying to control the pace.
Shark's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Themistokles is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Shark's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Shark's back!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The referee is taking a good look at Shark as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Themistokles!
Shark covering up well and avoiding damage.
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. This is the final round!

Themistokles throws a wild body kick that Shark sees coming a mile off.
Themistokles tries to work over Shark's front leg with a kick but Shark checks it.
Shark throws out a counter right but Themistokles avoids it with no problem.
Shark misses with a kick to the body.
Themistokles swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Themistokles tries to land a front kick but Shark steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Shark connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Shark keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Shark scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Themistokles throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Themistokles swings for the body but Shark moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Themistokles tries to clinch up.
Shark follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Shark blocks the body kick.
Shark swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Themistokles throws a low kick but Shark moves out of range easily.
Themistokles lunges at Shark with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Shark's hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shark fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Themistokles manages to avoid it.
A slapping body kick lands there for Shark.
Themistokles tries a head kick but it misses.
Shark moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Themistokles throws a leg kick that is checked
and Shark counters with a straight right hand.
Themistokles will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Shark checks a leg kick nicely.
Strategos Themistokles is winning the standup battle so far.
Themistokles misses with a head kick.
The fighters circling - Themistokles throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Shark lands a lovely overhand right.
Themistokles throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Shark sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Themistokles thows a leg kick but Shark checks it
and Shark counters with a two punch combo.
Shark gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Themistokles.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Shark throws a nice looking combination but Themistokles bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Sharky Shark has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Themistokles goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Shark delivers a nice body kick.
Shark blocks the body kick.
Shark swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Shark paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Themistokles throws a sloppy head kick
and Shark counters with a stiff right hand.
Shark avoids the head kick by Themistokles.
Themistokles ducks under a wild hook from Shark.
Themistokles throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Shark connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Shark buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Themistokles looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Themistokles moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Themistokles on the wrong end of a kick to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shark throws the kick towards the body but Themistokles avoids it.
Themistokles throws a body shot but no joy.
Themistokles misses with a looping right.
Themistokles wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Themistokles throws a big shot that misses.
Nice uppercut lands for Themistokles. That snapped Shark's head back.
Themistokles uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Shark.
A swing and a miss from Themistokles.
Themistokles misses with a low kick as Shark jumps back.
Shark moves out of range as Themistokles throws a body kick.
Shark is trying to counter with his kicks.
Strategos Themistokles is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Themistokles throws a chopping leg kick but Shark manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Themistokles jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Themistokles throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Shark.
Themistokles connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A big left from Themistokles misses.
Themistokles throws a body kick that misses
and Shark counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Shark just misses with a punch to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Shark uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Themistokles.
Shark swings for the body but Themistokles moves out of range.
Themistokles tries to clinch but Shark is having none of it.
Themistokles wants to clinch up but Shark keeps it at a distance.
Themistokles looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Themistokles misses with a left hand
and Shark counters with a straight right hand.

Themistokles clinches.
Themistokles wants to take the fight to the mat but Shark manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Sharky Shark.
I think Themistokles has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Daniel Blasius scores the fight 29:28
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 29:28
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Strategos Themistokles!
Strategos Themistokles really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that Museum of Monsters & Madmen logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.