PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bernie Shepard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Duke Freeling (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Shepard
vs
Freeling

211 cm
18
278 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

210 cm
18
250 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Bernie Shepard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Duke Freeling!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Dean Styles and Bruno Lombardi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Freeling misses with a double jab.
It looked like Shepard was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.

Freeling pushes Shepard up against the cage in a clinch.
Freeling misses with a short punch on the inside.
Freeling misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Shepard.
Freeling gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

It looks like Bernie Shepard has been cut.
Shepard fails to pull guard.
Nice elbow from Freeling.
Freeling is struggling to control the position.

Shepard jumps guard.

Shepard is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Freeling throws a big elbow that misses.
Freeling trying to control but Shepard is working from the bottom.
Shepard pulls Freeling in close to prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shepard tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Freeling must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Freeling trying to control the position from guard on top but Shepard is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shepard wants to sweep here but Freeling controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shepard working a defensive guard here.
Freeling not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Let's hope that Freeling has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

Freeling stands and steps away. Shepard gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Sloppy strikes from Freeling. Those never looked like landing.
Shepard appears to be looking for a big counter.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Freeling moves into range and clinches up with Shepard.
Freeling looking to throw knees to the head but Shepard is blocking nicely.
Freeling looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Freeling is trying to break the clinch but Shepard has him pressed against the cage.
Shepard jumps guard but Freeling stands there with Shepard around his waist. Shepard gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Freeling tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Shepard blocks the elbow strike.
Freeling lands a damaging elbow.

Bernie Shepard's cut is getting worse.

Shepard has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Freeling uses from the top position.
Shepard keeping full guard, as Freeling tries to pass.
Freeling wants to control from the top but Shepard keeps moving.

Shepard is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Freeling has his hands clasped together but Shepard extends and breaks Freeling's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Shepard.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Bernie Shepard!