PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Shane Mitchell (ranked 4813 p4p, 0 weight class) and Raymond Shabalala (ranked 4910 p4p, 0 weight class). Mitchell's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Michael Jackson - Beat it. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Mitchell
vs
Shabalala

170 cm
24
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

178 cm
25
158 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Intelligent

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Tends to cut

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Shane Mitchell!
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, Raymond Shabalala!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Anthony Taglia and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Shabalala throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Mitchell was covering up waiting for the punch and Shabalala finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Mitchell manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Mitchell taking a breather.
Mitchell holding his opponent close, against the cage.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Mitchell for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.
Shabalala is trying to drag Mitchell to the mat but Mitchell just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Shabalala has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Mitchell avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shabalala is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Mitchell gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Shane Mitchell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raymond Shabalala.
Shabalala is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Mitchell is defending well.
Shabalala drops down looking for an ankle pick but Mitchell pulls his leg out and moves away.
Shabalala dives in and grabs Mitchell's left leg, looking for a takedown. Mitchell pushes down on Shabalala's head and hops out.
Mitchell is looking to counter the offense by Shabalala and move into the clinch.

Mitchell closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Shabalala tries to score a body lock takedown but Mitchell shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shabalala is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Mitchell gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Shabalala is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Mitchell pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Shabalala letting Mitchell take a breather here.
Shabalala goes for a takedown in the clinch but Mitchell prevents it.
Mitchell has Shabalala pressed against the cage.
Mitchell stops a takedown attempt from Shabalala.
Mitchell stops a takedown attempt from Shabalala.
Mitchell stalling.
Mitchell is stalling here.
Mitchell stalls.
Mitchell prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shabalala can't get the takedown.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Shane Mitchell.

Mitchell moves into the clinch successfully.
Shabalala is working for takedown but Mitchell is calmly controlling the position for now.
Shabalala drops down looking for an ankle pick but Mitchell pulls his leg out and moves away.

Mitchell has taken the fight to the clinch.
Shabalala wants to take the fight to the mat but Mitchell manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Shabalala looking for a takedown.
Mitchell stops a takedown attempt from Shabalala.
Shabalala tries for a takedown but Mitchell manages to get underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mitchell content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Shabalala drops down looking for an ankle pick but Mitchell pulls his leg out and moves away.
Shabalala looks winded!

Mitchell clinches with his opponent.
Mitchell is struggling to control the position.
Mitchell prevents a takedown attempt there.
Shabalala wants a takedown but no success here.
Shabalala is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Shabalala is trying to drag Mitchell to the mat but Mitchell just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Mitchell stalling the fight.
Mitchell controlling the action here for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mitchell tries a knee to the head but Shabalala blocks it.
Shabalala has Mitchell pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Mitchell manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Shabalala blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Mitchell leaning his opponent against the cage.
Shabalala is working for takedown but Mitchell is calmly controlling the position for now.
Mitchell leaning his opponent against the cage.
Shabalala drops down looking for an ankle pick but Mitchell pulls his leg out and moves away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Shabalala shoots for a takedown but Mitchell saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Mitchell swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Mitchell pushes Shabalala up against the cage in a clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Mitchell dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Shabalala uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mitchell.

Mitchell clinches up with Shabalala and pushes him back against the cage.
Shabalala has Mitchell pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Mitchell manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Shabalala changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Mitchell fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Shabalala will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Shane Mitchell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raymond Shabalala.

Mitchell has closed the distance and engaged Shabalala in a clinch.
Shabalala changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Mitchell fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Mitchell cracks Shabalala with a right hand to the side of the head.
Shabalala shoots in looking for a takedown but Mitchell manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Shabalala's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Mitchell closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Shabalala tries to score a body lock takedown but Mitchell shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shabalala tries to score a body lock takedown but Mitchell shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Shabalala changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Mitchell fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Mitchell ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Shabalala moves away.
Shabalala is breathing heavily.

Mitchell rushes Shabalala and presses him up against the cage.
Shabalala is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mitchell tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Mitchell will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Shabalala up against the cage.
Mitchell is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shabalala can do to turn this around?
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Mitchell will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Shabalala up against the cage.
Shabalala is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Mitchell pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Mitchell avoiding damage.
Mitchell has Shabalala pushed against the cage.
Mitchell seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
Mitchell prevents the takedown attempt.
Mitchell prevents a takedown attempt there.
Mitchell gets underhooks to prevent Shabalala's takedown attempt.
Shane Mitchell has scored more points in the clinch so far.

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.
Shabalala tries for a takedown but Mitchell manages to get underhooks.
Shabalala has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Mitchell after a bit of a struggle.
Shabalala drops down looking for an ankle pick but Mitchell pulls his leg out and moves away.

Mitchell closes the distance and clinches.
Shabalala wants a takedown but no success here.
Mitchell is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Shabalala is trying to drag Mitchell to the mat but Mitchell just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Mitchell gets underhooks to prevent Shabalala's takedown attempt.
Mitchell stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Mitchell gets underhooks to prevent Shabalala's takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mitchell stalling in the clinch.
Shabalala is working for takedown but Mitchell is calmly controlling the position for now.
Shabalala looking for a takedown.
Mitchell stalling.
Shabalala has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Mitchell after a bit of a struggle.
Mitchell is struggling to control the position.
Mitchell has Shabalala pressed against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Shane Mitchell.

Mitchell closes the distance and clinches.
Shabalala letting Mitchell take a breather here.
Shabalala blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Shabalala is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Mitchell pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shabalala is looking for a takedown.
Shabalala tries to score a body lock takedown but Mitchell shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Shabalala being controlled against the cage.
Mitchell lands a body shot in the clinch.
Mitchell pressing his opponent against the cage.
Mitchell leaning his opponent against the cage.
Mitchell has Shabalala pressed against the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A bit of stalling here from Mitchell.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shane Mitchell dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Nice takedown defense from Mitchell. No joy for Shabalala on that attempt.
Raymond Shabalala seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Shabalala is defended easily by Mitchell.

Mitchell has closed the distance and engaged Shabalala in a clinch.
Shabalala goes for a takedown attempt but Mitchell pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Shane Mitchell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raymond Shabalala.
Mitchell misses with a wild combination.

Mitchell clinches up against the cage.
Shabalala is trying to drag Mitchell to the mat but Mitchell just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mitchell gets underhooks to prevent Shabalala's takedown attempt.
Mitchell stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Shabalala takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Mitchell throws an elbow but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shabalala letting Mitchell take a breather here.
Shabalala has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Mitchell after a bit of a struggle.
Mitchell just leaning against Shabalala, taking a breather.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Shane Mitchell.
Shabalala looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Shabalala is trying hard to land a takedown here. Mitchell sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Raymond Shabalala is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Mitchell moves into the clinch.
Mitchell gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Shabalala.
Shabalala wants a takedown but no success here.
Mitchell stalling the fight.
Shabalala is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Mitchell is defending well.
Mitchell is pressed up against the cage. Shabalala has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Mitchell down to the mat. Mitchell avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mitchell closes the distance and clinches.
Mitchell slowing the pace effectively.
Mitchell is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Stalling in the clinch from Mitchell.
Shabalala wants a takedown but no success here.
Mitchell is working Shabalala over against the cage.
Mitchell stalling against the cage.
Mitchell taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Shabalala is looking to take this one to the mat.
Shabalala has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Mitchell is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Mitchell stops a takedown attempt from Shabalala.
Mitchell is pushing Shabalala up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Shabalala.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shabalala tries for a takedown but Mitchell manages to get underhooks.
Mitchell is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Mitchell has Shabalala pressed against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Shane Mitchell.
Mitchell swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Mitchell has Shabalala up against the cage in a clinch.
Mitchell pressing his opponent against the cage.
Mitchell stalling against the cage.
Shabalala is working for takedown but Mitchell is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shabalala is looking to take this one to the mat.
Shabalala is trying to drag Mitchell to the mat but Mitchell just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Shabalala is trying to drag Mitchell to the mat but Mitchell just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Shabalala tries to score a body lock takedown but Mitchell shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Shabalala blocks an uppercut.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Shabalala is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Mitchell is pushing Shabalala up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Shabalala drops down looking for an ankle pick but Mitchell pulls his leg out and moves away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Shane Mitchell showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Mitchell 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 30:25
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 30:25
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shane Mitchell!
Shane Mitchell thanked the fans post fight for their support.