PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Israel Adesanya (ranked 3801 p4p, 24704 weight class) and Frank Shamrock (ranked 473 p4p, 651 weight class). Adesanya comes to the cage accompanied by Israel Adesanya Entrance Music. Shamrock has chosen The Next Episode as his entrance music. Israel Adesanya has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Adesanya
vs
Shamrock

193 cm
18
184
1 - 0 - 0

178 cm
23
185
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Israel Adesanya!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Frank Shamrock!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Jonathan Paton and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Shamrock closes the distance and clinches.
Adesanya misses with a knee strike.
Our sources have told us that Adesanya has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Adesanya landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Adesanya looking to throw knees to the head but Shamrock is blocking nicely.
Adesanya looking to throw knees to the head but Shamrock is blocking nicely.
Shamrock pushes off an throws an elbow but Adesanya leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Adesanya looking to throw knees to the head but Shamrock is blocking nicely.
Adesanya looking to throw knees to the head but Shamrock is blocking nicely.
Shamrock takes a knee right on the jaw!
Adesanya misses with a knee strike.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Shamrock.

It looks like Israel Adesanya has been cut.
Adesanya lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Adesanya works on Shamrock's body with a couple of short punches.
Adesanya with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Adesanya tries a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Shamrock breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Shamrock takes a jab right on the kisser.
Adesanya pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Adesanya lands with a shot to the body.
Shamrock will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick from Adesanya lands but Shamrock takes it in his stride.
Shamrock dodges the punch combination from Adesanya.
Adesanya lands a leg kick that knocks Shamrock off balance momentarily.

Adesanya moves into the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Adesanya.
Adesanya throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Adesanya with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Adesanya blocks an elbow strike.
Adesanya throws a knee to the head but misses.
Adesanya lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya connects with a knee to the head.
Adesanya tries to land a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks with his arms.
Knees in the clinch landing for Adesanya.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Adesanya lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shamrock blocks a body shot from Adesanya.
Shamrock wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Adesanya prevents Shamrock from breaking the clinch.
Shamrock crunches a lovely knee into Adesanya's ribcage.
Adesanya with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Adesanya with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Adesanya goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Shamrock can't find room to land a body shot as Adesanya controls the action.
A right hand to the body from Adesanya.
Adesanya lands a knee to the body.
Shamrock looks winded!
Adesanya with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya working Shamrock over with knees to the body.
A shot in the inside from Adesanya.
Adesanya misses with a knee strike.
Adesanya lands a knee to the head.
Shamrock is trying to stall.
A knee to the head by Adesanya.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shamrock misses with a knee to the head.
Adesanya connects with a knee to the head.
Adesanya scores with a knee to the head.
Adesanya softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Adesanya landing knees to the head.
Shamrock tries to stall but Adesanya uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Adesanya with a knee to the head.
Adesanya connects with a nasty looking knee right to Shamrock's face.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya landing knees to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Adesanya landing knees to the head.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Adesanya using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shamrock has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Adesanya with a knee to the head.
Adesanya scores with a knee to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Shamrock's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Shamrock tries to land knees in the clinch but Adesanya avoids the damage to the body.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Adesanya tries a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks it.
Adesanya tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Adesanya using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shamrock has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Shamrock stalling in the clinch but Adesanya improves position.
Shamrock misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Adesanya.
Adesanya blocks an elbow strike from Shamrock.
Shamrock misses with a knee to the head.
Adesanya tries a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks it.
Adesanya lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Shamrock or not.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Shamrock takes a knee right on the jaw!
Shamrock takes a knee right on the jaw!
Adesanya with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Israel Adesanya dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Israel Adesanya's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Adesanya throws a front kick that sends Shamrock stumbling back into the cage.

Adesanya tries to keep at a distance but Shamrock has taken the fight into the clinch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Shamrock just misses with a elbow thrown towards Adesanya's brow.
Adesanya lands a shoulder strike.
Knees in the clinch landing for Adesanya.
Shamrock is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Adesanya utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

Shamrock breaks the clinch.
Adesanya scores with a leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Adesanya scores with a push kick.
Shamrock is breathing heavily.
Shamrock throws a series of punches but Adesanya moves out of range.

Adesanya moves into the clinch successfully.
Adesanya keeps control of Shamrock as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Adesanya throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Shamrock blocks it with crossed arms.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Adesanya has Shamrock pressed against the cage, preventing Shamrock from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Adesanya is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shamrock can do to turn this around?
Adesanya using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shamrock has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Adesanya tries to land a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks with his arms.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Shamrock in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.

Shamrock breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Adesanya throws a nice outside leg kick.
Shamrock pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Adesanya avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Israel Adesanya is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Adesanya gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya lands a body punch.
Still in the clinch, Adesanya scores with a nice short uppercut.
A knee to the head by Adesanya.
Israel Adesanya has scored more points in the clinch so far.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Adesanya lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya lands a shot to the body.
Adesanya tries to land a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks with his arms.
Adesanya using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shamrock has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Adesanya using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shamrock has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Adesanya lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Shamrock tries to circle away but Adesanya has him pinned against the cage.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Shamrock's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

Shamrock manages to break the clinch.
Israel Adesanya is winning the standup battle so far.
Adesanya catches Shamrock with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Adesanya with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Adesanya keeps Shamrock at a distance using the push kick.
Shamrock on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Adesanya. Adesanya obviously looking to wear him down.

Adesanya closes the distance and pushes Shamrock back into the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Adesanya using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shamrock has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Adesanya lands a body shot in the clinch.

Shamrock escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Shamrock with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Adesanya to score with a decent uppercut.
Adesanya scores with a jab.
Shamrock throws a nice looking combination but Adesanya bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Adesanya moves into range and clinches up with Shamrock.
Shamrock tries a knee to the head but Adesanya blocks it.
Shamrock takes a knee right on the jaw!
Adesanya scores with a hook to the body.
Adesanya with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Shamrock tries to break the clinch but Adesanya is controlling the position.

Shamrock breaks from the clinch.
Adesanya lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A nice leg kick from Adesanya, right into the meat of the thigh.

Adesanya moves into range and clinches up with Shamrock.
Adesanya tries a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks it.
Shamrock takes a knee right on the jaw!
Adesanya lands a body punch.
Adesanya with a knee to the head.
Adesanya with a knee to the head.
Adesanya misses with a knee to the head.
Adesanya throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Shamrock blocks it with crossed arms.
Shamrock taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Adesanya tries a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Shamrock misses with an elbow over the top.
Adesanya lands a knee to the head.
Adesanya tries to land a knee to the head but Shamrock blocks with his arms.
Adesanya with an attempt at a knee that misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Israel Adesanya dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Israel Adesanya's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Shamrock is looking to clinch.
Shamrock takes a kick to the side of the head.
Adesanya tries to clinch there but Shamrock circles away.
Shamrock misses with a head kick.
Adesanya with a hook.
Adesanya throws a quick inside leg kick.
Adesanya connects with a leg kick.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Adesanya - that will leave a mark!
Adesanya throws a head kick but Shamrock moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head kick misses from Adesanya.
Shamrock is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Adesanya is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Adesanya scores with a spinning back kick!
Shamrock's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A head kick misses from Adesanya.
Shamrock tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Shamrock has closed the distance and engaged Adesanya in a clinch.
Shamrock takes a knee right on the jaw!
Adesanya landing knees to the body.
Adesanya using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shamrock has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Adesanya connects with a knee to the head.
Shamrock takes a knee right on the jaw!
Adesanya misses with a knee strike.
Adesanya misses with a knee strike.
Shamrock working hard to break the clinch.
Shamrock with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Adesanya unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Shamrock takes a knee right on the jaw!
Adesanya with an attempt at a knee that misses.
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!
Adesanya tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Adesanya using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shamrock has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Israel Adesanya is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shamrock with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Shamrock is trying to force a seperation but Adesanya has the dominant position.
Shamrock tries a body shot but Adesanya blocks it.
Shamrock is looking to break free of the clinch but Adesanya has double underhooks.
Shamrock tries to break the clinch but Adesanya is controlling the position.
Adesanya throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Shamrock misses with a knee to the head.
Shamrock misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Adesanya.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Adesanya lands a nice knee to the body.
Shamrock creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Shamrock wants to break the clinch but can't.
Adesanya blocks the elbow strike.
Shamrock wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Adesanya has him pressed against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Adesanya.
Adesanya landing knees to the head.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Shamrock just misses with a elbow thrown towards Adesanya's brow.
Shamrock is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Adesanya with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Shamrock is looking to break free of the clinch but Adesanya has double underhooks.
Shamrock is trying to break free.
Shamrock tries to circle away but Adesanya has him pinned against the cage.
Shamrock has had enough of the clinch but Adesanya keeps him there for the moment.
Shamrock looking to throw knees to the head but Adesanya is blocking nicely.
A right hook to the body lands for Shamrock.
Shamrock pushes off an throws an elbow but Adesanya leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Shamrock can't find room to land a body shot as Adesanya controls the action.

And that's the end of the fight!
Israel Adesanya showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Adesanya 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 Anthony Taglia scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Israel Adesanya!
Israel Adesanya decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.