PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Sulimbek Akhtankhanov (ranked 1977 p4p, 1868 weight class) and Tetsuo Shima (ranked 119 p4p, 112 weight class). Shima has chosen The HU - Yuve Yuve Yu as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Akhtankhanov
vs
Shima

174 cm
22
130
3 - 1 - 0

167 cm
20
142
7 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

UNDEFEATED
Warrior Fight Store

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Sulimbek Akhtankhanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tetsuo Shima!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, John Roberts and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shima throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Shima throws a body shot but no joy.
Akhtankhanov throws a chopping leg kick but Shima manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Akhtankhanov lands a head shot.
Akhtankhanov misses with a looping right.
The fighters circling - Shima throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Akhtankhanov tried to counter with a leg kick but Shima avoided it.
Shima takes one to the side of the head.
Akhtankhanov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Akhtankhanov takes a shot right to the bread basket.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Akhtankhanov circles away from the clinch attempt.
It looked like Akhtankhanov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Akhtankhanov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Shima swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Shima throws a poor cross that misses
and Akhtankhanov counters with an outside leg kick.
Akhtankhanov avoids the body shot from Shima.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov throws a body punch but Shima moves out of range.
Shima moves out of range of the body kick from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov scores with a nice body kick.
A jab lands there for Shima.
Shima throws out a loose jab but Akhtankhanov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Shima throws a body shot but no joy.
Shima takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Akhtankhanov ducks under a wild hook from Shima.
We've been informed that Shima has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Shima lands with a good body shot.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Akhtankhanov, as that shot connected.
Akhtankhanov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Shima throws an overhand right that lands on Akhtankhanov's shoulder, as Akhtankhanov tries to avoid the shot.
Akhtankhanov definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Akhtankhanov slips a jab from Shima.
Shima is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Shima moves into the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shima works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Shima misses with some punches.
Akhtankhanov manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Shima has Akhtankhanov pressed against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Akhtankhanov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Shima works on Akhtankhanov's body with a couple of short punches.
Akhtankhanov lands a nice shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov slowing the pace effectively.

Akhtankhanov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Shima tries to clinch there but Akhtankhanov circles away.

Akhtankhanov has managed to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Shima swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Akhtankhanov manages to break the clinch.
Akhtankhanov lands a head kick. Shima smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Akhtankhanov doesn't manage to clinch there - Shima circles away.
Shima swings for the body but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
Good leg kick by Akhtankhanov.
Shima is looking to clinch but Akhtankhanov is avoiding it.
Nice defenses there by Shima.
Akhtankhanov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Shima.
Shima misses with a shot to the body
and Akhtankhanov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Akhtankhanov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

Shima is rocked!
Shima scores with a crisp jab that stopped Akhtankhanov in his tracks.
Shima is still on wobbly legs! Can Akhtankhanov finish him?
Shima slips under a jab.
Shima seems to have recovered his senses.
Akhtankhanov is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Akhtankhanov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Shima throws the left hand but Akhtankhanov avoids the punch easily.
Akhtankhanov throws a series of punches but Shima moves out of range.
Shima throws a big shot that misses.
Akhtankhanov avoids the body shot from Shima.
Shima wants to clinch.
Shima avoids the body shot from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Akhtankhanov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Shima displaying some good clinch control by pressing Akhtankhanov up against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sulimbek Akhtankhanov dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Akhtankhanov slips under a jab from Shima.
Sulimbek Akhtankhanov is winning the standup battle so far.
Akhtankhanov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Shima manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A head kick misses from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Shima showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Shima.
Shima connects with a body shot that sends Akhtankhanov's belly button to the back.
Shima takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Shima takes a swing at Akhtankhanov's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Akhtankhanov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Shima throws out the jab.
Shima just misses with a punch to the body.
Akhtankhanov throws a low kick but it's checked well by Shima.
Shima with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov tries to close the distance and clinch but Shima swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Shima steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Akhtankhanov.
Shima throws a shot from downtown. Akhtankhanov moves away and avoids it.
Akhtankhanov with a jab.
Shima takes a jab right on the kisser.
Akhtankhanov scores with a nice body kick.
Shima throws a big shot that misses.
Shima moves away from the strike by Akhtankhanov.
Shima wants to counter with a clinch but Akhtankhanov pushes him away.
Akhtankhanov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Akhtankhanov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shima can do to turn this around?
Akhtankhanov tries to clinch but Shima moves out of range.
Shima throws a body punch but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov throws an off balance right hand
and Shima counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A looping hook to the body misses from Akhtankhanov. Shima does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Shima rushes Akhtankhanov and presses him up against the cage.
Shima misses with a hook from the clinch.
Akhtankhanov lands with a short head shot on the inside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shima cracks Akhtankhanov with a nice body shot.
Nice body punch from Shima.
Akhtankhanov blocks an uppercut.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Akhtankhanov takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Akhtankhanov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Akhtankhanov stalling against the cage.
A short left from Shima.
Akhtankhanov working aggressively here.
Akhtankhanov misses with a punch on the inside.

Akhtankhanov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Akhtankhanov tries a head kick but it misses.
Shima swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov throws a push kick but Shima slaps the foot to one side.
Akhtankhanov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Akhtankhanov stuns Shima with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Akhtankhanov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Shima throws a body shot but no joy.
Akhtankhanov moves out of range as Shima strikes.
Akhtankhanov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Akhtankhanov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Shima manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Shima needs to keep his hands up - Akhtankhanov had a free shot at his head there.
Akhtankhanov scores with a sloppy right hand. Shima should have avoided that one.
Shima walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Akhtankhanov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Shima closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Akhtankhanov.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shima throws a head punch that misses.

Akhtankhanov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Shima clinches.
Akhtankhanov can't find room to land a body shot as Shima controls the action.
Shima has Akhtankhanov pressed against the cage.
Akhtankhanov is looking to control Shima's arms but Shima gets an underhook and turns him. Now Akhtankhanov has his back to the cage.
Akhtankhanov working hard to break the clinch.
Akhtankhanov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Shima tries to throw a body punch but Akhtankhanov avoids it by throwing Shima back against the cage.
Shima misses with a short punch on the inside.
Akhtankhanov struggles to land a body shot inside as Shima controls his hands.
Tetsuo Shima seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Shima lands an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Sulimbek Akhtankhanov will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Akhtankhanov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Shima was well out of range. Poor timing from Akhtankhanov.
Shima comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Shima lands a glancing blow to the side of Akhtankhanov's head.
Shima digs a good body shot into Akhtankhanov's ribs.
Akhtankhanov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Shima wants to clinch up but Akhtankhanov keeps it at a distance.
Shima tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Akhtankhanov was well out of range. Poor timing from Shima.
Shima misses with a straight right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Akhtankhanov wants to clinch up but Shima keeps it at a distance.
Shima misses with an uppercut.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick but Shima checks it.
Akhtankhanov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
A low kick from Akhtankhanov is predictable there

and Shima counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Shima.
Shima lands a hook to the side of the head.

Akhtankhanov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Akhtankhanov scoring well with a low kick there.
Shima moves away from the strike by Akhtankhanov.
Shima fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Shima tries to close the distance and clinch but Akhtankhanov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Akhtankhanov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Nice defenses there by Akhtankhanov.
Shima keeps the fight on the outside.
Akhtankhanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Shima.
Akhtankhanov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Shima lands a nice looking body shot.
Sulimbek Akhtankhanov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shima on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Shima swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Akhtankhanov throws a body shot but no joy.

Akhtankhanov moves into the clinch successfully.
Akhtankhanov is trying to push Shima away but Shima has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Shima tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Shima misses with a body punch.
Akhtankhanov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Shima prevents a body shot from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Shima swings wildly with an uppercut but Akhtankhanov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Shima will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Akhtankhanov up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shima scores with a shot to the side of Akhtankhanov's head.
Akhtankhanov is trying to break free.
Akhtankhanov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shima backwards.
Akhtankhanov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Shima has him pressed against the cage.
Akhtankhanov tries to stall but Shima uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Shima tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Shima throws a punch but it's blocked by Akhtankhanov.
A short uppercut from Shima.
Shima lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Shima misses with a punch to the body.
Shima makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Akhtankhanov tries to circle away but Shima has him pinned against the cage.
Akhtankhanov blocks an uppercut.
Tetsuo Shima has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Akhtankhanov breaks the clinch.
A big right from Shima misses.
Shima jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Akhtankhanov scores with a kick to the body.
Shima throws a lazy right hand but Akhtankhanov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jab from Shima.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Akhtankhanov looks to land a right hand but Shima moved out of range.
Shima swings for the body but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
A left lands for Akhtankhanov.
Shima throws a shot from downtown. Akhtankhanov moves away and avoids it.
Shima ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Akhtankhanov moves away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tetsuo Shima comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Akhtankhanov 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 Chad Campbell scores the fight 29:28
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 29:28
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sulimbek Akhtankhanov!
Our winner, Sulimbek Akhtankhanov, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.