PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Connor Sheldon (ranked 23944 p4p, 24772 weight class) and Daiboru Kyokusei (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Connor Sheldon has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Sheldon
vs
Kyokusei

188 cm
21
150
0 - 1 - 0

169 cm
22
143
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Connor Sheldon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Daiboru Kyokusei!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, Anthony Taglia and Steve Montenegro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sheldon has closed the distance and engaged Kyokusei in a clinch.
Kyokusei looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Kyokusei landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Kyokusei wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Sheldon has him pressed against the cage.
Kyokusei is trying to break the clinch but Sheldon is controlling him.

Kyokusei breaks the clinch.

Sheldon clinches up against the cage.
Kyokusei wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Sheldon has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Kyokusei after a bit of a struggle.
Kyokusei is trying to break the clinch but Sheldon is controlling him.
Sheldon tries to break the clinch but Kyokusei is controlling the position.
Sheldon keeps control of Kyokusei as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Kyokusei is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Sheldon stalling in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kyokusei breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Sheldon closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kyokusei is looking to break free of the clinch but Sheldon has double underhooks.
Kyokusei wants to break the clinch but can't.
Sheldon has Kyokusei pressed against the cage, preventing Kyokusei from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kyokusei tries to break the clinch but Sheldon is controlling the position.
Kyokusei wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kyokusei is trying to push Sheldon away but Sheldon has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Sheldon throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Sheldon is trying to pull guard but Kyokusei turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Connor Sheldon. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Sheldon jumps into guard, dragging Kyokusei to the mat.
Sheldon wants to sweep but no luck.
Sheldon will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Sheldon is working an open guard so Kyokusei takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Kyokusei is looking to land body kicks.

Sheldon forces Kyokusei back against the cage and clinches.
Sheldon tries to pull guard but Kyokusei holds him up against the cage and eventually Sheldon drops back down to his feet.

Kyokusei pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Daiboru Kyokusei seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Sheldon closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Sheldon turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Sheldon manages to end up in side control.
Kyokusei wants to get back to his feet but Sheldon is dominant here and he's now got Kyokusei's back!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kyokusei is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Sheldon.
Sheldon throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Kyokusei covering up well under a series of strikes from Sheldon.

Sheldon working for the choke.
Sheldon missing with punches from the back.
Sheldon trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Kyokusei doesn't escape.
Kyokusei is trying to get back to his feet but Sheldon has full control of the position and if anything, Kyokusei has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Kyokusei is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Sheldon.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kyokusei is trying to stand back up.

Sheldon looking for the RNC.
Sheldon just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
Kyokusei wants to get back to his feet.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kyokusei tries to escape the position.

That's four 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.
Sheldon controls the position.

Sheldon has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Kyokusei has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!

Kyokusei manages to escape to his feet.
Kyokusei looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

Sheldon moves into range and clinches up with Kyokusei.
Sheldon lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Kyokusei is trying to push Sheldon away but Sheldon has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Sheldon jumps into guard, dragging Kyokusei to the mat.
Sheldon is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kyokusei would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Sheldon forces Kyokusei back against the cage and clinches.
We've been informed that Kyokusei has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Sheldon tries a knee to the head but Kyokusei blocks it.
Sheldon is working for takedown but Kyokusei is calmly controlling the position for now.
Sheldon stalls.
Kyokusei looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A frustrated look appears on Kyokusei's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kyokusei looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Sheldon jumps guard but Kyokusei stands there with Sheldon around his waist. Sheldon gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kyokusei tries to break free but Sheldon pushes him back against the cage.
Sheldon prevents Kyokusei from breaking the clinch.
Kyokusei can't break the clinch.
Kyokusei is breathing heavily.
Sheldon wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sheldon using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kyokusei has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Sheldon can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Connor Sheldon. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Sheldon jumps guard and drags Kyokusei to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Sheldon seems keen to control Kyokusei's posture.
Sheldon is trying to keep Kyokusei in close.

Kyokusei decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Kyokusei lands a front kick.
Nice body kick there by Kyokusei.
Sheldon looks for the body kick but Kyokusei saw that one coming.
As Sheldon backs off Kyokusei throws a huge counter combo but Sheldon manages to avoid it all.
Kyokusei throws a head kick that misses

and Sheldon counters by clinching up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kyokusei misses with a punch on the inside.
Kyokusei on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kyokusei is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Sheldon is trying to drag Kyokusei to the mat but Kyokusei just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Sheldon working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Kyokusei trying to land knees to the body.
Sheldon will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Kyokusei up against the cage.
Sheldon is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kyokusei can do to turn this around?
Sheldon tries to break free but Kyokusei pushes him back against the cage.

Kyokusei manages to break the clinch.

Sheldon rushes Kyokusei and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sheldon wants to break free but Kyokusei has control.
Sheldon controlling the action here for a moment.
Sheldon lands a left hand.
Sheldon avoiding damage.

Kyokusei manages to break the clinch.
Kyokusei throws a sloppy head kick and Sheldon moves out of range easily.
Sheldon really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Sheldon shoots in for a double leg but Kyokusei sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Sheldon gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Kyokusei has Sheldon pressed against the cage, preventing Sheldon from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Kyokusei is trying to break the clinch but Sheldon has him pressed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kyokusei is trying to break free.
Sheldon fails to pull guard.
Sheldon keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kyokusei's efforts to push away.
Sheldon tries to pull guard but Kyokusei holds him up against the cage and eventually Sheldon drops back down to his feet.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Sheldon takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Sheldon is trying to force a seperation but Kyokusei has the dominant position.

Kyokusei's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Sheldon moves into the clinch.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sheldon will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Kyokusei up against the cage.
Kyokusei wants to break the clinch but can't.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Connor Sheldon dominated that second round.
That's time! Sheldon's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Sheldon keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sheldon closes the distance and clinches up with Kyokusei, looking for a takedown. Sheldon pushes Kyokusei against the cage but Kyokusei circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Sheldon pushes Kyokusei up against the cage in a clinch.
Sheldon is trying to break the clinch but Kyokusei is controlling him.
Sheldon wants a takedown but no success here.

Kyokusei escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Sheldon shoots in for a takedown but Kyokusei shows good takedown defense.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Connor Sheldon. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sheldon shoots in for a double leg but Kyokusei sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kyokusei misses with a body kick.
Kyokusei throws a front kick that sends Sheldon stumbling back into the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sheldon ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kyokusei moves away.
Sheldon showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kyokusei.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kyokusei throws a right and a left that Sheldon avoids nicely.
Sheldon appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sheldon closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kyokusei circles away.
Sheldon shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kyokusei sprawls well. Kyokusei wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Sheldon gets slowly back to his feet.
Kyokusei looks to land a combination but Sheldon avoids it well.

Sheldon fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kyokusei to the ground. Sheldon is now in Kyokusei's guard.
Sheldon trying to control the position from guard on top but Kyokusei is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kyokusei wants to stand and escape but Sheldon is having none of it.
Sheldon throwing strikes from guard but Kyokusei blocks nicely.
Kyokusei is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Kyokusei can't keep his opponent in guard - Sheldon advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kyokusei has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Sheldon is on him like a limpet, forcing Kyokusei back against the cage.
Sheldon taking a breather.
Sheldon keeps control of Kyokusei as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Sheldon prevents Kyokusei from breaking the clinch.
Kyokusei prevents Sheldon from breaking the clinch.
Sheldon goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kyokusei prevents it.

Kyokusei breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Sheldon clinches up with Kyokusei and pushes him back against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kyokusei wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sheldon is looking to break free of the clinch but Kyokusei has double underhooks.
Sheldon is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Sheldon jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kyokusei walks away with a smile on his face. Sheldon gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
A combination from Kyokusei does no damage.
Sheldon appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
A head kick misses from Kyokusei.
Kyokusei stuffs the takedown.

Kyokusei forces Sheldon back against the cage and clinches.
Sheldon has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kyokusei is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Kyokusei wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sheldon is trying to break the clinch but Kyokusei has him pressed against the cage.
Sheldon goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kyokusei prevents it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kyokusei is looking to break free of the clinch but Sheldon has double underhooks.
Kyokusei wants to break the clinch but can't.
Sheldon dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Sheldon is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Kyokusei gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Kyokusei wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Sheldon has him pressed against the cage.
Sheldon is looking to break free of the clinch but Kyokusei has double underhooks.
Sheldon is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Connor Sheldon has scored more points in the clinch so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kyokusei wants to break free but Sheldon has control.
Daiboru Kyokusei has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Connor Sheldon is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sheldon wants a takedown but no success here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Daiboru Kyokusei comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Sheldon 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 Alyssa Summers scores the fight 29:28
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 29:28
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Connor Sheldon!