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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Eddie Bjornsson (ranked 412 p4p, 795 weight class) and Robbie Shakespeare (ranked 65 p4p, 106 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?
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| 192 cm
37
275
33 - 17 - 1 |
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194 cm
26
272
18 - 12 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Big right hand |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 33 - 17 - 1, fighting out of London, Eddie Bjornsson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 12 - 0, fighting out of New York, Robbie Shakespeare!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Gregory Folan and Robert Douchet.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bjornsson misses with a takedown
and Shakespeare counters with a series of strikes. Bjornsson will be more careful next time no doubt.
Shakespeare throws a jab but it's blocked by Bjornsson.
Bjornsson scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Bjornsson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Shakespeare sees it coming and defends easily.
We've been hearing that Bjornsson has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Bjornsson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Shakespeare is just riding it out for now. Bjornsson eventually gives up the hold.
Bjornsson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Shakespeare is trying to stand back up but Bjornsson is controlling him
Bjornsson has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Bjornsson is looking for a kimura but Shakespeare is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Bjornsson to get the leverage.
Shakespeare is not content to let Bjornsson control the position.
Bjornsson takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Bjornsson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Bjornsson stops Shakespeare from getting back to his feet.
Bjornsson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Shakespeare's head.
Bjornsson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Bjornsson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bjornsson drops an elbow to the side of Shakespeare's head.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Bjornsson throwing shots but Shakespeare is blocking nicely.
Shakespeare is looking to escape.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Bjornsson sitting and controlling from the half guard.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Bjornsson moves into the clinch.
Shakespeare is fighting off a takedown attempt but Bjornsson is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Shakespeare to the mat. Shakespeare regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bjornsson trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Bjornsson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Bjornsson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Bjornsson thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Shakespeare has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Outlier Martial Arts New York. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Bjornsson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Bjornsson sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Shakespeare's guard.
Bjornsson takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Shakespeare really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Bjornsson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Bjornsson is trying to control. Shakespeare wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Shakespeare tries to kick Bjornsson off but Bjornsson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Bjornsson is keen to just control but Shakespeare is a slippery customer.
Bjornsson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Shakespeare is just riding it out for now. Bjornsson eventually gives up the hold.
Bjornsson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bjornsson is looking for a kimura here.
Bjornsson working Shakespeare over with strikes.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Eddie Bjornsson dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.
Shakespeare throws an off balance right hand
and Bjornsson counters with a left to the body.
Shakespeare throws a big shot that misses.
Shakespeare misses with a hook.
Shakespeare throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bjornsson.
Bjornsson drives through with a takedown into Shakespeare's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Bjornsson is pushing down on Shakespeare's leg trying to pass to half guard. Shakespeare is fighting to maintain full guard but Bjornsson has managed to sneak the leg through.
Shakespeare tries to kick Bjornsson off but Bjornsson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Bjornsson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Shakespeare can do anything to dispel that myth.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bjornsson landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Shakespeare keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Shakespeare blocking the ground and pound attempt from Bjornsson.
Bjornsson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Shakespeare's head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bjornsson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Shakespeare is just riding it out for now. Bjornsson eventually gives up the hold.
Bjornsson is looking to advance position but Shakespeare won't allow it.
Bjornsson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Bjornsson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Shakespeare's head.
Bjornsson wants to take a breather but Shakespeare is having none of it.
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.
Bjornsson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Shakespeare sees it coming and defends easily.
Bjornsson is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Bjornsson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Shakespeare is defending against the submission attempts here by Bjornsson.
Shakespeare taking some punishment here, with Bjornsson in his half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bjornsson trying to control the pace.
Shakespeare is trying to stand.
Bjornsson is keen to just control but Shakespeare is a slippery customer.
Shakespeare is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Bjornsson scores with a couple of nice shots.
Bjornsson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Shakespeare's head.
Bjornsson is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Shakespeare doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Bjornsson.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Bjornsson wants to take a breather but Shakespeare is having none of it.
Bjornsson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Bjornsson is looking to advance position but Shakespeare won't allow it.
Bjornsson prevents Shakespeare from standing back up.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bjornsson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Shakespeare.
Bjornsson appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
A cross from Shakespeare lands.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Eddie Bjornsson dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Shakespeare throws a hook but Bjornsson blocks it.
It looks like Eddie Bjornsson has been cut.
Bjornsson slips a jab from Shakespeare.
Bjornsson shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Bjornsson is looking to advance position but Shakespeare won't allow it.
Bjornsson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bjornsson is controlling the pace.
Bjornsson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bjornsson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Bjornsson trying to control the action but Shakespeare is working from the bottom.
Bjornsson is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Bjornsson is trying to control. Shakespeare wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Shakespeare looks like he's trying to stand up.
Bjornsson thows a huge punch but Shakespeare dodges it nicely.
Bjornsson looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Bjornsson looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Bjornsson with the ground and pound but Shakespeare uses the opportunity to regain guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bjornsson is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Bjornsson pushing down on Shakespeare's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Bjornsson thows a huge punch but Shakespeare dodges it nicely.
Bjornsson sitting and controlling from the half guard.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Shakespeare throws a hook to the side of Bjornsson's head but Bjornsson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
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.
A telegraphed right hand from Shakespeare misses the target.
Bjornsson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Shakespeare is fending him off so far but Bjornsson persists. Nope, Shakespeare circles away and we're back to standing.
Shakespeare misses with a body shot.
Bjornsson gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Shakespeare blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Bjornsson works on Shakespeare's body with a couple of short punches.
Shakespeare tries to break the clinch but Bjornsson is controlling the position.
Bjornsson working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Shakespeare gets underhooks to prevent Bjornsson's takedown attempt.
Bjornsson trying to stall but Shakespeare improves his position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
A frustrated look appears on Shakespeare's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Shakespeare tries to break the clinch but Bjornsson is controlling the position.
Shakespeare breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Eddie Bjornsson clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Eddie Bjornsson's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Shakespeare looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Bjornsson throws a hook but Shakespeare blocks it.
Shakespeare looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Bjornsson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Shakespeare tries to bum rush Bjornsson with a series of wild strikes but Bjornsson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Bjornsson attempts a counter takedown but Shakespeare avoids it well and moves away.
Bjornsson is looking to clinch.
Bjornsson slips a jab from Shakespeare.
Shakespeare keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shakespeare scores with a jab to the jaw.
Bjornsson is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Shakespeare.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bjornsson slips under a jab from Shakespeare.
Robbie Shakespeare seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A swing and a miss from Shakespeare.
Bjornsson drops down looking for a counter takedown but Shakespeare sprawls and moves away.
Shakespeare misses with a lunging right hand
and Bjornsson counters by moving into the clinch.
Bjornsson looking for a takedown.
Come on Bjornsson - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Bjornsson working aggressively here.
Bjornsson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shakespeare backwards.
Bjornsson is working for takedown but Shakespeare is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eddie Bjornsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bjornsson goes for a takedown attempt but Shakespeare pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Shakespeare works the jab nicely.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bjornsson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Shakespeare missing with a left hand there. Bjornsson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Shakespeare throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Shakespeare throws a low kick, looking for Bjornsson's leg but Bjornsson calmly moves out of range.
Shakespeare tries to keep at a distance but Bjornsson has taken the fight into the clinch.
Bjornsson has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Shakespeare is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Shakespeare is trying to push Bjornsson away but Bjornsson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Bjornsson has Shakespeare pressed against the cage, preventing Shakespeare from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Bjornsson has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Shakespeare is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Shakespeare tries to break the clinch but Bjornsson is controlling the position.
Shakespeare stops a takedown attempt from Bjornsson.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shakespeare is trying to break the clinch but Bjornsson is controlling him.
Bjornsson is trying to drag Shakespeare to the mat but Shakespeare just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Shakespeare is trying to push Bjornsson away but Bjornsson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Bjornsson lands a hook that snaps the head of Shakespeare backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Shakespeare.
Bjornsson keeps control of Shakespeare as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Bjornsson wants a takedown.
Bjornsson is trying to drag Shakespeare to the mat but Shakespeare just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Shakespeare wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Bjornsson misses with a punch to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Shakespeare wants to break free but Bjornsson has control.
Bjornsson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shakespeare can do to turn this around?
Shakespeare has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Bjornsson is working for takedown but Shakespeare is calmly controlling the position for now.
Shakespeare escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Bjornsson walks into a jab.
Bjornsson gets a takedown into half guard.
Shakespeare is staying active underneath Bjornsson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Shakespeare blocking the ground and pound attempt from Bjornsson.
Bjornsson prevents Shakespeare from standing back up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Robbie Shakespeare dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Eddie Bjornsson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!
Shakespeare misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bjornsson.
It looked like Bjornsson wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Shakespeare fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Bjornsson on the side of the head.
A punch lands to the side of Bjornsson 's head but he takes it in his stride.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bjornsson.
Shakespeare throws a lazy uppercut
and Bjornsson counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Shakespeare tries to break free but Bjornsson pushes him back against the cage.
Bjornsson tries for a takedown. No joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shakespeare manages to break the clinch.
Shakespeare throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Shakespeare misses with a hook.
Shakespeare misses with a wild combination.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Bjornsson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Shakespeare.
Bjornsson takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Bjornsson swings away with a body shot that misses
and Shakespeare counters with a three punch combo that has Bjornsson backing up. Bjornsson nods at Shakespeare to acknowledge the strikes.
Eddie Bjornsson's cut is getting worse.
Shakespeare thows a left - swing and a miss!
A counter left hand to the body from Bjornsson misses its target.
Shakespeare throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Bjornsson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Shakespeare, pushing him back against the cage.
Bjornsson changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Shakespeare fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eddie Bjornsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Shakespeare swings widly with a right hand
and Bjornsson counters with a left to the body.
Good exchange - Shakespeare coming out on top.
Bjornsson shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Robbie Shakespeare has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut there from Shakespeare.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shakespeare fails to land with a series of punches.
Shakespeare throws the left hand but Bjornsson avoids the punch easily.
Shakespeare swats away the attempt to clinch by Bjornsson.
Bjornsson clinches up with Shakespeare and pushes him back against the cage.
Shakespeare gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Bjornsson.
Shakespeare is trying to break the clinch but Bjornsson is controlling him.
Shakespeare manages to break the clinch.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bjornsson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Shakespeare swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Shakespeare throws a right and a left that Bjornsson avoids nicely.
A punch combination from Shakespeare misses.
Bjornsson jabs at Shakespeare's body.
Shakespeare tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bjornsson was well out of range. Poor timing from Shakespeare.
No luck for Bjornsson with that takedown attempt.
Bjornsson doesn't manage to clinch there - Shakespeare circles away.
Shakespeare throws a shot from downtown. Bjornsson moves away and avoids it.
Shakespeare misses with a left hand
and Bjornsson counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Eddie Bjornsson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Bjornsson ducks under a wild hook from Shakespeare.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shakespeare throws a right and a left that both miss.
Bjornsson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Shakespeare paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Bjornsson connects with a jab.
Bjornsson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Shakespeare jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A decent looking cross lands there for Bjornsson.
Bjornsson tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Shakespeare manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Shakespeare circles away from the clinch attempt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bjornsson shoots in for a takedown but Shakespeare shows good takedown defense.
Bjornsson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Bjornsson pushes Shakespeare up against the cage in a clinch.
And that's the end of the fight!
Robbie Shakespeare comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Bjornsson 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 48:47
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 48:47
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 48:47
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eddie Bjornsson!
Eddie Bjornsson retains his heavyweight title!
Our winner, Eddie Bjornsson, 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.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
35% |
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