PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Happy Day (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and LaVern Shirley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Day
vs
Shirley

178 cm
23
164 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

170 cm
24
160 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Very quick

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Happy Day!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, LaVern Shirley!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Stewart Dunkirk and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shirley punishes Day's body with a nice straight punch.
Nice sprawl there from Day as Shirley shoots in.
Day ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Shirley moves away.

Shirley closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Shirley lands in his opponent's guard.
Shirley trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Shirley looking to pass the guard.
Day is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Shirley is controlling him.
Day working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Shirley.
Day keeping moving, preventing Shirley from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shirley 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.
Shirley stops Day from standing up.
Day trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Shirley moves out of range of the body kick from Day.

Day gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Day stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Day.
Shirley's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Day is pressed up against the cage. Shirley has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Day down to the mat. Day avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Some wild striking there from Shirley.

Shirley shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Day manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Shirley tries to free his leg and advance position but Day is retaining full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Day utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Shirley postures up in Day's guard and throws a big left but Day blocks it.
Shirley trying to control but Day is working from the bottom.
Shirley looking to pass the guard.
Shirley trying to control but Day is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Shirley accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Shirley shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Happy Day has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of LaVern Shirley.
Shirley is trying hard to land a takedown here. Day sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Day thows a body shot but no joy.
Shirley fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Shirley shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Day is trying to defend but Shirley finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Day is looking to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shirley is trying to control. Day wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Shirley is looking for a kimura but Day is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Shirley to get the leverage.
Shirley prevents Day from standing back up.
Shirley is trying to control. Day wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Day is defending against the submission attempts here by Shirley.
Day blocking the ground and pound attempt from Shirley.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Shirley looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Shirley wants to work for an arm triangle but Day is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

LaVern Shirley dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Shirley is trying hard to land a takedown here. Day sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Shirley shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Day but Day pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Day rushes Shirley and presses him up against the cage.
Day lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Shirley.
Day lands a body shot.
Shirley drops down looking for an ankle pick but Day pulls his leg out and moves away.
Happy Day has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of LaVern Shirley.
Shirley avoids the head kick by Day.
Shirley throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Day's waist but Day gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Shirley off to one side.
Shirley shoots in but no luck this time.
Shirley fails with the takedown.
Day throws a head kick that half lands.
Day swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Shirley is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Day stuffs the takedown attempt from Shirley. Shirley gets slowly back to his feet.
LaVern Shirley seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice shot lands for Day.
Day lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Day lands a right hook to the body.
Shirley takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Day is looking to wear down Shirley with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Nice cross by Day.
Day cracks Shirley with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Nice uppercut lands for Day. That snapped Shirley's head back.
Shirley shoots for a double leg takedown but Day sprawls well. He's pushed Shirley's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Day lands a jab to the head.
Day is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Day drives through and clinches with Shirley against the cage.
Day digs a right hand underneath Shirley's ribcage. Shirley let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Day lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Day lands a nice uppercut.
Day scores with a hook to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Day.
A nice right hand lands inside from Day.
Day softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Day lands with a left to the head.
Shirley takes a shot to the head.
Shirley is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Day gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nice body punch from Day - that landed with a thud.
Day lands with a left to the head.
Day lands a body shot in the clinch.
Day lands with a right to the head.
Day lands a hook to the side of the head.
Day lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A nice left hand lands by Day.
A right hook to the body lands for Day.
A short right from Day.
Day softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Day.

Shirley is rocked!
Day lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Shirley is still on wobbly legs! Can Day finish him?
Day lands with a left to the head.
Day lands a left hand.
Day pushes Shirley back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Shirley tries to pull guard but Day won't allow it.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Day.
A body shot lands from Day.
Day working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Day on the inside.
Day prevents the takedown attempt.
Shirley seems to have recovered his senses.
Day lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Day lands a body punch in the clinch.
Day is leaning against Shirley and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Day scores with a shoulder strike.
Shirley jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Day walks away with a smile on his face. Shirley gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Day lands a body shot.
Day lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shirley backwards.
A nice left hand lands by Day.
Shirley is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Day works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Day is working Shirley over against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Day.
Day lands a nice shot to the body.
Shirley takes a shot to the head.
A short body shot lands from Day as the two fighters clinch.
Day scores with a hook to the body.
A short right from Day on the inside.
Day lands a hook that snaps the head of Shirley backwards.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Day.
Day is leaning against Shirley and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Day lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Day lands a nice shot to the body.
Day works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Day.
Day lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Shirley.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Day pushes Shirley back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A body shot lands from Day.
A hook to the body from Day.
Day lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Shirley has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Day avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
A short right from Day on the inside.
Day lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Day scores with a shot to the side of Shirley's head.
Day lands a left hand.
Day prevents the takedown attempt.
A right handed body shot lands from Day.
Day throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Shirley is working for takedown but Day is calmly controlling the position for now.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Shirley goes for a takedown attempt but Day pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Day has managed to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Happy Day dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Nice body punch from Day.
Shirley misses the body punch
and Day counters with a head kick. That will keep Shirley thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Shirley with a lazy takedown attempt
and Day counters with a stiff right hand.
Day thuds a left hand into Shirley's body.
Shirley gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Day counters with a low kick, right behind Shirley 's knee.
Shirley gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Day counters with a nice body kick.
Happy Day has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of LaVern Shirley.
Shirley circles away from the clinch attempt.
Shirley misses with a takedown
and Day counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Day scores with a spinning back kick!
Day thows a body shot but no joy.
Shirley takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Day lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Shirley at a distance.
Happy Day is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shirley takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The crowd cheers as Day lands an impressive looking overhand right. Shirley doesn't seem phased though.
Day connects with a crisp jab.
Shirley falls off balance throwing a combination
and Day counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Day takes the fight into the clinch.
Day lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Day lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A left hand lands to the body for Day.
Day lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Shirley.
A short body shot lands from Day as the two fighters clinch.
Day scores with a hook to the body.
Day lands a right hand.
A short right from Day on the inside.
Day is leaning against Shirley and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Day lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Day lands a left hand that snaps the head of Shirley backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Day is leaning against Shirley and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A short body shot lands from Day as the two fighters clinch.
Day lands a nice shot to the body.
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!
Nice body punch from Day.
Day makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Day lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A short right from Day on the inside.
Day lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Day lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shirley backwards.
A nice right hand lands inside from Day.
Day lands an uppercut.
Day pushes Shirley back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Shirley tries to pull guard but Day won't allow it.
Shirley is trying to drag Day to the mat but Day just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Day lands a body punch in the clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Day.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Day.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Day.
Shirley drops down looking for an ankle pick but Day pulls his leg out and moves away.
Day misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Day chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Day misses with a head kick.
Day lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Shirley gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Day counters with a three punch combo that has Shirley backing up. Shirley nods at Day to acknowledge the strikes.
Shirley fails with the takedown
and Day counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Day bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Day moves out of range as Shirley strikes.
Day scores with a hook to the body. Shirley takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Day lands with a kick to the temple. Shirley shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

Day has Shirley up against the cage in a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Day.
Day stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Day lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Shirley or not.
A nice left hand lands by Day.
A short left from Day.
Day is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shirley can do to turn this around?
Day throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Shirleys head.
Day works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Day lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Shirley backwards.
A short right from Day.
Day lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shirley backwards.
Shirley takes a shot to the head.
Day gets underhooks to prevent Shirley's takedown attempt.
Day cracks Shirley with a nice body shot.
Day makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Day lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Shirley has Day pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Day manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Still in the clinch, Day scores with a nice short uppercut.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Day works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Day working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Shirley jumps guard but Day stands there with Shirley around his waist. Shirley gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Day lands a left hand.
Day prevents a takedown attempt there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Happy Day showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Day 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 George Francis scores the fight 29:26
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 29:26
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 29:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Happy Day!