PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Evan Sheilds (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fabio Gurgel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fabio Gurgel has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Evan Sheilds's chin.

Sheilds
vs
Gurgel

189 cm
25
197 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

185 cm
20
200 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very quick

ADCC Champion
Basic striking
Granite chin

-OVERDOSE Factory-

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 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Evan Sheilds!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Fabio Gurgel!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Shirou Masuda and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gurgel avoids a kick to the body.
Gurgel fails with a takedown attempt.

Sheilds closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Sheilds looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Gurgel is avoiding damage well.
Sheilds cracks Gurgel with a big right hand but Gurgel just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Gurgel on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Gurgel manages to work his way to half guard, despite Sheilds's best efforts.
Gurgel makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Gurgel.

Gurgel working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Sheilds doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Sheilds manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sheilds throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gurgel works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Sheilds tries to free his leg and advance position but Gurgel is retaining full guard.
Sheilds knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Gurgel on the ground.

Gurgel is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Sheilds has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Gurgel keeping moving, preventing Sheilds from controlling successfully.
Sheilds postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gurgel trying to keep a closed guard but Sheilds is proving a slippery customer.
Sheilds throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gurgel works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Sheilds trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sheilds works over Gurgel with some ground and pound from guard.
Gurgel looking to control.
Sheilds stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gurgel swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Sheilds got a little sloppy there for a moment and Gurgel has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sheilds has managed to get both his arms back between Gurgel's legs - danger averted.
Sheilds makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Sheilds is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Sheilds is pushing down on Gurgel's leg trying to pass to half guard. Gurgel is fighting to maintain full guard but Sheilds has managed to sneak the leg through.

Sheilds is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Gurgel still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Gurgel has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sheilds tries to improve position but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gurgel is looking to take a break and control but Sheilds is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sheilds tries to bench press Gurgel off him but Gurgel keeps the position.
Gurgel wants to control but Sheilds is keeping him busy.
Sheilds is looking for a sweep.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sheilds is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Gurgel's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Sheilds is looking to control Gurgel's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Sheilds avoid being mounted?

Sheilds actively working from the bottom here.
Sheilds is looking to get back to full guard here but Gurgel has managed to pass to side control instead.
Sheilds sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gurgel thows a huge punch but Sheilds dodges it nicely.
Sheilds wants to get back to full guard.
Gurgel lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Gurgel scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Gurgel looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Sheilds looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Sheilds is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Sheilds is not content to let Gurgel control the position.
Gurgel wants to pass to mount but Sheilds is defending the position.
Sheilds taking some punishment here, with Gurgel in his half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sheilds wants to get back to full guard.
Sheilds regains full guard. Nicely done.
Gurgel throws a big elbow that misses.

Sheilds escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gurgel gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gurgel is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Gurgel scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

Sheilds working for a triangle but Gurgel defends it easily.
Gurgel wants to control from the top but Sheilds keeps moving.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Sheilds looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gurgel working some strikes from top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Evan Sheilds will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Gurgel scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

Sheilds drives through with a takedown into Gurgel's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Gurgel has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Gurgel looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Gurgel looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gurgel is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Sheilds wants to pass the guard but Gurgel is keeping the position.
Sheilds postures up.

Gurgel looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Sheilds stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gurgel swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gurgel utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gurgel trying to keep a closed guard but Sheilds is proving a slippery customer.

Gurgel working for a triangle but Sheilds defends it easily.
Gurgel is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sheilds working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Gurgel is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Sheilds stands and throws Gurgel's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Sheilds lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Sheilds scoring with punches and elbows.
Gurgel manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Sheilds regains full guard. Nicely done.
Gurgel won't allow Sheilds to get back to his feet.
Gurgel preventing the sweep.

Sheilds had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gurgel defends it easily.
Gurgel in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sheilds looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Gurgel passes into side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gurgel trying to control the position but Sheilds is working away.
Sheilds is looking for a sweep.
Sheilds wants to control but Gurgel postures up.
Sheilds is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Gurgel is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Gurgel lands a decent elbow from side control.
Sheilds sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Gurgel wants to take a breather but Sheilds is having none of it.
Gurgel is controlling the pace.
Sheilds makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Sheilds.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sheilds wants to get back to his feet but Gurgel is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Evan Sheilds overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gurgel trying to control the position from guard on top but Sheilds is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gurgel won't allow Sheilds to sweep him here.
Gurgel trying to control the position from guard on top but Sheilds is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Sheilds has his foot on Gurgel's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gurgel works his way back into a safe position though.
Gurgel trying to control but Sheilds is working from the bottom.
Gurgel is looking to work some ground and pound but Sheilds has wrist control.
Sheilds tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Sheilds is on top in guard.
Sheilds landing some decent shots from guard.
Gurgel controls Sheilds momentarily but Sheilds frees himself.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Sheilds scoring with punches to the head and body.
Sheilds landing some decent shots from guard.
Sheilds throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Gurgel is trying to keep Sheilds in close.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sheilds postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sheilds throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gurgel works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gurgel working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Evan Sheilds will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Sheilds closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Gurgel did well to prevent Sheilds getting side control.
Sheilds seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Gurgel blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sheilds.
Sheilds lands with a punch from half guard.
Gurgel wants to get back to full guard.

Gurgel looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Sheilds prevents Gurgel from improving his position.
Sheilds thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Gurgel's head.
Gurgel taking some punishment here, with Sheilds in his half guard.
Sheilds missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Gurgel trying to control but Sheilds postures up.
Sheilds scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Gurgel takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gurgel wants to improve his position but Sheilds is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sheilds wants to control but Gurgel is keeping him busy.
Sheilds lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Sheilds missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Sheilds looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sheilds looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Gurgel with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Sheilds not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Gurgel tries to roll over but Sheilds keeps him under control.
Gurgel gets full guard.
Gurgel preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Gurgel is trying to keep Sheilds in close.

Gurgel looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Evan Sheilds is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gurgel had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Sheilds defends it easily.
Sheilds sitting in guard here, content to control.
Sheilds missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sheilds controlling from the top position.
Gurgel trying to keep a closed guard but Sheilds is proving a slippery customer.
Sheilds stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gurgel swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gurgel is trying to control the position but Sheilds postures up.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sheilds postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Sheilds missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sheilds wants to control from the top but Gurgel keeps moving.

Gurgel is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Sheilds is aware though and is defending well.
Sheilds's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Gurgel is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Sheilds wants to pass the guard but Gurgel is keeping the position.
Sheilds distracts Gurgel with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Sheilds looking to pass the guard.
Sheilds connects with a couple of short punches.
Sheilds trying to control the position from guard on top but Gurgel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sheilds makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Sheilds passes Gurgel's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Gurgel wants to control but Sheilds is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Sheilds seems to be looking for submissions.
Gurgel wants to control but Sheilds is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Sheilds wants to take a breather but Gurgel is having none of it.
Gurgel wants to control but Sheilds is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Fabio Gurgel has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sheilds seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Gurgel does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Sheilds throws a strike but Gurgel avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Gurgel is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Sheilds trying to control but Gurgel is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Evan Sheilds showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Sheilds 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Evan Sheilds!
Evan Sheilds took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, -OVERDOSE Factory- for their support in the buildup to the fight.