3: Truculence PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mikki Ankka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and esko Gonzales (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Ankka
vs
Gonzales

200 cm
20
299 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

198 cm
22
280 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mikki Ankka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, esko Gonzales!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Yuuki Gou and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ankka shoots in looking for a takedown. Gonzales tries to sprawl out of it but Ankka keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Gonzales manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ankka shoots in but Gonzales avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Ankka shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mikki Ankka. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Ankka shoots in and bounces Gonzales off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.
Ankka trying to control the position from guard on top but Gonzales is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ankka slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gonzales controls Ankka momentarily but Ankka frees himself.
Ankka forces his way into half guard.
Nice strikes from Ankka there.
Ankka passes to side control.
Gonzales looks gassed!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Ankka has hold of Gonzales's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Gonzales seems comfortable defending it but Ankka has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Gonzales is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Gonzales is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Ankka couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:12 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Mikki Ankka!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between No Mad (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dyler Turden (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dyler Turden looks lathargic as he enters the arena. Wake up son, you're about to have a fight!

Mad
vs
Turden

172 cm
19
155 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

179 cm
22
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Solid chin

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, No Mad!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dyler Turden!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Turden gets the takedown into side control.

Turden wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Mad, who protects the arm well.
Turden trying to control the action but Mad is working from the bottom.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Mad is trying to get back to half guard.
Mad regains half guard.
Mad wants to control but Turden is keeping busy.
Turden prevents Mad from improving his position.
Turden looks gassed!

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.

Mad shoots in and bounces Turden off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mad drops back looking for a submission - "I'm sorry sir, but I'm gunna break your leg" says Mad as he cranks on the unfortunate limb! Turden screams and taps out before any major damage is done! Don't mess with Mad! Nice submission victory there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). No Mad!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ippo makunouchi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenshiro Yamamoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ippo makunouchi had a look across the ring there at his opponent. He definitely means business

makunouchi
vs
Yamamoto

200 cm
20
192 lbs
3 - 5 - 0

183 cm
22
190 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

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 3 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ippo makunouchi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kenshiro Yamamoto!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Yuuki Gou and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
makunouchi keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Yamamoto tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

makunouchi looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Yamamoto!
makunouchi looking to control and managing it successfully.
Yamamoto's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Yamamoto tries to hold on but makunouchi pushes him away.
makunouchi landing strikes from the mount and Yamamoto is in trouble!
makunouchi lands with some strikes.
makunouchi sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Yamamoto looks gassed!

That's one minute gone in the round.
makunouchi really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
makunouchi has his opponent pinned against the ropes, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Yamamoto's face.
makunouchi pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Yamamoto taking shots to the head.
makunouchi controlling the pace for now.
makunouchi trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
makunouchi working the ground and pound effectively.
makunouchi lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
makunouchi will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, makunouchi cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
makunouchi connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
makunouchi wants to control the pace but Yamamoto is squirming around nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamamoto is bucking up trying to escape but makunouchi cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Yamamoto tries to hold on but makunouchi postures up.
makunouchi content just to control the position here.
makunouchi has his opponent pinned against the ropes, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Yamamoto's face.

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.
makunouchi wants to control the pace but Yamamoto is squirming around nicely.
makunouchi sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Ippo makunouchi just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.
makunouchi misses with a takedown attempt

so Yamamoto counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
makunouchi is pulling down on Yamamoto's head. It's preventing any offense from Yamamoto, at least for the moment.

makunouchi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Yamamoto can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
makunouchi is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ippo makunouchi dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

makunouchi shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than makunouchi was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
makunouchi mounts Yamamoto! Really nice guard pass there!

makunouchi is working for a guillotine from mount but Yamamoto frees his head quite easily.
makunouchi tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Yamamoto is breathing heavily.
makunouchi with a couple of short strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
makunouchi controlling the position easily from mount.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
makunouchi lands a big shot there that rocks Yamamoto but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
makunouchi pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
makunouchi looking to control and managing it successfully.
Ippo makunouchi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Yamamoto wants to control but makunouchi is having none of it.

That's two 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.
makunouchi tries to control but Yamamoto wriggling away.

makunouchi jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Yamamoto manages to avoid the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
makunouchi tries to move to mount but Yamamoto blocks the move with his legs.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Yamamoto takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.

makunouchi clinches up against the ropes.
makunouchi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
makunouchi is trying to maintain a safe position but Yamamoto gets an underhook and turns makunouchi into the ropes.
makunouchi is working Yamamoto over against the ropes.
Yamamoto is working for takedown but makunouchi is calmly controlling the position for now.
makunouchi tries to pull guard but Yamamoto won't allow it.
Yamamoto misses with a shot to the kidneys.
makunouchi has Yamamoto pressed up against the ropes and is working for takedown. Yamamoto manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Yamamoto wants to get back to striking at distance but makunouchi won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yamamoto tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. makunouchi smiles and moves away.
Ippo makunouchi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Yamamoto doesn't succeed with the takedown

and makunouchi counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Ippo makunouchi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenshiro Yamamoto.
makunouchi throwing strikes from guard but Yamamoto blocks nicely.
makunouchi postures up in Yamamoto's guard and throws a big left but Yamamoto blocks it.
makunouchi is looking to work some ground and pound but Yamamoto has wrist control.
makunouchi sitting in guard here, content to control.
Yamamoto is looking to stand up but makunouchi isn't so interested in that idea.
makunouchi trying to control the position from guard on top but Yamamoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ippo makunouchi dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Yamamoto looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for makunouchi!
makunouchi tries to hold on but Yamamoto pushes him away.
makunouchi is trying desperately to improve position.
makunouchi sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
makunouchi moves into full guard.
Yamamoto takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
makunouchi controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

makunouchi has his foot on Yamamoto's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Yamamoto works his way back into a safe position though.
Yamamoto postures up.
Yamamoto wants to control from the top but makunouchi keeps moving.
Yamamoto wants to pass the guard but makunouchi is keeping the position.
Yamamoto is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Yamamoto connects with a jab.

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.
makunouchi with a lazy takedown attempt

and Yamamoto counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Yamamoto.

Yamamoto stands and steps away. makunouchi gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Yamamoto looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Yamamoto wants to control from the top but makunouchi keeps moving.
Yamamoto passes makunouchi's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Yamamoto wants to pass to mount but makunouchi is defending the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamamoto controlling the action here.
makunouchi is looking to control Yamamoto's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can makunouchi avoid being mounted?
makunouchi is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Yamamoto is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Yamamoto scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

Yamamoto is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
makunouchi wants to sweep but Yamamoto has passed to side control!
Yamamoto in the domination position with makunouchi hanging on.
Yamamoto trying to control the action but makunouchi is working from the bottom.
makunouchi is looking for a sweep.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kenshiro Yamamoto comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well makunouchi 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ippo makunouchi!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Hitoshi Igarashi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ryo Yamazaki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yamazaki comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Bounce With Me kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! 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.

Igarashi
vs
Yamazaki

174 cm
18
155 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

184 cm
22
160 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Plays chess

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hitoshi Igarashi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ryo Yamazaki!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Taro Takaoka and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Yamazaki moves into the clinch successfully.
Igarashi looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Igarashi missing with knees to the body.
Yamazaki lands a nice knee to the body.
Yamazaki landing knees to the body.
Yamazaki throws a knee to the head but misses.
Igarashi is trying to maintain a safe position but Yamazaki gets an underhook and turns Igarashi into the ropes.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.
A solid leg kick lands there for Yamazaki.
Yamazaki throws a head kick that misses.
Yamazaki feints and then cracks Igarashi's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Igarashi down.
Yamazaki wants to clinch up but Igarashi keeps it at a distance.
Yamazaki tries to clinch but Igarashi moves out of range.
Yamazaki shoots in but no luck this time.
Yamazaki moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Hitoshi Igarashi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Yamazaki throws a right hand that Igarashi ducks under and follows up with a left that Igarashi also avoids with ease.
A head kick by Igarashi misses
and Yamazaki counters with an inside leg kick.
Igarashi swats away the attempt to clinch by Yamazaki.
Igarashi pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Yamazaki is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Igarashi tests Yamazaki's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Igarashi tries to land a body kick
and Yamazaki makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Igarashi keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Yamazaki throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Yamazaki moves into the clinch.
Igarashi wants to get back to striking at distance but Yamazaki won't allow it.

Yamazaki manages to break the clinch.
Yamazaki slips under a jab from Igarashi.

Yamazaki takes the fight into the clinch.
Yamazaki with a knee to the head.
Yamazaki unloads a knee to the mid-section. Igarashi lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Igarashi tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Yamazaki tries to land knees in the clinch but Igarashi avoids the damage to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Yamazaki.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yamazaki tries to clinch but Igarashi is having none of it.
Yamazaki moves out of range of the body kick from Igarashi.

Yamazaki gets a clinch.
Yamazaki with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Igarashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Nice elbow from Yamazaki.
Igarashi letting Yamazaki take a breather here.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.
Yamazaki lands a jab-cross combination.
Yamazaki moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Yamazaki lands with a kick to the temple. Igarashi shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Igarashi falls off balance throwing a combination
and Yamazaki counters with a low kick, right behind Igarashi 's knee.
Igarashi misses with a kick to the body.
Yamazaki tries to clinch but Igarashi moves out of range.
Igarashi misses with a two punch combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamazaki plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Igarashi blocks a head kick by Yamazaki.
Igarashi fails with the takedown
and Yamazaki counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Igarashi swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Yamazaki has Igarashi up against the ropes in a clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Yamazaki.
Yamazaki unloads a knee to the mid-section. Igarashi lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Yamazaki prevents Igarashi from breaking the clinch.
Yamazaki holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Igarashi has Yamazaki pressed against the ropes.
Igarashi looking to stall.
Igarashi looking to throw knees to the head but Yamazaki is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yamazaki crunches a lovely knee into Igarashi's ribcage.
Igarashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Igarashi tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Igarashi taking a breather.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.
Igarashi is looking to slow Yamazaki down with leg kicks.
Igarashi keeps the fight on the outside.
A head kick misses from Yamazaki.

Igarashi tries to keep at a distance but Yamazaki has taken the fight into the clinch.
Igarashi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Igarashi tries to break the clinch but Yamazaki is controlling the position.
Yamazaki using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Yamazaki with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
The referee calls for Igarashi to work.
Yamazaki tries to land knees in the clinch but Igarashi avoids the damage to the body.
Yamazaki is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Igarashi is keeping busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryo Yamazaki dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

A punch combination from Igarashi misses.
Hitoshi Igarashi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Igarashi throws a sloppy head kick
and Yamazaki counters with a head kick. That will keep Igarashi thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Igarashi throws a looping overhand right but Yamazaki ducks down to avoid it.
Igarashi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Yamazaki lands with a slapping head kick.
Igarashi misses with a series of wild punches.
Yamazaki lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

Yamazaki instigates a clinch.
Yamazaki landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Yamazaki looking to slow down the pace here.
Yamazaki gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Yamazaki lands a nice knee to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Yamazaki avoiding damage.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Yamazaki pushes Igarashi up against the ropes in a clinch.
Igarashi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Knees to the body from Yamazaki.

Igarashi works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Igarashi stands and steps away. Yamazaki gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Yamazaki closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Yamazaki looking to stall.
Igarashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Yamazaki lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Igarashi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Igarashi tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Yamazaki lands a knee to the body.
Yamazaki lands a knee to the head.

It looks like Hitoshi Igarashi has been cut.
Yamazaki tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Yamazaki using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Yamazaki lands a nice knee to the body.

Yamazaki escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Danga de danga de dang - Yamazaki scores with a four punch combination!
Yamazaki misses with a jab, cross combination.
Yamazaki blocks a low kick nicely.
Yamazaki lands a head kick!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Igarashi throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Yamazaki counters by moving into the clinch.
Yamazaki has Igarashi pushed against the ropes.
Yamazaki prevents Igarashi from breaking the clinch.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.

Yamazaki has closed the distance and engaged Igarashi in a clinch.
Yamazaki lands a knee to the body.
Igarashi tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Yamazaki just stands there and leans against the ropes.
A bit of stalling here from Yamazaki.

Yamazaki breaks the clinch.
Igarashi lands a jab to the head.
Igarashi misses with a jab, cross combination.
Yamazaki throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Yamazaki dodges the punch combination from Igarashi.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamazaki fails with an attempt to clinch.
Yamazaki misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Igarashi throws a combination that misses

and Yamazaki holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.
Igarashi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Yamazaki throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Yamazaki throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A head kick misses from Yamazaki.
Igarashi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Yamazaki tries to clinch up but Igarashi circles away and keeps his distance.
Igarashi tries to land a body kick
and Yamazaki counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Igarashi misses with a wild body shot.
Igarashi keeps the fight on the outside.
Yamazaki tries to close the distance and clinch up but Igarashi swats him away and circles back towards the center.

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.

Yamazaki closes the distance and clinches.
Yamazaki missing with knees to the body.
Igarashi has Yamazaki pushed against the ropes.
Yamazaki throws a knee to the head but misses.
Yamazaki scores a nice knee to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Igarashi.
Igarashi tries to stall but Yamazaki uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Igarashi misses with a knee strike.
Igarashi is trying to break free.
Yamazaki misses with a knee strike.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.
Igarashi misses with a low kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Yamazaki throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Igarashi swinging wilding here.
Igarashi takes a kick to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryo Yamazaki showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Hitoshi Igarashi's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Yamazaki connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Yamazaki throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Igarashi's head.
Igarashi has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Yamazaki misses with a two punch combination.
Igarashi tries to land a front kick but Yamazaki steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Igarashi fails to land with a series of punches.
Yamazaki is looking to clinch but Igarashi is avoiding it.
Yamazaki tries to close the distance and clinch but Igarashi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Yamazaki tries to clinch there but Igarashi circles away.

Yamazaki takes the fight into the clinch.
Igarashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Ryo Yamazaki seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Yamazaki lands a nice knee to the body.
Yamazaki manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

Yamazaki manages to break the clinch.
Igarashi is looking to land body kicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Igarashi throws a lazy head kick
and Yamazaki counters with a head kick.
Igarashi throws a body kick despite being completely out of range

and Yamazaki counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Yamazaki.
Igarashi avoiding damage as Yamazaki throws knees to the body.
Yamazaki leaning his opponent against the ropes.

Yamazaki breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Igarashi scoring well with a low kick there.
Yamazaki takes a kick to the side of the head.
A head kick from Yamazaki lands but Igarashi takes it in his stride.
Igarashi misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Yamazaki lands a high kick!
Yamazaki misses with a series of wild punches.
Igarashi swings for the body but Yamazaki moves out of range.
Igarashi throws a head kick that misses
and Yamazaki counters with a head kick. That will keep Igarashi thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Igarashi clobbers Yamazaki with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Igarashi will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Igarashi connects with a solid leg kick.
Yamazaki lets loose with a powerful body kick. Igarashi will feel that in the morning.
An inside leg kick lands from Igarashi.
A head kick misses from Igarashi.
Yamazaki will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Igarashi looks to throw a body kick

and Yamazaki counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Yamazaki.
Igarashi misses with a knee strike.
Igarashi misses with a knee to the head.
Yamazaki tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Igarashi misses with an elbow over the top.
Yamazaki with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Igarashi pulls guard effortlessly.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Yamazaki stands and steps away. Igarashi gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Igarashi is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Yamazaki.
Igarashi throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Yamazaki counters by clinching up.
Yamazaki stalling in the clinch.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.
Yamazaki tries to clinch up but Igarashi circles away and keeps his distance.
Yamazaki plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Ryo Yamazaki seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Yamazaki clinches with his opponent.

Yamazaki breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Igarashi thows a leg kick but Yamazaki checks it
and Yamazaki counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Igarashi throws a lazy head kick
and Yamazaki counters with a series of strikes. Igarashi will be more careful next time no doubt.
Yamazaki moves into range and lands a nice body kick.

Yamazaki rushes Igarashi and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.

Yamazaki breaks from the clinch.
Yamazaki tries to clinch but Igarashi is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Igarashi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Nice uppercut there from Yamazaki.
A head kick by Igarashi misses
and Yamazaki counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Yamazaki takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Igarashi throws a sloppy head kick
and Yamazaki counters with a series of strikes. Igarashi will be more careful next time no doubt.
Yamazaki throws a head kick that misses.
Yamazaki has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Igarashi tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Yamazaki counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hitoshi Igarashi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Igarashi misses with a double jab
and Yamazaki counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Yamazaki closes the distance and clinches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Igarashi misses with a knee to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ryo Yamazaki comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Yamazaki winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ryo Yamazaki!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
76%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Yoshi Yamoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kazunori Maeda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yamoto kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genuis that is Blow by Atreyu. The crowd seem to be enjoying Maeda's choice of entrance music: Gouryella. Kazunori Maeda told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Yamoto
vs
Maeda

175 cm
18
162 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

178 cm
22
153 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Yoshi Yamoto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazunori Maeda!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Sosuke Kotani and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yamoto shoots in for a takedown but Maeda shows good takedown defense.
Maeda stuffs the takedown attempt from Yamoto. Yamoto gets slowly back to his feet.
Yamoto will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yoshi Yamoto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maeda throws a series of punches but Yamoto moves out of range.
Yamoto fails with an attempt to clinch.
Yamoto blocks a head kick by Maeda.

Maeda clinches with his opponent.
Maeda gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Yamoto.
Yamoto has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Maeda is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yamoto misses with a knee strike.
Yamoto fails to pull guard.

Maeda manages to break the clinch.
Maeda lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Yamoto shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Maeda but Maeda pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Maeda throws a series of punches but Yamoto avoids them all with ease.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yamoto slips a jab and a cross from Maeda.
Maeda scores with a one two! Yamoto had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Yamoto is rocked!
Maeda lands with a precision combination! Left, right, uppercut and Yamoto falls flat on his face, eyes wide open but he's out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Kazunori Maeda!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Toshiro Kishimoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jessie Lordd (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kishimoto comes into the arena with Fighting dreamers blaring out of the sound system. The crowd seem to be enjoying Lordd's choice of entrance music: Bow Down. This should be a great matchup!

Kishimoto
vs
Lordd

160 cm
18
145 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

167 cm
22
151 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Toshiro Kishimoto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jessie Lordd!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Shigeki Sano and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Lordd clinches.
Lordd with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Lordd scores a nice knee to the body.
Kishimoto wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Lordd unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kishimoto lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Kishimoto is breathing heavily.

Lordd tightens his grip and picks Kishimoto up, before dumping him to the ground. Kishimoto manages to land in guard.
Lordd pushes down on Kishimoto's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Lordd looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Lordd takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Lordd moves nicely into side control.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Kishimoto is not content to let Lordd control the position.
Check out the look on Lordd's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Lordd working the body and head with strikes.
Kishimoto tries to buck Lordd off but Lordd is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lordd working the ground and pound from side control.
Kishimoto could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Lordd trying to control the position but Kishimoto is working away.
Lordd cracks Kishimoto with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Kishimoto is trying to get back to half guard.
Kishimoto on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Kishimoto tries to get out of the position.
Kishimoto takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Kishimoto tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kishimoto on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Kishimoto takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Lordd tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Lordd has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Lordd has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Lordd in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lordd lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Kishimoto down.
Kishimoto trying to control but Lordd flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back!
Lordd lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.
Lordd lands shots from the back.
Kishimoto is trapped and Lordd is scoring with shots to the head and body.
Kishimoto covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
Lordd scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Kishimoto is looking for a way out.
Lordd throwing damaging strikes from the back! Kishimoto could be in trouble here!
Lordd throwing strikes from the back - he gets a warning from the referee for striking the back of the head but all these shots are hurting Kishimoto!
Lordd throwing damaging strikes from the back! Kishimoto could be in trouble here!
Lordd avoiding Kishimoto 's attempts to control his hands.
Kishimoto is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Lordd lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Kishimoto.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lordd scores with punches to the body.
Lordd loading up with punches from the back mount - how long can Kishimoto hold on?
Lordd is looking to control Kishimoto but Kishimoto is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Lordd landing with strikes.
Kishimoto breaks Lordd's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Lordd looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kishimoto wants to stand but Lordd has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Kishimoto wants to control from the top but Lordd keeps moving.
Lordd striking from his own guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Lordd is on top in guard.
Kishimoto doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lordd stands and throws Kishimoto's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Check out the look on Lordd's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Kishimoto is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Kishimoto tries to improve position but can't.
Lordd working the body and head with strikes.
Kishimoto knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Lordd on the ground.
Lordd scoring with punches from side control.
Kishimoto can't do much from the bottom here.
Kishimoto is working to avoid the ground and pound but Lordd connects with a decent elbow.
Lordd is trying to move to mount but Kishimoto reverses beautifully and ends up in Lordd's guard.
Kishimoto advances to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jessie Lordd dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Kishimoto misses with a double jab.
Kishimoto shoots for a takedown but Lordd saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Lordd gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Lordd with a knee to the head.
Lordd misses with a knee strike.
Lordd tries to land knees in the clinch but Kishimoto avoids the damage to the body.
Lordd unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kishimoto lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.

Lordd escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Lordd shoots and misses

and Kishimoto counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Lordd works his way to full guard. Good work.
Lordd lands a decent shot there.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kishimoto wants to get up but he can't break Lordd's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Kishimoto has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Lordd manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kishimoto manages to get himself to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kishimoto has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Lordd has passed into side control.
Kishimoto is looking to reverse the position.
Lordd working the ground and pound.
Lordd working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Kishimoto tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Lordd working the ground and pound from side control.
Kishimoto can't do much from the bottom here.
Lordd is working Kishimoto over with some ground and pound from side control.
Kishimoto is trying to get back to his feet.
Lordd trying to control the position but Kishimoto is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kishimoto wants to get back to his feet but Lordd drags him back down.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Lordd drives through with a takedown into guard.
Lordd lands a couple of digs.
Lordd passes Kishimoto's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Jessie Lordd has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kishimoto is looking to improve his position.
Kishimoto tries to kick Lordd off but Lordd keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Lordd lands with a punch from half guard.
Kishimoto punching from the bottom.
Lordd slips a nice elbow through Kishimoto's hands, connecting with Kishimoto's forehead.
Lordd not doing much here.
Lordd landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lordd throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Lordd throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kishimoto's waist but Kishimoto gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Lordd off to one side.
Nice body kick there by Kishimoto.
Lordd doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Kishimoto counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Lordd is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Toshiro Kishimoto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jessie Lordd.

Lordd shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Lordd trying to control the pace.
Kishimoto taking some punishment here, with Lordd in his half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kishimoto on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Kishimoto punching from the bottom.
Kishimoto taking some punishment here, with Lordd in his half guard.
Lordd lands strikes from half guard.
Lordd lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Lordd is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Lordd working over Kishimoto with some ground and pound. Kishimoto looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Lordd wants to control but Kishimoto is keeping him busy.
Nice strikes from Lordd there.
Kishimoto is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Lordd scores with a couple of nice shots.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Lordd lands a nice short elbow.
Kishimoto taking some punishment here, with Lordd in his half guard.
Lordd is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Kishimoto tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jessie Lordd showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Lordd shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Lordd was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
The referee warns Kishimoto that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Kishimoto is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Kishimoto swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Kishimoto is looking to get to half guard.
Kishimoto wants to control but Lordd is having none of it.
Kishimoto keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Lordd has his opponent pinned against the ropes, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Kishimoto's face.
Kishimoto is trying to escape the mount.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Lordd lands a big shot there that rocks Kishimoto but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lordd looking to finish Kishimoto with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kishimoto!
Kishimoto is looking to get to half guard.
A nice elbow there by Lordd.

Kishimoto is rocked!
Lordd breaks from Kishimoto's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Oh Kishimoto is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Lordd landing strikes from the mount and Kishimoto is in trouble!
Kishimoto throwing hammer fists to the chest of Lordd. What's that going to do exactly?
Lordd putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Lordd postures up and connects with a big shot that has rocked Kishimoto badly. He's trying desperately to grab hold of Lordd around the waist but Lordd pushes him off and unloads with more strikes, forcing the referee to jump in and save him! Lordd is the winner by TKO! Lordd jumps onto the ropes and shouts into the camera. "We did it momma!"

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:53 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jessie Lordd!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sami Holmen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gerald Haymaker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Holmen
vs
Haymaker

188 cm
19
260 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

190 cm
22
225 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Sami Holmen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Gerald Haymaker!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Yuuki Gou and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Holmen throws a nice looking combination but Haymaker bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Holmen misses with a kick to the body.
Haymaker lands a nice looking kick to the body. Holmen takes a step back to recover.
Holmen throws a series of punches but Haymaker moves out of range.

Holmen scores a takedown into full mount!
Holmen looking to control and managing it successfully.
Holmen lands a big elbow.
Holmen can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Haymaker is looking to escape.
Holmen scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Haymaker is trying to get to the ropes to help him get back to his feet.
Haymaker tries to control the position but Holmen now has his back.
Holmen lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Haymaker defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Holmen's arms.
Will Holmen go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Haymaker preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Holmen.
Haymaker rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Holmen seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Haymaker does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Haymaker is trying to get back to full guard.
Haymaker is in trouble now - Holmen has advanced to mount!
Haymaker tries to reverse the position but Holmen maintains control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holmen can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Haymaker is looking to escape.
Holmen is breathing heavily.

Holmen with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Haymaker wants to control but Holmen is having none of it.
Holmen trying to control but Haymaker is having none of it.

Holmen is standing up, even though he is in mount.

Holmen shoots in and bounces Haymaker off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holmen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Haymaker is keeping the position for now.
Holmen won't allow Haymaker to sweep him here.
Haymaker trying to strike off his back.
Holmen won't allow Haymaker to get back to his feet.
Haymaker has a closed guard, preventing Holmen from standing up.

Haymaker has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Holmen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Holmen is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Haymaker can't keep his opponent in guard - Holmen advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Holmen seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Holmen is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Holmen trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Holmen scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Haymaker?

Haymaker is rocked!

Holmen looking to secure an arm triangle but Haymaker defends it well.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!

Holmen looking to secure an arm triangle but Haymaker defends it well.
Holmen trying to control but he's not successful this time.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Haymaker has left one of his arms exposed and Holmen doesn't need a second invitation. He's isolated it and locked on a tight armbar. Haymaker screams and taps out, obviously in a lot of pain. Hopefully there isn't permanent damage to that arm.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Sami Holmen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
65%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kung Le (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lain Rikkoja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rikkoja has chosen Soil Breaking me down as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Lain Rikkoja told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Le
vs
Rikkoja

186 cm
22
212 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

210 cm
19
210 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Good knees
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kung Le!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Lain Rikkoja!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Le wants to clinch.
Rikkoja looks for the body kick but Le saw that one coming.
Rikkoja throws a sloppy head kick and Le moves out of range easily.
Le wants to clinch.
Le tries to clinch but Rikkoja is having none of it.
Rikkoja shoots in but Le avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Rikkoja keeps the fight on the outside.

Le moves into range and clinches up with Rikkoja.
Le lands an elbow inside that Rikkoja shrugs off.
Le tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Rikkoja is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Rikkoja is trying to maintain a safe position but Le gets an underhook and turns Rikkoja into the ropes.
Rikkoja takes a knee right on the jaw!
Le lands a knee to the body.
Rikkoja looks gassed!
Rikkoja tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Le tries to land a knee to the head but Rikkoja blocks with his arms.
Le throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Rikkoja blocks it with crossed arms.
Le throws a knee to the head but misses.
Knees in the clinch landing for Le.
Le connects with a nasty looking knee right to Rikkoja's face.
Le looking to throw knees to the head but Rikkoja is blocking nicely.
Le with a knee to the head.
Le lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Le connects with a knee to the head.
Rikkoja takes a knee right on the jaw!
Le crunches a lovely knee into Rikkoja's ribcage.
Le pushes off an throws an elbow but Rikkoja leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
Le tries to land knees in the clinch but Rikkoja avoids the damage to the body.
Le prevents the takedown attempt.
Kung Le has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lain Rikkoja.
Rikkoja tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Rikkoja has had enough of the clinch but Le keeps him there for the moment.
Le missing with knees to the body.
Rikkoja unloads a knee to the mid-section. Le lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Le tries to land knees in the clinch but Rikkoja avoids the damage to the body.
Le lands a damaging elbow.

It looks like Lain Rikkoja has been cut.
Knees to the body from Le.
Le scores with a knee to the head.
Le tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Le tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Le is pressed up against the ropes. Rikkoja has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Le down to the mat. Le avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Le moves into the clinch.
Le landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rikkoja throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Le blocks it with crossed arms.
A bit of stalling here from Rikkoja.
Le connects with a knee to the head.

Rikkoja is rocked!
Le tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Rikkoja is still on wobbly legs! Can Le finish him?
Le misses with a knee to the head.
Le tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Le tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Le lands an elbow inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Le throws a knee to the head but misses.
Le throws a knee to the head but misses.
Le with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Le tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Le using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Rikkoja has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Le with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Le misses with a knee to the head.
Le lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Le throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Rikkoja blocks it with crossed arms.
Le pulls back and lands a big elbow that stuns Rikkoja! Le unloads with more strikes and Rikkoja sinks to his knees! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:29 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kung Le!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
89%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Janu Haperenu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Junior Fabiano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Junior Fabiano is staring across the ring at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Haperenu
vs
Fabiano

185 cm
20
215 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

185 cm
19
211 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Janu Haperenu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Junior Fabiano!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Shigeki Sano and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Haperenu throws a head kick that misses.
Fabiano lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Fabiano.
Haperenu throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Fabiano's waist but Fabiano gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Haperenu off to one side.
Haperenu shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Fabiano but Fabiano pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Haperenu shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Fabiano as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Janu Haperenu. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fabiano stuffs the takedown attempt from Haperenu. Haperenu gets slowly back to his feet.
Haperenu stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Fabiano.
Fabiano tries to clinch up.
Haperenu pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Haperenu shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Haperenu fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Fabiano throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fabiano throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Haperenu.
Haperenu looks to land a body kick but Fabiano moved away.
A nice leg kick lands there from Fabiano.
Haperenu misses with a head kick.
Fabiano stuffs the takedown attempt from Haperenu. Haperenu gets slowly back to his feet.
Haperenu fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Haperenu is breathing heavily.
Fabiano throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Haperenu.

Fabiano fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Haperenu sprawls well initially but Fabiano persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Haperenu tries to get to full guard but Fabiano has control of the leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fabiano is trying to control the action in half guard but Haperenu is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Haperenu wants to improve his position but Fabiano is controlling well.
Haperenu is working hard here to advance position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Fabiano fails in his attempt to clinch.
Haperenu tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Fabiano swivels and escapes.
Haperenu slips a jab and a cross from Fabiano.
Haperenu tries for a takedown but Fabiano circles away easily
and Haperenu takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nice shot lands for Fabiano.
Fabiano buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Fabiano cracks Haperenu with an open hand slap.
Fabiano connects with a solid leg kick.
Fabiano throws a nice inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fabiano throws a nice outside leg kick.
Fabiano getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Fabiano is looking to clinch but Haperenu is avoiding it.
Fabiano misses with a jab, cross combination.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Fabiano, as that shot connected.
A combination from Fabiano does no damage.
A slapping leg kick lands for Fabiano.
The crowd cheers as Fabiano lands an impressive looking overhand right. Haperenu doesn't seem phased though.
Fabiano tries to close the distance and clinch up but Haperenu swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Fabiano shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Haperenu looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fabiano is one step ahead there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Junior Fabiano dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Fabiano throws a right and a left that both miss.
Haperenu slips a jab and a cross from Fabiano.
Fabiano throws a series of punches but Haperenu moves out of range.

Fabiano gets a takedown into half guard.

Haperenu actively working from the bottom here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Haperenu moves into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Haperenu is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Haperenu looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fabiano is one step ahead there.
Haperenu has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Fabiano has passed into side control.
Fabiano wants to stand but Haperenu has his arm trapped.

That's two 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.
Haperenu is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Fabiano's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Haperenu is not content to let Fabiano control the position.
Haperenu is trying to get back to full guard.

Haperenu is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Fabiano pulls his head out easily.
Fabiano trying to control the action but Haperenu is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haperenu is trying to get back to full guard.
Haperenu moves into full guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Haperenu working for a triangle but Fabiano defends it easily.
Haperenu looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fabiano is one step ahead there.

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.
Fabiano looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

Haperenu had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Fabiano is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Haperenu Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Fabiano's back instead.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Haperenu has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Janu Haperenu dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Fabiano misses with a straight left.

Haperenu looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Fabiano working a defensive guard here.
Haperenu works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Haperenu wants to pass the guard but Fabiano is defending well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fabiano is trying to control Haperenu's posture. Haperenu takes advantage of the lull and advances to side control. He also appears to have an arm triangle here! Uh oh, big trouble for Fabiano! Haperenu is rotating here... this could be the end... Fabiano is out! Haperenu has ended this one emphatically! Great submission!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:23 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Janu Haperenu!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
80%

Main event

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tamil Figg Hoblyn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jason Reed (ranked 0 p4p, 0 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?

Figg Hoblyn
vs
Reed

213 cm
22
300 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

213 cm
22
300 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tamil Figg Hoblyn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jason Reed!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Reed keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Figg Hoblyn.
Figg Hoblyn tries to clinch up.
Reed swats away the attempt to clinch by Figg Hoblyn.

Figg Hoblyn gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Figg Hoblyn is trying to maintain a safe position but Reed gets an underhook and turns Figg Hoblyn into the ropes.
Reed takes an elbow to the temple.

It looks like Jason Reed has been cut.
Figg Hoblyn throws an elbow but it's blocked.

Figg Hoblyn wants the takedown. Reed is fighting it off but Figg Hoblyn persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Reed's guard against the ropes.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Reed throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Figg Hoblyn wants to control from the top but Reed keeps moving.
Figg Hoblyn tries to stand but Reed is controlling from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reed being controlled here, momentarily.
Figg Hoblyn missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Reed is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Figg Hoblyn shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Reed but Reed pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Reed stuffs the takedown attempt from Figg Hoblyn. Figg Hoblyn gets slowly back to his feet.

Figg Hoblyn decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Reed tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Reed is pressing down on Figg Hoblyn's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Reed is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Reed throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Reed doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Figg Hoblyn loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Reed striking off his back but it's not causing Figg Hoblyn any problems.
Figg Hoblyn slips nicely into half guard, despite the strikes coming from Reed.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Figg Hoblyn is working for a kimura but Reed is defending it quite comfortably.
Figg Hoblyn frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Figg Hoblyn trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Reed is desperately trying to improve his position but Figg Hoblyn has a good base and remains in mount.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Figg Hoblyn is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Figg Hoblyn trying to control but Reed is having none of it.
Reed keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Reed looks gassed!
Reed wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.

That's four 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.

Figg Hoblyn is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Reed knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Reed for a finish.
Reed is really stuck here.

Reed preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Figg Hoblyn.
Reed tries to break free.
Figg Hoblyn has his opponent trapped and is landing shots. Not a good position for Reed.
Figg Hoblyn has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Reed's body.
Reed is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Figg Hoblyn is looking to control Reed but Reed is wriggling around and keeping busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tamil Figg Hoblyn dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jason Reed's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Figg Hoblyn has Reed up against the ropes in a clinch.
Figg Hoblyn changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Reed fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Figg Hoblyn has Reed up against the ropes in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Figg Hoblyn stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Figg Hoblyn is trying to break the clinch but Reed has him pressed against the ropes.

Figg Hoblyn has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Reed clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Reed staying busy and making it hard for Figg Hoblyn to control.
Reed really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Figg Hoblyn. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Figg Hoblyn cracks Reed with a big shot to body and one to the head - really punishing Reed from the back mount here, looking to soften him up.
Reed rolls, trying to escape but Figg Hoblyn keeps control of the position.
Reed is breathing heavily.
Reed is covering up but some of the strikes from Figg Hoblyn are getting through and doing damage.
Figg Hoblyn has the hooks sunk in and you can see the will to fight slowly draining out of Reed's body.
Reed wants to escape the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Figg Hoblyn slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Reed is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Figg Hoblyn is riding his opponent, not letting Reed buck him off.

Figg Hoblyn is working the back position looking for the choke. Oh, he's slid into an armbar! Beautiful transition and Reed taps out! Fantastic Jiu Jitsu from Figg Hoblyn.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:39 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Tamil Figg Hoblyn!