Rising Tide PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Takanori Gomi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Shepard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gomi comes into the arena with Scary: Delete Streamin' Freq. from Fear Side blaring out of the sound system. Takanori Gomi has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Gomi
vs
Shepard

167 cm
25
146 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

180 cm
19
135 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Global Empire MMA Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Takanori Gomi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, John Shepard!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Hirohito Nitta and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shepard goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Gomi misses with a series of wild punches.

Gomi instigates a clinch.
Gomi misses with a knee strike.
Shepard jumps guard but Gomi stands there with Shepard around his waist. Shepard gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Shepard tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Shepard is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Gomi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Shepard trying to land knees to the body.
Shepard tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Gomi just stands there and leans against the cage.
Takanori Gomi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Shepard.
Shepard tries to pull guard but Gomi holds him up against the cage and eventually Shepard drops back down to his feet.
Shepard jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Gomi walks away with a smile on his face. Shepard gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Shepard drives through and clinches with Gomi against the cage.

Shepard has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Gomi uses from the top position.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Gomi avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Shepard is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomi wants to stand but Shepard is controlling his posture from full guard.

Shepard is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Shepard tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Gomi just stands there and leans against the cage.
Gomi with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Shepard tries to pull guard but Gomi holds him up against the cage and eventually Shepard drops back down to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomi misses with a knee strike.
Shepard tries to pull guard but Gomi won't allow it.
Gomi throws a knee to the head but misses.
Shepard jumps guard but Gomi stands there with Shepard around his waist. Shepard gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Shepard manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Shepard has his feet on Gomi's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Gomi moves into the clinch.
Shepard jumps guard but Gomi stands there with Shepard around his waist. Shepard gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Gomi tries to land a knee to the head but Shepard blocks with his arms.
Gomi is trying to maintain a safe position but Shepard gets an underhook and turns Gomi into the cage.
Gomi putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Shepard in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shepard fails to pull guard.
Shepard is trying to pull guard but Gomi has him pressed against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomi using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shepard has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Shepard fails to pull guard.
Shepard keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Gomi's efforts to push away.
Gomi lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shepard backwards.
Shepard lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Gomi or not.

Shepard is trying to trip Gomi. He has hold of a leg but Gomi is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Shepard persists though and gets the takedown into guard.

Shepard drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Shepard jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shepard is stalling in the full guard.
Shepard stands and throws Gomi's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shepard grinds an elbow into Gomi's temple.
Shepard has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Gomi!
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!

Gomi defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Shepard.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). John Shepard!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Bruno Gomes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Evil Ryu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gomes comes into the arena with LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out blaring out of the sound system. Bruno Gomes is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Gomes
vs
Ryu

172 cm
24
150 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

175 cm
22
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Prefers standup

Global Empire MMA Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Bruno Gomes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Evil Ryu!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Yukihiro Shimada and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ryu clinches.
Ryu keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Gomes's efforts to push away.
Ryu is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Ryu tries to circle away but Gomes has him pinned against the cage.
Gomes has had enough of the clinch but Ryu keeps him there for the moment.
Gomes prevents Ryu from breaking the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Ryu as Gomes tries to tie him up.
Gomes is trying to break the clinch but Ryu has him pressed against the cage.
Gomes stalling against the cage.
Gomes has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ryu after a bit of a struggle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomes is looking to break free of the clinch but Ryu has double underhooks.
Gomes is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Ryu to keep the fight standing.
Ryu prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bruno Gomes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ryu has Gomes pressed against the cage, preventing Gomes from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Gomes tries to break free but Ryu pushes him back against the cage.

Ryu breaks the clinch.
Horrible takedown by Gomes or perhaps it was just good defense by Ryu which made him look bad.

Ryu has managed to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomes looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Gomes fails to pull guard.
Gomes has Ryu pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Ryu manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Gomes jumps guard but Ryu turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Gomes tries to break the clinch but Ryu is controlling the position.

Ryu breaks the clinch.
Gomes throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Evil Ryu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Gomes misses with the combination.
Gomes throws a leg kick

and Ryu holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Ryu has had enough of the clinch but Gomes keeps him there for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ryu is trying to break the clinch but Gomes has him pressed against the cage.
Gomes is trying to break the clinch but Ryu is controlling him.
Ryu wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Gomes has him pressed against the cage.
Gomes wants to get back to striking at distance but Ryu won't allow it.
Gomes can't break the clinch.
Gomes fails to pull guard.
Ryu tries to break free but Gomes pushes him back against the cage.
Gomes has Ryu pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Ryu manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Gomes taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Gomes is trying to pull guard but Ryu turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomes wants a takedown.

Ryu breaks the clinch.

Ryu takes the fight into the clinch.
Ryu working hard to break the clinch.
Ryu tries to circle away but Gomes has him pinned against the cage.

Ryu manages to break the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Gomes scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
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!
Gomes not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
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 Bruno Gomes will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Ryu throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Gomes has managed to clinch.

Ryu breaks the clinch.
Bruno Gomes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Ryu clinches up with Gomes and pushes him back against the cage.
Gomes pushes Ryu back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Gomes fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Ryu is trying to push Gomes away but Gomes has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Ryu escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Gomes misses with a kick to the body.
Gomes shoots in but no luck this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ryu with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

Ryu has managed to clinch.
Gomes keeps control of Ryu as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Gomes is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Gomes fails to pull the fight into his guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bruno Gomes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ryu tries to break the clinch but Gomes is controlling the position.
Gomes tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Ryu smiles and moves away.
Gomes misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomes fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Ryu clinches with his opponent.

Ryu breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ryu lands with a slapping head kick.
Gomes tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ryu paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Ryu has managed to clinch.

Gomes manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Gomes controls Ryu momentarily but Ryu frees himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ryu gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Gomes looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Ryu is fending him off so far but Gomes persists. Nope, Ryu circles away and we're back to standing.
Ryu throws a lazy head kick

and Gomes counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Ryu!
Ryu really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Gomes. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Gomes looking to land elbow strikes but Ryu uses the position to regain half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ryu wants to get back to his feet.
Gomes tries to stand but his arm is trapped.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ryu is defending against the submission attempts here by Gomes.
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!
Ryu avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gomes.
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 Bruno Gomes will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Ryu blocks a head kick by Gomes.
Gomes takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gomes is defended easily by Ryu.
Bruno Gomes is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Ryu moves into the clinch.
Evil Ryu seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

Ryu breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Gomes throws a sloppy head kick
and Ryu counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.

Ryu closes the distance and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Ryu closes the distance and clinches.

Ryu breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Gomes throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ryu's waist but Ryu gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gomes off to one side.

Ryu moves into the clinch.

Ryu breaks the clinch.
Gomes throws a right and a left that Ryu avoids nicely.

Ryu has managed to clinch.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horrible takedown by Gomes or perhaps it was just good defense by Ryu which made him look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bruno Gomes. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Gomes moves into range and clinches up with Ryu.
A frustrated look appears on Gomes's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Gomes wants to break free but Ryu has control.
Gomes tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Ryu just stands there and leans against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A frustrated look appears on Ryu's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Ryu breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Gomes shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Ryu pinned against the cage. Ryu gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Ryu drives through and clinches with Gomes against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomes tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Ryu smiles and moves away.
Gomes misses with a takedown attempt - Ryu sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Gomes tries to keep at a distance but Ryu has taken the fight into the clinch.
Gomes trying to stall but Ryu improves his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ryu breaks from the clinch.

Ryu fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Gomes, pushing him back against the cage.
Gomes tries to pull guard but Ryu holds him up against the cage and eventually Gomes drops back down to his feet.

Ryu pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gomes shoots in for a takedown but Ryu shows good takedown defense.
Ryu connects with a high kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Ryu pushes Gomes up against the cage in a clinch.
Gomes is trying to maintain a safe position but Ryu gets an underhook and turns Gomes into the cage.
Evil Ryu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bruno Gomes is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ryu misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Gomes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Evil Ryu comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Gomes 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 29:29
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 29:28

The fight is ruled a draw!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
48%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Michael Millar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dakota Finley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Millar comes into the arena with We Are The Champions blaring out of the sound system. Finley has chosen C.R.E.A.M. as his entrance music. The key to victory for Michael Millar has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Millar
vs
Finley

185 cm
19
195 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

188 cm
18
184 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Tends to cut

Global Empire MMA Gear

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Michael Millar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dakota Finley!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Yukihiro Shimada and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Millar manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Finley on his heels. He'll look to pass Finley's guard now, I'm sure.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Millar stopping the sweep attempt from Finley.

Finley looking for a guillotine here but Millar defends easily.
Finley is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Finley is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Millar defends well.
Millar wants to stand but Finley has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Millar is stalling in the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Michael Millar wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Millar moves into range and clinches up with Finley.
Finley goes for a takedown in the clinch but Millar prevents it.

Millar jumps into guard, dragging Finley to the mat.

Millar working for a triangle but Finley defends it easily.
Millar bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Finley's guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Finley can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Finley is on top in guard.
Finley's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Finley must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Finley wants to control from the top but Millar keeps moving.

Finley postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Millar is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Finley, into his guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Finley has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Millar can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Millar with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Millar trying to control the position from guard on top but Finley is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Finley looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Finley is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Millar is aware though and is defending well.

Finley has his foot on Millar's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Millar works his way back into a safe position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Finley can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Millar controls the pace.
Finley looking to control.

Finley looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Finley looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Finley looks gassed!

Finley is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Millar defends well.
Millar lands a couple of digs.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Millar works over Finley with some ground and pound from guard.
Millar scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Millar sitting in guard here, content to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Millar 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.

Finley closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Millar manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

Millar looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Millar wants to get back to full guard.
Millar moves into full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Millar is looking to stand up but Finley isn't so interested in that idea.
Finley stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Millar swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Finley trying to control but Millar is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Millar looking to control.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Finley closes the distance and clinches up with Millar, looking for a takedown. Finley pushes Millar against the cage but Millar circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Finley avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Finley rushes Millar and presses him up against the cage.

Millar has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Finley regains guard immediately.
Finley manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Millar manages to get himself to full guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Finley trying to control the position from guard on top but Millar is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Finley thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Finley tries to free his leg and advance position but Millar is retaining full guard.
Michael Millar overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Finley has gone for a leg lock! Millar slips out almost immediately though and dives into Finley's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Finley has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Millar can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Finley looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Finley has his foot on Millar's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Millar works his way back into a safe position though.

Millar avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Millar trying to control but Finley is working from the bottom.
Millar stands up over Finley, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Millar tries to stand but Finley is controlling from the bottom.
Finley not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Millar seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Millar avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Finley is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Millar defends well.
Millar would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Millar landing some decent shots from guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Finley looking for a guillotine here but Millar defends easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Dakota Finley will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Millar's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Millar feints and as Finley raises his hands in defense, Millar changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Finley not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Finley looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Finley working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Millar doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Millar manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Millar looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Millar trying to control the position from guard on top but Finley is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Millar looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Millar wants to control from the top but Finley keeps moving.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Michael Millar.
Nice takedown defense from Millar. No joy for Finley on that attempt.
Finley tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Millar paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Finley lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Millar has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Millar and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Finley scores with a one two! Millar had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Dakota Finley seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Finley misses with the combination.
Finley takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Finley does no damage.
Millar blocks the body kick.
Finley shoots in looking for a takedown but Millar manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Finley's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Finley looks to land a right hand but Millar moved out of range.
Millar stuffs the takedown attempt from Finley. Finley gets slowly back to his feet.
Michael Millar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dakota Finley.

Finley gets caught napping as Millar dives in and scores a takedown. Finley manages to retain guard.
Millar is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Millar has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Millar stands up from Finley's guard - Millar perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Finley shoots in but Millar avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Millar shoots in and bounces Finley off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Finley working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Millar doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Millar manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Millar trying to control the position from guard on top but Finley is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Millar is really struggling to control Finley but he's trying to hold on to the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Finley trying to keep a closed guard but Millar is proving a slippery customer.

Finley had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Millar defends it easily.
Millar trying to control but Finley is working from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Michael Millar has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Millar swings and misses with a hook to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Michael Millar showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Millar 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 29:28
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Michael Millar!
As Michael Millar got his breath back, he grabbed the microphone and managed to blurt out the following: Thanks for your support in my match.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Logan Crise (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenta Yuudai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kenta Yuudai has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Crise
vs
Yuudai

190 cm
25
250 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

195 cm
19
275 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Global Empire MMA Gear

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Logan Crise!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kenta Yuudai!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yuudai throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Yuudai tries to bum rush Crise with a series of wild strikes but Crise uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
The crowd cheers as Yuudai lands an impressive looking overhand right. Crise doesn't seem phased though.
Yuudai scores with a hook.

Crise pushes Yuudai up against the cage in a clinch.
Crise blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Yuudai misses with a hook to the ribs.

Crise breaks from the clinch.
Yuudai looks to land a combination. Crise sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Crise avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Crise tries to score a power double leg takedown but Yuudai sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Crise somewhat.

Crise fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Yuudai, pushing him back against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Crise holding his opponent close, against the cage.

Yuudai pulls guard successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Yuudai striking off his back but it's not causing Crise any problems.
Crise wants to control from the top but Yuudai keeps moving.
Crise looking to pass the guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Crise accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Yuudai throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

Crise is sitting in close to Yuudai's body. Yuudai has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Crise is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Crise is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Yuudai.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Kenta Yuudai!
Kenta Yuudai thanked the fans post fight for their support.

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 heavyweight MMA rules bout between High Hopes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bad Kharma (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kharma has chosen Kharma Killer by Killswitch Engage as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. High Hopes has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Hopes
vs
Kharma

207 cm
25
279 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

196 cm
25
280 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

Global Empire MMA Gear

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, High Hopes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Bad Kharma!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yuuki Gou and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hopes misses with a wild body shot.
Hopes keeps Kharma at a distance using the push kick.

Kharma closes the distance and pushes Hopes back into the cage.
Hopes wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kharma has him pressed against the cage.
Hopes tries to pull guard but Kharma holds him up against the cage and eventually Hopes drops back down to his feet.
Kharma pushes Hopes back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hopes tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Kharma just stands there and leans against the cage.
Hopes is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kharma to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for High Hopes. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kharma softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kharma scores with a shoulder strike.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kharma lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hopes backwards.
Kharma lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hopes backwards.
Hopes has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Kharma lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Hopes wants to get back to striking at distance but Kharma won't allow it.
Kharma lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Kharma lands a right hand.
Kharma lands a left hand.
Hopes looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kharma lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kharma has Hopes pressed against the cage.
Nice body punch from Kharma - that landed with a thud.
Hopes is breathing heavily.
Kharma lands a left hand.
Kharma has Hopes pushed against the cage.
Kharma lands a left hand.
Kharma scores with a shot to the side of Hopes's head.

Kharma drops Hopes onto one knee with a big uppercut from the clinch! Hopes is propped up by the cage and works his way back to his feet!

Hopes is rocked!
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!
Kharma creates a bit of space for himself and rocks Hopes with a big uppercut! Hopes tries to clinch up but Kharma pushes him back against the cage and lands another monster strike that crumples Hopes to the mat! Hopes covers up and Kharma unloads with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Bad Kharma!
An out of breath and clearly excited Bad Kharma thanked Global Empire MMA Gear for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).

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 lightweight MMA rules bout between Liam Selnes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bubba Johnston (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Selnes
vs
Johnston

178 cm
19
158 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

172 cm
20
157 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Global Empire MMA Gear

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Liam Selnes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Bubba Johnston!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Shigeki Fujiwara and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Selnes goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Johnston throws a series of punches but Selnes avoids them all with ease.
Bubba Johnston seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Johnston blocks a head kick by Selnes.
Selnes tries to clinch up but Johnston circles away and keeps his distance.
A good leg kick by Selnes.
Johnston throws a right and a left that both miss.
Johnston lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Selnes circles away quickly and effectively.

Selnes lands a big head kick that sends Johnston tumbling to the mat! Selnes takes a step backwards and waves Johnston back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Johnston is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Johnston lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Selnes circles away quickly and effectively.
Johnston is still on wobbly legs! Can Selnes finish him?
Selnes fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Johnston seems to have recovered his senses.
Johnston fails with the takedown.
A jab lands there for Johnston.
Johnston tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Selnes was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnston.
Johnston misses with a double jab.
Selnes tries a head kick but it misses.
Johnston scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

Selnes drives through with a takedown into Johnston's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Selnes trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Selnes passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Selnes controlling from side mount.
Selnes tries to move into full mount but can't pass Johnston's legs.
Selnes just content to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnston tries to buck Selnes off but Selnes is having none of it.
Selnes working away.
Selnes taking a breather here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Johnston tries to control but Selnes manages to take his back.
Selnes trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Johnston doesn't escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Johnston fending off the submission attempt from Selnes.
What can Johnston do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Liam Selnes dominated that 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.

Selnes ducks right into an uppercut from Johnston.
Selnes plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Johnston fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Johnston stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Selnes.
Johnston throws a right and a left that both miss.
Johnston tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Selnes swats away the attempt to clinch by Johnston.
Selnes scores with a kick to the midsection.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Selnes tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Johnston swivels and escapes.

Selnes rushes Johnston and presses him up against the cage.

Selnes breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Selnes throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Selnes - that will leave a mark!
Selnes circles to his right before unloading a perfect head kick! Johnston drops to the canvas, hurt badly! Selnes follows Johnston to the ground and unloads with a series of strikes that force the referee to step in and end the fight! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Liam Selnes!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Akechi Samanosuke (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Moa Soto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Akechi Samanosuke is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Samanosuke
vs
Soto

181 cm
19
180 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
25
180 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

Global Empire MMA Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Akechi Samanosuke!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Moa Soto!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Samanosuke lands a glancing blow to the side of Soto's head.
Samanosuke wants to clinch up but Soto keeps it at a distance.
Samanosuke wants to clinch.
Samanosuke tries to clinch up
and Soto counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Samanosuke is lucky that one didn't land flush.
A nice inside leg kick there by Soto. That's going to slow Samanosuke down.
Samanosuke throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Soto's head.
Soto fails to land with a series of punches.
Soto blocks a head kick by Samanosuke.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Samanosuke tries a head kick but it misses.
Samanosuke tries to work over Soto's front leg with a kick but Soto checks it.
Soto misses with a hook. Samanosuke ducked under it nicely.
Soto misses with a kick to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Samanosuke closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Samanosuke closes the distance looking to clinch
and Soto counters with a leg kick.
Samanosuke tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Samanosuke blocks a head kick by Soto.
Samanosuke slips under a jab from Soto.
Soto has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Samanosuke.
A nice leg kick lands there from Samanosuke.
Samanosuke scores with a jab to the body.
Soto circles away from the clinch attempt.
Samanosuke swings away with a body shot that misses
and Soto counters with a nice low kick that buckles Samanosuke's knee momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Soto lands a high kick!
Samanosuke throws a head kick that misses.
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!

Soto moves into the clinch successfully.
Soto lands a nice uppercut.
A knee to the head by Soto.
Soto looking to throw knees to the head but Samanosuke is blocking nicely.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Soto just misses with a elbow thrown towards Samanosuke's brow.
Soto landing some nice looking knees to the body.

Soto breaks from the clinch.

Soto closes the distance and clinches.
Samanosuke with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Soto tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Samanosuke tries to stall but Soto uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knees to the body from Samanosuke.
Soto looks gassed!
Samanosuke blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Soto breaks from the clinch.

Samanosuke moves into the clinch.
Soto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Soto lands with a light punch inside.
Soto lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Samanosuke is trying to break the clinch but Soto has him pressed against the cage.
Samanosuke tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Samanosuke lands a knee to the head.
Samanosuke tries to land a knee to the head but Soto blocks with his arms.
Soto looking to throw knees to the head but Samanosuke is blocking nicely.
Samanosuke tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Samanosuke looking to throw knees to the head but Soto is blocking nicely.
Samanosuke missing with knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Soto unloads a knee to the mid-section.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Soto landing knees to the body.
Samanosuke trying to land knees to the body.
A short left from Soto.
Soto tries a knee to the head but Samanosuke blocks it.
Samanosuke with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Soto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Samanosuke's defenses.
Samanosuke throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Soto blocks it with crossed arms.
Soto lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Samanosuke backwards.
Samanosuke tries to land a knee to the head but Soto blocks with his arms.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Soto breaks the clinch.
Soto misses with a wild body shot.
A head kick misses from Samanosuke.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Moa Soto will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Samanosuke misses with a jab, cross combination.
Samanosuke does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.

Soto clinches up against the cage.
Moa Soto seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Samanosuke using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Soto has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Soto.
Samanosuke trying to stall but Soto improves his position.
Soto with a knee to the head.
Soto lands an elbow just above Samanosuke 's eye.
Samanosuke misses with an elbow over the top.
Soto lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

Samanosuke is rocked!
Soto is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Soto lands an elbow just above Samanosuke 's eye.
Oh Samanosuke is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Soto's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Soto misses with a head kick.
A head kick misses from Soto.
Samanosuke seems to have got his legs back now.
Samanosuke tries a head kick but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Samanosuke throws a right and a left that Soto avoids nicely.
Soto throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Samanosuke's head.
Samanosuke lands with a slapping head kick.
Samanosuke tries to move into range but Soto moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Akechi Samanosuke is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Samanosuke bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Soto throws a head kick that misses.
Moa Soto seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Soto.
Akechi Samanosuke seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Soto tries a head kick but it misses.
Samanosuke lands with a nice combination. Soto backs away looking to recover.
Soto tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Samanosuke throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Soto swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Samanosuke fails with an attempt to clinch.
Soto misses with a head kick.
Soto throws a head kick that misses.
Samanosuke dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Soto has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Samanosuke.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Samanosuke misses with a head kick.
Samanosuke tries to clinch
and Soto counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Soto tries to keep at a distance but Samanosuke has taken the fight into the clinch.
Soto misses with a knee to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Samanosuke is trying to break free.
Samanosuke lands a knee to the head.
A short right from Soto on the inside.
Samanosuke is trying to maintain a safe position but Soto gets an underhook and turns Samanosuke into the cage.

Samanosuke breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Samanosuke tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Soto is able to avoid easily.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Soto has Samanosuke up against the cage in a clinch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Soto blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Soto tries a knee to the head but Samanosuke blocks it.
Soto dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Soto misses with a knee strike.

Soto breaks the clinch.
Soto misses with a double jab.
Samanosuke tries to clinch but Soto moves out of range.
Good work by Samanosuke as he checks the leg kick.
Soto lands a nice looking body shot.
Samanosuke misses with a wild combination.
Samanosuke throws a nice outside leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Soto gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Moa Soto will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Soto misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Soto has closed the distance and engaged Samanosuke in a clinch.
Soto working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Soto throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Samanosuke looking to throw knees to the head but Soto is blocking nicely.
Samanosuke lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Samanosuke misses with a knee strike.
Soto lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Soto avoids a wild elbow strike from Samanosuke.
Soto working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Soto comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Samanosuke missing with knees to the body.

Soto manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Soto clinches up against the cage.
Soto tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Samanosuke avoids it.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Soto in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Soto creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Soto scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Soto lands with a left to the head.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Samanosuke throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Soto blocks it with crossed arms.
Soto throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Samanosuke blocks it with crossed arms.
Soto takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Soto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Soto tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Soto on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Samanosuke throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Soto blocks it with crossed arms.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Samanosuke with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Soto managing to block the knees to the body from Samanosuke.
A knee to the head by Soto.
Soto lands a hook that snaps the head of Samanosuke backwards.
Samanosuke pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Soto blocks an elbow strike from Samanosuke.
Soto looking to throw knees to the head but Samanosuke is blocking nicely.
Soto connects with a nasty looking knee right to Samanosuke's face.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Soto lands an uppercut in the clinch that drops Samanosuke to his knees! Soto keeps firing more shots against his stricken opponent and the referee jumps in to save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:43 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Moa Soto!