MLF - III PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Krauser Gotch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Eraser Heads (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Gotch
vs
Heads

188 cm
21
225 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

199 cm
26
265 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Heavy handed

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, Krauser Gotch!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Eraser Heads!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Shirou Masuda and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Heads pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Gotch back to the cage. Heads follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Heads throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Gotch.
Heads throws a nice looking combination but Gotch bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Heads goes for a double leg but Gotch avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Gotch continues to drive forward.

Gotch turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Gotch manages to end up in side control.
Gotch tries to move into full mount but can't pass Heads's legs.

Gotch looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Gotch misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

Gotch is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Heads has escaped the position, nice work there.
Heads is not content to let Gotch control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gotch is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Heads knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Heads is trying to get back to his feet.
Heads is trying to get back to half guard.
Gotch wants to lay and pray for a moment but Heads keeps working.

Gotch looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Gotch is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Heads knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gotch tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Heads is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Gotch lands a few punches from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gotch trying to control the position but Heads is working away.

Gotch tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
You can see the frustration on Heads's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
A lull in the action here as Gotch stalls from top position.
Heads parries the strikes from Gotch easily there. Gotch is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Heads to escape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotch has knee on belly momentarily but Heads bucks him off and regains half guard.
Gotch trying to control from half guard but Heads is working away.
Gotch thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Heads's head.
Gotch is trying to control the action in half guard but Heads is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Gotch looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Gotch throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Heads is positioning himself well to prevent Gotch advancing to mount.
Heads is trying to stand up here but Gotch is controlling him well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gotch trying to mount his opponent but Heads defends it.
Heads tries to get to full guard but Gotch has control of the leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Heads lands with a nice combination. Gotch backs away looking to recover.
No luck for Heads with that takedown attempt.
A right-left combo lands from Heads.

Gotch looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Heads blocking the ground and pound attempt from Gotch.
Heads avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gotch.
Heads avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gotch.

Gotch is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Heads doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gotch.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gotch trying to control the action but Heads is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gotch is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Gotch wants to take Heads's back but he can't do it this time.
Heads wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Gotch.
Gotch punching from mount but Heads doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Gotch has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Gotch unloading with bombs!

Gotch is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Heads has managed to escape the submission attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Heads is squirming around, avoiding Gotch's attempts to control the action.
Gotch seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Heads is holding on tight.
Gotch can't control as he wanted to and Heads manages to get the fight back to his half guard.
Gotch wants to pass to mount but Heads is defending the position.
Nice strikes from Gotch there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gotch not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Gotch throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gotch wants to pass to mount but Heads is defending the position.
Heads really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Gotch. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Gotch missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Gotch stalling.
Heads is refusing to be controlled, as Gotch sits in half guard.

Heads is defending against the submission attempts here by Gotch.
Heads is refusing to be controlled, as Gotch sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotch thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Gotch is looking for a kimura here.
Gotch is looking to advance position but Heads won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Krauser Gotch dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Heads defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Gotch.
Gotch shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Heads defends it nicely.
Heads misses with a series of wild punches.
Heads lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Gotch circles away quickly and effectively.
Heads throws a series of punches but Gotch avoids them all with ease.
Heads displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Gotch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Krauser Gotch. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Heads misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Heads closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Gotch to the mat! Gotch manages to get full guard.
Gotch 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.
Gotch might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Heads tries to free his leg and advance position but Gotch is retaining full guard.
Gotch manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Heads can't escape the position.

Gotch looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Gotch forces the positional change into back control.

Heads preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Gotch.
Heads covering up well and avoiding damage.
Eraser Heads has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Heads holding both Gotch 's hands and preventing any damage.

Gotch working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Heads is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Heads takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Gotch is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Heads knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Heads for a finish.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gotch looking for the choke from the back.

Heads is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Gotch gets his way!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
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!

Gotch has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Heads has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Gotch is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Heads can do to turn this around?

Gotch is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Heads is defending well though. Gotch let's go of the attempt for now.

Gotch is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Heads with him. Heads is trying to defend but Gotch has an arm under the chin now! Heads grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Krauser Gotch!
Krauser Gotch seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jaddie Sedfenor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tai Yang (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sedfenor's entrance music is graveyard symphony. A fine choice. Tai Yang struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 147.0lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Tai Yang looks lathargic as he enters the arena. Wake up son, you're about to have a fight!

Sedfenor
vs
Yang

170 cm
35
155 lbs
13 - 13 - 1

180 cm
25
150 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Experienced

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Tends to cut

Just Fight (Everything 7$)

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 13 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Jaddie Sedfenor!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tai Yang!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Yuuki Gou and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sedfenor slips under a jab from Yang.
Yang looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Sedfenor.
Yang tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Sedfenor manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Yang closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Sedfenor is looking to control Yang's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Sedfenor avoid being mounted?
Sedfenor is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Sedfenor looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Sedfenor looking for submissions off his back.

Sedfenor is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Yang pulls his head out easily.
We've been hearing good reports from Sedfenor's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sedfenor wants to get back to his feet.
Yang throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Sedfenor pushes Yang off looking to stand but Yang dives back in and keeps control.
Sedfenor is not content to let Yang control the position.
Yang really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sedfenor. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Sedfenor trying to control but Yang postures up.

Sedfenor is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Yang pulls his head out easily.
Sedfenor is looking to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yang takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Yang wants to control but Sedfenor is keeping him busy.

Sedfenor is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Yang pulls his head out easily.
Yang prevents Sedfenor from improving his position.

Sedfenor looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Sedfenor is looking to escape.
Yang tries to pass the half guard into mount. Sedfenor knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Sedfenor is working on a guillotine. He's managed to get to full guard and he's really squeezing tight! Yang is tapping! Great win for Sedfenor!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Jaddie Sedfenor!
Post fight, an emotional Jaddie Sedfenor said 'i will rise again. . . .'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
38%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kale Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ryuu Matsumoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cruz comes to the cage accompanied by Welcome to the Jungle. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Cruz
vs
Matsumoto

168 cm
40
163 lbs
40 - 28 - 0

175 cm
40
159 lbs
26 - 1 - 0

Great wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 40 - 28 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kale Cruz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ryuu Matsumoto!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Hirohito Nitta and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Matsumoto slips a straight right by Cruz.
Cruz has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Cruz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cruz scores with a crisp jab that stopped Matsumoto in his tracks.
Cruz fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Matsumoto looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Cruz bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Matsumoto's head.
Cruz lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matsumoto fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cruz manages to avoid it.
Cruz scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Matsumoto shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Cruz is trying to defend but Matsumoto finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Matsumoto not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Cruz moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Cruz utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsumoto is looking to work some ground and pound but Cruz has wrist control.
Matsumoto passes Cruz's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Cruz wants to control but Matsumoto is keeping busy.

Matsumoto is trying to work for a kimura but Cruz is defending well.
Matsumoto wants to free his trapped foot but Cruz is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Matsumoto is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Cruz is just riding it out for now. Matsumoto eventually gives up the hold.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cruz is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Matsumoto's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Matsumoto's back!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto tries to escape the position.
Matsumoto is trying to remain composed but Cruz is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Cruz is looking to finish with some ground and pound!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Matsumoto staying busy and making it hard for Cruz to control.
Cruz controlling well, preventing Matsumoto from escaping the position.
Cruz scores with some strikes to the side of the head there. Good, points scoring shots.

Matsumoto is rocked!
Cruz connects with a couple of big shots that have Matsumoto covering up! Oh, this looks bad for Matsumoto! Cruz fires away with several more unanswered shots and the referee has no choice but to step in! This one is aaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kale Cruz!
Kale Cruz is the new lightweight champion!
Kale Cruz 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
76%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Hendricks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bolt Pistorius (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). John Hendricks has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Hendricks
vs
Pistorius

185 cm
26
203 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

155 cm
18
206 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
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 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, John Hendricks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Bolt Pistorius!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Kenichi Hosakawa and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hendricks blocks a jab.
Pistorius looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Pistorius looks to land a left hand but Hendricks moved out of range nicely.

Hendricks is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Pistorius's half guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Hendricks connects with a nice short shot to Pistorius's temple.
Pistorius is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Hendricks scores with a couple of nice shots.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hendricks passes to full mount!
Hendricks putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
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!
Hendricks is landing with some decent strikes but Pistorius is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Pistorius looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
BOOM! Hendricks connects with a massive shot to the dome!

Pistorius is rocked!
Hendricks postures up and throws a big right hand. BOOM! Right on the button! Pistorius is out cold - huge knockout for Hendricks!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:52 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). John Hendricks!
An out of breath John Hendricks thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

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 welterweight MMA rules bout between Ken Masters (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shinji Kagawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ken Masters has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Masters
vs
Kagawa

176 cm
25
170 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

170 cm
26
182 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Experienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

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 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ken Masters !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shinji Kagawa!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Masters changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

Kagawa takes the fight into the clinch.
Kagawa tries to pull guard but Masters won't allow it.

Kagawa gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Kagawa looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

Kagawa is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Masters is just riding it out for now. Kagawa eventually gives up the hold.
Kagawa is looking to advance position but Masters won't allow it.
Kagawa is thwarting Masters 's attempts to control the position.
Kagawa trying to control the action but Masters is working from the bottom.
Kagawa controlling the action here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masters controlling the position well.
Masters has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Kagawa sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Masters defending well though.
Masters is in trouble now - Kagawa has advanced to mount!
Kagawa trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Masters defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Kagawa.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kagawa looking to control but Masters is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masters in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Kagawa misses with a head shot.
Masters in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Masters tries to lock up and control but Kagawa gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Kagawa swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Masters is now in Kagawa's guard. A big mistake from Kagawa there, giving up the dominant position!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Masters won't allow Kagawa to sweep him here.
Masters in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masters trying to control the position from guard on top but Kagawa is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Kagawa is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Kagawa working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Masters .

Kagawa looking for a guillotine here but Masters defends easily.
Kagawa utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Kagawa looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Masters trying to control but Kagawa is working from the bottom.
Kagawa working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Masters .
Masters postures up.

Kagawa looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Masters working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kagawa had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Masters defends it easily.
Masters trying to control the position from guard on top but Kagawa is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Masters accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Masters got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kagawa has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Masters has managed to get both his arms back between Kagawa's legs - danger averted.
Masters trying to control the position from guard on top but Kagawa is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kagawa working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Masters .
Masters knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kagawa on the ground.
Masters wants to stand and escape but instead Kagawa has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kagawa has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Masters is proving hard to escape from.
Masters controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shinji Kagawa dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kagawa tries to close the distance and clinch but Masters swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kagawa fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kagawa tries to clinch up
and Masters cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

It looks like Shinji Kagawa has been cut.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kagawa is defended easily by Masters .
Masters connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Kagawa's hands.
Good standup being displayed there by Masters as he connects with a hook.
Kagawa fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Masters getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
No luck for Kagawa with that takedown attempt.
Ken Masters has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Kagawa.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masters scores with a head kick. Kagawa tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Kagawa tries to clinch there but Masters circles away.
Kagawa tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Masters manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Masters is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Masters connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kagawa tries for a takedown but Masters circles away easily
and Masters connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
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!
Kagawa shoots in looking for a takedown but Masters manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kagawa's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Kagawa is breathing heavily.
Kagawa fails with an attempt to clinch.
Shinji Kagawa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kagawa goes for a double leg but Masters avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Masters continues to drive forward.

Masters breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kagawa has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kagawa.
Nice uppercut there from Masters .
A cross from Masters lands.
Masters lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Masters clobbers Kagawa with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kagawa shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Masters sprawls well. Masters wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kagawa gets slowly back to his feet.
Ken Masters is winning the standup battle so far.
Masters lands with a shot to the body.
Masters connects with a leg kick. Kagawa looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Kagawa on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Ken Masters is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masters lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

That has opened up Shinji Kagawa's cut even more.
Masters uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Kagawa doesn't manage to clinch there - Masters circles away.
Kagawa on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Masters throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kagawa takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kagawa takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
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!

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

Kagawa is rocked!
Masters scores with a jab to the head.
Kagawa is still on wobbly legs! Can Masters finish him?

The cut above Shinji Kagawa's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
A head kick by Kagawa misses
and Masters counters with a huge left! Kagawa is in big trouble! He's backing up but Masters isn't giving him chance to recover. Under a barage of punches the ref has to step in to save Kagawa from any more damage. A dominating finish by Masters !

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:50 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ken Masters !
Ken Masters gave a mention to Bushido Fuku in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
44%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Alan Cobra (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sang Min The Flash (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sang Min The Flash is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Cobra
vs
Min The Flash

188 cm
37
250 lbs
21 - 12 - 1

195 cm
31
290 lbs
16 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

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 21 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Alan Cobra!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Sang Min The Flash!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cobra getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

It looks like Sang Min The Flash has been cut.
A jab from The Flash misses.
The Flash throws a nice looking combination but Cobra bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
The Flash connects with a good right hand that stumbles Cobra. Cobra circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
The Flash misses with a kick to the body.
Alan Cobra seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cobra slips a jab from The Flash.
The Flash pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cobra is out of range and The Flash settles back down.
The Flash scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
We've been told by Cobra's head coaches at Xtreme Punishment that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cobra throws a sloppy head kick and The Flash moves out of range easily.
The Flash scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cobra in his tracks.
Cobra stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from The Flash.
The Flash with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Cobra takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Cobra walks into a straight right hand from The Flash.
Cobra cracks a nice hook into The Flash's ribs.
The Flash throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The Flash throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The Flash looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A jab from Cobra misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The Flash fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Cobra looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Cobra takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Cobra is breathing heavily.
The Flash wants to slow Cobra down by chopping away at his legs.
Cobra looks to land a right hand but The Flash moved out of range.
Cobra takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The Flash throws a right hand that Cobra ducks under and follows up with a left that Cobra also avoids with ease.
A jab from The Flash does it's job there.

Cobra is rocked!
I'm just looking down at my notes here and I see that.... oh! The Flash has cracked Cobra with a big right, followed by a left! He's out on his feet! The Flash lands another huge swinging hook and Cobra tumbles to the canvas! The ref dives in to save Cobra, before The Flash can land any more shots!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Sang Min The Flash!
Sang Min The Flash bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dong Chim (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Buster Cherry (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cherry has chosen Busters Back as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Chim
vs
Cherry

190 cm
36
250 lbs
18 - 17 - 0

199 cm
37
279 lbs
26 - 16 - 1

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
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 18 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dong Chim!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 16 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Buster Cherry!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Chim doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Cherry connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Chim darts in looking for a takedown but Cherry gets double underhooks and turns Chim into the cage.
Chim swings wildly with an uppercut but Cherry uses good head movement to avoid it.

Cherry breaks the clinch.
Chim looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dong Chim. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Chim shoots in but Cherry avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Chim is defended easily by Cherry.
Cherry throws a leg kick but Chim checks it.
Chim has a takedown stuffed.
Chim has his takedown stuffed
and Cherry counters with a leg kick.
Cherry tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Chim gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Cherry counters with a good low kick that Chim was not able to check.
Chim is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Chim looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Cherry is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Cherry looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cherry is on top in guard.
Cherry won't allow Chim to sweep him here.
Cherry in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Cherry trying to control the position from guard on top but Chim is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cherry throws a strike but Chim rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
We've been hearing good reports from Chim's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cherry seems keen to control Chim's posture.
Chim trying to control the position from guard on top but Cherry is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Chim tries to free his leg and advance position but Cherry is retaining full guard.
Cherry is looking to stand up but Chim isn't so interested in that idea.

Cherry had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Chim defends it easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Chim trying to control but Cherry is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cherry is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Chim is not content to let Cherry control the position.
Chim tries to roll over but Cherry keeps him under control.
Cherry wants to lay and pray for a moment but Chim keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chim moves into full guard.
Cherry throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Chim works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Chim looking for a sweep. Not yet Chim, not yet.
Cherry throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Cherry wants to control from the top but Chim keeps moving.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Chim 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Chim has his takedown stuffed
and Cherry counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Chim thinking.
Chim fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Chim fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dong Chim. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Chim fails with the takedown
and Cherry counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Dong Chim seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cherry defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Chim.
Cherry connects with an inside leg kick.
Cherry looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Chim is fending him off so far but Cherry persists. Nope, Chim circles away and we're back to standing.
Cherry swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Chim.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cherry tried to score with a low kick but Chim checks it.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Cherry.
The referee asks Cherry politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cherry prefers to stall for the moment though.
Cherry tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee asks Cherry politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cherry prefers to stall for the moment though.
Cherry works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Cherry is looking to take a break and control but Chim is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Chim regains half guard.
Chim is refusing to be controlled, as Cherry sits in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cherry trying to advance position but Chim counters by regaining guard.
Chim wants to sweep here but Cherry controlling him for the moment.
Chim controlling the position.
Chim can't keep his opponent in guard - Cherry advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Chim throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Chim wants to improve his position but Cherry is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chim avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Cherry.
Chim keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Buster Cherry has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cherry thows a huge punch but Chim dodges it nicely.
Cherry is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Chim wants to control but Cherry is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Cherry not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Cherry is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cherry is looking to stall here but Chim recovers full guard.
Chim is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Chim is looking for a kimura here.
Cherry tries to get to full guard but Chim has control of the leg.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Chim is keen to just control but Cherry is a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Buster Cherry showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Chim shoots for a takedown but Cherry saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Nice takedown defense from Cherry. No joy for Chim on that attempt.

Chim throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Cherry tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Chim is in Cherry's guard.
Cherry trying to control the position.
Our spies down at at Saboteur's Playground inform us that Cherry has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Chim sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cherry keeping full guard, as Chim tries to pass.
Chim passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Chim advances nicely into full mount.
Chim tries to control but Cherry wriggling away.
Poor strikes thrown by Chim there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cherry working to try and regain half guard.
Chim in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Chim throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Chim controlling the position easily from mount.
Cherry tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Chim punishing his opponent with strikes.
Cherry in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cherry takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chim controlling the pace for now.
Chim looking to control but Cherry is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Cherry is wriggling around trying to escape.
Chim with the ground and pound from mount.
Chim connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Cherry slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Chim is trying to control. Cherry wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chim is just content to waste time from the top position. Cherry takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Cherry keeping moving, preventing Chim from controlling successfully.
Chim is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Cherry is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Dong Chim.
Chim fails with the takedown
and Cherry counters with a stiff right hand.

Chim is rocked!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dong Chim. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Cherry shoots in for a takedown. He's got it... He's hoisted his opponent over his head and is carrying him over to the other end of the mat. The crowd roars in approval and Cherry slams his opponent to the mat. OH, that is naaaaaasty! He's out! Cherry lands a punch to his unconscious victim for good measure before the ref has time to call the fight.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:39 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Slam). Buster Cherry!
In his post fight interview, Buster Cherry started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
79%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Akira Ishikawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Steamboat (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ishikawa comes to the cage accompanied by mindshift genki sudo. Akira Ishikawa has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Ishikawa
vs
Steamboat

150 cm
34
147 lbs
33 - 18 - 0

178 cm
31
150 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Kemists ↑ 5x160Q

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 33 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Akira Ishikawa!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ricky Steamboat!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Yuuki Gou and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Steamboat tries to clinch up but Ishikawa circles away and keeps his distance.
Ishikawa rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Steamboat moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Steamboat attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Ishikawa throws a right and a left that both miss.
A looping hook to the body misses from Steamboat. Ishikawa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ishikawa is looking to land body kicks.
A head kick by Ishikawa misses
and Steamboat counters with a slapping leg kick.
We've been hearing reports that Ishikawa has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Ishikawa fails with an attempt to clinch.
Steamboat takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Ishikawa tries a head kick but it misses.
Ishikawa throws a series of punches but Steamboat moves out of range.
A head kick by Ishikawa misses
and Steamboat counters with an inside leg kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Steamboat. That's going to slow Ishikawa down.
Ishikawa throws a combination that misses
and Steamboat counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steamboat scores with a kick to the body.
Steamboat's corner calls for a 1-2. Steamboat obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Steamboat connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Ishikawa momentarily.

Steamboat gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Ishikawa working aggressively here.
Steamboat misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ishikawa blocks a body shot from Steamboat.

Ishikawa breaks the clinch.
Ishikawa misses with a leg kick

and Steamboat counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Ishikawa breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ishikawa punishes Steamboat's body with a nice straight punch.
Ishikawa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Steamboat.
Ishikawa swinging wildly here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
No joy there for Ishikawa, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Ishikawa can pounce on him.
Ishikawa throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ishikawa throws a leg kick
and Steamboat counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Ishikawa throws a right and a left that both miss.
Ishikawa misses with the combination.
Steamboat blocks a head kick by Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Steamboat counters with an outside leg kick.
Steamboat on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Steamboat jabs at Ishikawa's body.
Steamboat with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat with a nice cross.

It looks like Akira Ishikawa has been cut.
Ishikawa has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Steamboat finds it's way round the side to connect with Ishikawa's head.
Akira Ishikawa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Steamboat lands a jab to Ishikawa's midsection.
Ishikawa moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Steamboat avoids the body shot from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Steamboat moves away.
Ishikawa throws a leg kick but Steamboat sees it coming and moves out of range.
Ishikawa misses with a jab, cross combination.
Steamboat jabs Ishikawa right on the nose. Ishikawa blinks but takes it well.
Ishikawa rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Steamboat moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A head kick misses from Ishikawa.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Steamboat is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice uppercut lands for Steamboat. That snapped Ishikawa's head back.
Ishikawa throws a head kick that misses.
Steamboat swings for the body but Ishikawa moves out of range.
Ishikawa throws a head kick but Steamboat moves out of range.
Ishikawa misses with a wild combination.
Ishikawa misses with a body punch
and Steamboat counters with an inside leg kick.
Steamboat connects with an inside leg kick.
Steamboat keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Steamboat fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ishikawa on the side of the head.
Ishikawa throws a right hand that misses
and Steamboat counters with a nice leg kick.
Ishikawa needs to keep his hands up - Steamboat had a free shot at his head there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Steamboat dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Akira Ishikawa's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Sloppy strikes from Steamboat. Those never looked like landing.
Ishikawa misses with a straight left.
Ishikawa connects with a leg kick. Steamboat looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Ishikawa throws a push kick but Steamboat slaps the foot to one side.
Ishikawa looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Steamboat connects with a body shot that sends Ishikawa's belly button to the back.
Ishikawa throws a lazy head kick
and Steamboat counters with a nice uppercut.
Ishikawa throws a body punch but Steamboat moves out of range.
Ishikawa is looking to wear down Steamboat with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Steamboat lands a head shot.
Steamboat throws a head kick that Ishikawa semi-blocks.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ishikawa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Steamboat.
Ishikawa throws a lazy head kick
and Steamboat connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steamboat scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ishikawa throws an off balance right hand
and Steamboat counters with a nice body shot.
Ishikawa misses with a wild body shot.
Ishikawa throws a sloppy head kick
and Steamboat connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Akira Ishikawa's cut is getting worse.

Ishikawa fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Steamboat, pushing him back against the cage.
Ishikawa's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Ishikawa lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Ishikawa controlling the action here for a moment.
Ishikawa is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Steamboat.
Steamboat is working Ishikawa over against the cage.
Ishikawa pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Steamboat digs a right hand into Ishikawa's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Ishikawa's gas tank.
Steamboat scores with a shoulder strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Steamboat misses with a punch to the body.
Ishikawa tries a knee to the head but Steamboat blocks it.
A left hand lands to the body for Steamboat.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Steamboat lands a right hand that snaps the head of Ishikawa backwards.
A right handed body shot lands from Steamboat.
Steamboat lands with a left to the head.
Steamboat makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Steamboat misses with a punch to the body.
Steamboat misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Steamboat tries to throw a body punch but Ishikawa avoids it by throwing Steamboat back against the cage.
Steamboat blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Steamboat working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Steamboat lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Ishikawa.
Ishikawa misses with a knee strike.
Ishikawa takes an elbow to the temple.
Steamboat lands an elbow inside that Ishikawa shrugs off.
Ishikawa pushes off an throws an elbow but Steamboat leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Ishikawa looking to throw knees to the head but Steamboat is blocking nicely.
Steamboat lands a left hand that snaps the head of Ishikawa backwards.
Ishikawa throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Steamboat blocks it with crossed arms.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Ishikawa is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Ishikawa prevents a body shot from Steamboat.
Steamboat throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Ishikawas head.
Ishikawa trying to control the position but instead, Steamboat has worked for underhooks and has pushed Ishikawa into the cage.
A short body shot lands from Steamboat as the two fighters clinch.
Steamboat stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Ishikawa is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Steamboat is keeping busy.
Steamboat looking to stall.
Ishikawa throws a punch but it's blocked by Steamboat.
A head punch on the inside from Steamboat fails to land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa lands an elbow just above Steamboat 's eye.
A short right from Steamboat on the inside.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Steamboat avoiding damage.
Steamboat gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
A head punch on the inside from Steamboat fails to land.
Steamboat is working Ishikawa over against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ishikawa tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Steamboat avoids it.
Steamboat has Ishikawa pushed against the cage.
Steamboat doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Ishikawa stalling in the clinch but Steamboat improves position.
A shot in the inside from Steamboat.
Ishikawa pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Steamboat tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A bit of stalling here from Steamboat.
Ishikawa throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ishikawa is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Nice body punch from Steamboat - that landed with a thud.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Steamboat showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Akira Ishikawa's cut.
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.

Steamboat lands a slapping body shot.
Steamboat is looking to chop away at Ishikawa's legs.
A punch combination from Ishikawa misses.
Steamboat 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.
Steamboat connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A punch combination from Ishikawa misses.
Steamboat throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Ishikawa.
Ishikawa misses with a few strikes there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Steamboat lands with a cross.
Steamboat lands with a thumping leg kick.
Ishikawa pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ishikawa moves in looking to clinch but Steamboat pushes him off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ishikawa looks to throw a body kick
and Steamboat makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Ishikawa throws a series of punches but Steamboat moves out of range.
Ishikawa throws a hook but Steamboat avoids it easily.
Steamboat turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Steamboat lands a nice shot to the body.
Steamboat bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Steamboat scores with a jab to the jaw.
Steamboat has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Ishikawa lands a nice leg kick that just misses Steamboat's sensitive parts.
Steamboat fails to land with a series of punches.
Ishikawa uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Steamboat.
Akira Ishikawa is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
An inside leg kick lands from Steamboat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa throws a leg kick but Steamboat moved away.
Steamboat connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Steamboat catches Ishikawa with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Ishikawa throws a left and a right that both miss
and Steamboat makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Ishikawa throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A head kick by Ishikawa misses
and Steamboat counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Ishikawa throws a half hearted mid kick.
Ishikawa throws a head kick that misses
and Steamboat cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Steamboat throws out a powerful jab.
Steamboat moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A left lands for Steamboat.
Ishikawa fails to land with a series of punches.
Ishikawa pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Steamboat dodges the punch combination from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa wants to clinch.
Ishikawa is looking to clinch but Steamboat is avoiding it.
Ishikawa throws a head kick but Steamboat moves out of range.
Ishikawa misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head kick by Ishikawa misses
and Steamboat counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Steamboat has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Ishikawa throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Steamboat.
Steamboat scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Ishikawa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Steamboat was well out of range. Poor timing from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa misses with a few strikes there.
Steamboat lands a head shot.

Akira Ishikawa's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Steamboat wants to clinch.
Steamboat stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Steamboat cracks Ishikawa with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricky Steamboat really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Akira Ishikawa's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Steamboat gets tackled into the cage by Ishikawa. Ishikawa maintains the clinch.
Ricky Steamboat seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Steamboat lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Ishikawa.
Ishikawa can't break the clinch.
Steamboat prevents Ishikawa from breaking the clinch.
Steamboat keeps control of Ishikawa as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Steamboat misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ishikawa blocks an uppercut.
Ishikawa has a couple of punches blocked by Steamboat.
Steamboat blocks an elbow strike from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa wants to stall.
Steamboat stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Steamboat lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Steamboat throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Ishikawa is trying to force a seperation but Steamboat has the dominant position.

Ishikawa manages to break the clinch.
Ishikawa tries to clinch up
and Steamboat counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Steamboat moves into the clinch.
Steamboat lands a left hand that snaps the head of Ishikawa backwards.
Steamboat tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ishikawa's elbow.
Steamboat lands an elbow inside that Ishikawa shrugs off.
Ishikawa tries to work over Steamboat's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Steamboat fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Steamboat breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Steamboat checks the leg kick.
Steamboat keeps the fight on the outside.
Ishikawa throws a lazy right hand but Steamboat sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ishikawa fakes the leg kick and cracks Steamboat in the body.
Ishikawa takes a swing at Steamboat's ribcage but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa avoids the head kick by Steamboat.
Steamboat takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Ishikawa misses with a hook.
A bone on bone clash there as Ishikawa blocks the leg kick.
Steamboat checks a low kick from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Steamboat circles away quickly and effectively.
Steamboat blocks a head kick by Ishikawa.
Steamboat throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
A head kick misses from Ishikawa.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Steamboat scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Ishikawa takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat throws a sloppy head kick and Ishikawa moves out of range easily.
Ishikawa looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ishikawa is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Steamboat's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Steamboat getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Ishikawa misses with a jab, cross combination.
Ishikawa throws a right and a left that Steamboat avoids nicely.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Steamboat tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ishikawa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Steamboat moves away.
Ishikawa lands a nice shot to the body.
Ishikawa tries to close the distance and clinch but Steamboat swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Steamboat lands a jab to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Steamboat throws a head kick that half lands.
Ishikawa throws a nice head kick!
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!
Ishikawa throws a leg kick
and Steamboat cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ishikawa throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Steamboat pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Steamboat with a hook.
Ishikawa misses with a few strikes there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ishikawa fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Steamboat checks it well.
Steamboat uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ishikawa.
Ishikawa looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Ishikawa misses with an uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Ricky Steamboat will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Akira Ishikawa's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Ishikawa throws a lazy head kick
and Steamboat counters with a one-two to the body.
Ishikawa throws a lazy head kick

and Steamboat counters by moving into the clinch.
Steamboat lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Steamboat comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Ishikawa tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Steamboat avoids it.
A hook to the body from Steamboat.
Ishikawa working hard to break the clinch.
Ishikawa blocks an uppercut.
Steamboat lands a body shot.
Steamboat tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ishikawa's elbow.
A nice left hand lands by Ishikawa.
Steamboat wants to stall.
Steamboat has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. So far he's outscoring his opponent in the clinch so it seems to have been worthwhile.
Steamboat tries a body shot but Ishikawa blocks it.
Ishikawa prevents a body shot from Steamboat.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steamboat avoiding damage.
Steamboat misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ishikawa avoids the elbow strike from Steamboat, against the cage.
Ishikawa takes an elbow to the forehead.
Steamboat misses with a punch to the body.

Ishikawa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ishikawa throws a leg kick that is checked
and Steamboat counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ishikawa misses with a head kick.
Steamboat is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ishikawa throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ishikawa throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Steamboat's head.
Steamboat lands a jab to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steamboat takes a swing at Ishikawa's ribcage but misses.
Ishikawa throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Steamboat digs a good body shot into Ishikawa's ribs.
Some wild striking there from Ishikawa.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ishikawa closes the distance looking to clinch
and Steamboat counters with a nice low kick that buckles Ishikawa's knee momentarily.
Steamboat misses with an attempted mid kick.
Steamboat feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Ishikawa's calf.
Ishikawa throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa throws a sloppy head kick
and Steamboat counters with a thumping low kick.
Ishikawa tries to clinch up
and Steamboat counters with an outside leg kick.
Steamboat fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Ishikawa pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Steamboat blocks the body kick.
Ishikawa tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ishikawa will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Ishikawa fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Steamboat on the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Akira Ishikawa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ishikawa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ishikawa throws a right and a left that both miss.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Steamboat lands a lovely overhand right.
Ishikawa avoids the head kick by Steamboat.
A head kick misses from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa fails to land with a series of punches.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ishikawa looks to throw a body kick
and Steamboat counters with a body kick that stops Ishikawa in his tracks momentarily.
Ishikawa lands a head kick!
Ricky Steamboat is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Ishikawa throws a leg kick
enabling Steamboat to counter with a crisp jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ricky Steamboat comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Steamboat has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 45:50
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 45:50
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ricky Steamboat! Ricky Steamboat retains his featherweight title!