BKC - Genesis PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shinji Takahara (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tim Rogers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tim Rogers has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Takahara
vs
Rogers

188 cm
18
219 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

188 cm
25
215 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shinji Takahara!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tim Rogers!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Shigeki Sano and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takahara misses with a low kick.
Takahara tries a low kick but Rogers avoids it.
Rogers takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Rogers stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Takahara.
Rogers fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Takahara avoids it really well and circles away.
Rogers fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Takahara avoids it really well and circles away.
Shinji Takahara seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Takahara is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Rogers.
Takahara fakes the leg kick and cracks Rogers in the body.
Rogers looks gassed!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Takahara scoring well with a low kick there.
Rogers takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Crunch! Takahara slams his shin into Rogers's torso.
Takahara connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Takahara fakes the leg kick and cracks Rogers in the body.
Takahara looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takahara scores with a nice body kick.
Rogers wants to clinch up but Takahara keeps it at a distance.
Takahara throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Takahara connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Takahara lands a high kick!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Takahara with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Shinji Takahara is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rogers takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Takahara throws a head kick that half lands.
Takahara lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Takahara scoring well with a low kick there.
A slapping leg kick lands for Takahara.
Takahara lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Rogers's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Takahara lands a head kick. Rogers smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
A slapping leg kick lands for Takahara.
Takahara connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rogers fails with a takedown attempt.
Shinji Takahara has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tim Rogers.
Takahara lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rogers's sensitive parts.
Takahara scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Takahara throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Rogers's head.
Rogers shoots in for a takedown but Takahara shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Nice body kick from Takahara.
Takahara throws a nice inside leg kick.
Takahara tries a head kick but it misses.
Nice sprawl there from Takahara as Rogers shoots in.
Takahara connects with a high kick.
Rogers fails with a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Takahara.
Rogers throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Takahara's waist but Takahara gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rogers off to one side.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Takahara.
A slapping leg kick lands for Takahara.
Takahara lands with a slapping head kick.
Rogers tries to clinch up but Takahara circles away and keeps his distance.
Nice takedown defense from Takahara. No joy for Rogers on that attempt.
Takahara throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Rogers fails with a takedown attempt.
Takahara plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Rogers is trying desperately to land a takedown but Takahara is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Rogers.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rogers tries for a takedown but Takahara sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Rogers takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
A head kick from Takahara lands but Rogers takes it in his stride.
Rogers throws a lazy head kick
and Takahara counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Takahara throws a nice inside leg kick.
Rogers has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Takahara.
Rogers shoots in looking for a takedown. Takahara tries to sprawl out of it but Rogers keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Takahara manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A leg kick checked by Rogers.
Takahara tries a head kick but it misses.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rogers is looking to clinch but Takahara is avoiding it.
Rogers checks a leg kick.
Rogers tries to clinch but Takahara is having none of it.
Rogers shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Takahara as he avoids it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shinji Takahara 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.

Takahara buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Takahara is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rogers can do to turn this around?
Rogers checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Rogers changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Takahara tries to avoid it but Rogers manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Takahara to the ground. Takahara escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Rogers takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Takahara throws a head kick but Rogers moves out of range.
Takahara throws a solid leg kick but Rogers takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Takahara.
Rogers blocks a low kick nicely.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with eachother but Rogers might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Takahara has got the better of the exchanges.
Takahara takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Shinji Takahara is winning the standup battle so far.
Rogers shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rogers misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Shinji Takahara has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tim Rogers.
A slapping leg kick lands for Takahara.
Takahara throws a leg kick which misses Rogers's front leg but catches the back leg as Rogers tries to avoid it.
Rogers tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Takahara.
Tim Rogers is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
No joy there for Rogers, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Takahara throws a quick inside leg kick.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Takahara - that will leave a mark!
Rogers shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Takahara pinned against the cage. Takahara gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Takahara throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Takahara lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Takahara throws a front kick that sends Rogers stumbling back into the cage.
Takahara lands a head kick!
Rogers misses with a head kick.
Takahara goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rogers swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Good leg kick by Takahara there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Takahara throws a head kick that misses.
Rogers is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A head kick misses from Takahara.
Rogers shoots in for a takedown but Takahara shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Takahara feints and then cracks Rogers's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Rogers down.
Takahara misses with a head kick.
A head kick by Rogers misses
and Takahara counters with a big head kick but Rogers shrugs it off.
Takahara fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Rogers is out of range.
Takahara fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Rogers is out of range.
Rogers lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Takahara circles away quickly and effectively.
Takahara scores with a kick to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rogers tries a head kick but it misses.
Takahara looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Good leg kick by Takahara there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Rogers fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Takahara avoids it really well and circles away.
An inside leg kick lands from Takahara.
Takahara scores with a leg kick.
Good work by Rogers as he checks the leg kick.
Takahara takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Takahara throws a sloppy head kick and Rogers moves out of range easily.
Rogers throws a head kick that misses
and Takahara counters with a slapping leg kick.
Rogers lands a jab to the nose.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rogers moves out of range of the leg kick from Takahara.
Takahara defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rogers.
Rogers stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Takahara.
Takahara leaves Rogers with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Rogers avoids the head kick by Takahara.
Horrible takedown by Rogers or perhaps it was just good defense by Takahara which made him look bad.
Rogers is looking to clinch.
Takahara lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Takahara pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Takahara stuffs the takedown.
Rogers pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Takahara throws a head kick that Rogers semi-blocks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shinji Takahara dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Takahara tries to land a leg kick but Rogers saw it coming and moves away.
Takahara chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Takahara connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Rogers tries to score a power double leg takedown but Takahara sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rogers somewhat.
A slapping leg kick lands for Takahara.
Takahara throws a nice outside leg kick.
Takahara throws a sloppy head kick and Rogers moves out of range easily.
Rogers blocks a head kick by Takahara.
Rogers looks to land a combination but Takahara avoids it well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
No luck for Rogers with that takedown attempt.
Takahara throws a nice head kick!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rogers wants to clinch up but Takahara keeps it at a distance.
Takahara keeps the fight on the outside.
A solid leg kick lands there for Takahara.
Takahara throws a nice inside leg kick.
Takahara leaves Rogers with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Shinji Takahara has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tim Rogers.
Takahara buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Takahara lands with a thumping leg kick.
Rogers throws a right and a left that Takahara avoids nicely.
Takahara thows a body kick. Rogers tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Takahara is looking to slow Rogers down with leg kicks.
Takahara throws a nice head kick!
Rogers is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Takahara goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rogers misses with a low kick.
A punch combination from Rogers misses.
Takahara moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Rogers looks for a takedown but Takahara sprawls well.
Rogers takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Rogers shoots in but no luck this time.
Takahara feints and then cracks Rogers's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Rogers down.
Takahara throws a nice inside leg kick.
Rogers tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Takahara paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Takahara connects with a solid leg kick.
Rogers misses with a takedown attempt - Takahara sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Rogers shoots in for a double leg but Takahara sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An inside leg kick lands from Takahara.
Takahara throws a head kick that Rogers semi-blocks.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Takahara 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 Rogers has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Rogers and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
No luck for Rogers with that takedown attempt.
Rogers chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Takahara can pounce on him.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rogers.
Rogers takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Takahara misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nice sprawl there from Takahara as Rogers shoots in.
Takahara lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rogers's sensitive parts.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rogers chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Takahara can pounce on him.
Takahara misses with a head kick.
Rogers tries to clinch but Takahara moves out of range.
Takahara throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rogers rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Takahara moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Rogers tries to clinch but Takahara moves out of range.
Rogers tries a head kick but it misses.
Rogers takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Takahara circles away from the clinch attempt.
Good leg kick by Takahara there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Takahara, right into the meat.
Takahara turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
An inside leg kick from Takahara misses.
Tim Rogers has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Shinji Takahara is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Takahara lands with a kick to the temple. Rogers shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

And that's the end of the fight!
Shinji Takahara showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Takahara has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 30:25
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:26
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shinji Takahara!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
77%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tyson Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and karl amoussou (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). karl amoussou is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Diaz
vs
amoussou

187 cm
23
190 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

183 cm
19
185 lbs
2 - 7 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Knockout power

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tyson Diaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, karl amoussou!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Taro Takaoka and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
amoussou is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Diaz blocks a head kick by amoussou.

Diaz changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. amoussou looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

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

Diaz working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Diaz tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Diaz has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Diaz wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by amoussou, who protects the arm well.
amoussou struggling a bit here.
amoussou is trying to strike from the bottom but Diaz has passed into full mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
amoussou is desperately trying to improve his position but Diaz has a good base and remains in mount.
amoussou is just holding on here. Diaz manages to take his back.
Diaz is not going to allow amoussou to sit and survive in this position.
amoussou really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Diaz. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Diaz has his arm under amoussou's chin here. Game over son! Diaz squeezes tightly and amoussou is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:44 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Tyson Diaz!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
79%

Undercard bout

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nobuhiko Takada (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Katsuro Sasaki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nobuhiko Takada looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Takada
vs
Sasaki

185 cm
25
227 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

200 cm
18
265 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Red Light Clothing ► Amsterdam!
MaliceStar Clothing {$7 Specials}

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, Nobuhiko Takada!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Katsuro Sasaki!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takada takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Takada could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Takada looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!

Sasaki drops Takada with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Takada looks back up at him and smiles so Sasaki waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.

It looks like Nobuhiko Takada has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sasaki drops a shoulder and throws an uppercut that cracks Takada right on the button. Takada goes down! Sasaki follows him to the mat and finishes the job with more strikes! Sasaki gets the win via TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:09 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Katsuro Sasaki!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

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

Karelin
vs
Gogul

190 cm
25
285 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

195 cm
18
280 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mstislav Karelin!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Benten Gogul!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Gogul.

Karelin shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Karelin is controlling the pace.
Karelin missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gogul trying to hold on to Karelin's head to control him but Karelin postures up.
Karelin wants to pass to mount but Gogul is defending the position.
Gogul should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
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. Karelin connects with a nice short shot to Gogul's temple.
Karelin landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Karelin throwing shots but Gogul is blocking nicely.
The fighters are battling for position here. Gogul manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Karelin controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Karelin landing with the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gogul being controlled here, momentarily.
Karelin is looking to advance position but Gogul has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Karelin tries to hold on but Gogul pushes him away.
Gogul trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Karelin is working to get back to half guard.
Karelin on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Karelin tries to get out of the position.

Gogul is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Gogul gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Karelin decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Gogul's guard.
Gogul is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Karelin dives into side control.
You can see the frustration on Gogul's face as Karelin controls the position.
Karelin throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gogul wants to get back to his feet.
Karelin working the ground and pound from side control.
Gogul looks gassed!
Gogul tries to improve position but can't.
Karelin is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Gogul's shoulder. That is not cool.
Karelin lands an elbow.
Gogul is trying to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mstislav Karelin 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.

Gogul scores with a three punch combo!
Karelin swats away the attempt to clinch by Gogul.
Gogul steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Karelin.

Karelin scores with a takedown into Gogul's guard.
Karelin trying to control the position from guard on top but Gogul is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Karelin landing some decent shots from guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Karelin accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karelin showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Karelin trying to control but Gogul is working from the bottom.
Gogul working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Karelin.
Gogul trying to control the position.
Karelin trying to control but Gogul is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Gogul working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Karelin.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Karelin accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Gogul with a poor takedown

and Karelin counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Gogul is breathing heavily.
Karelin sitting in guard here, content to control.
Gogul working a defensive guard but Karelin manages to pass into side control anyway.
Gogul is looking for a sweep.
Karelin moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karelin seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Gogul for as long as he can get away with.
Karelin working the head and body with strikes.
Karelin controlling the position from side mount.
Karelin is looking to take a break and control but Gogul is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karelin in side control lands a decent elbow.
Karelin scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Gogul to see if he's OK.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gogul seems a little lost for a moment, as Karelin dominates the positioning.
Karelin working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Karelin controls the position from side control.
Gogul is looking to regain half guard here but Karelin keeps moving and retains side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mstislav Karelin dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Karelin pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Gogul with a poor takedown

and Karelin counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Gogul pushes Karelin off looking to stand but Karelin dives back in and keeps control.
Karelin content to control rather than advance.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Karelin lands a nice short elbow.
Gogul takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Karelin lands strikes from half guard.
Karelin slips a nice elbow through Gogul's hands, connecting with Gogul's forehead.
Karelin thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Gogul's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karelin sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gogul defending well though.
Karelin looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Karelin winds up and cracks Gogul with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Gogul is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Karelin scores with a couple of nice shots.
Karelin content to control rather than advance.
Karelin scoring with strikes to the body and head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karelin looks to land a strike but Gogul avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Karelin postures up and lands a big shot to Gogul's brow.
Karelin distracts Gogul with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Gogul pushes Karelin off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Karelin throws a body punch but Gogul moves out of range.
Gogul ducks under a wild hook from Karelin.

Karelin looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Gogul!
Karelin looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karelin 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.
Gogul tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Karelin cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Gogul is looking to get to half guard.
Karelin controlling his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karelin pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Karelin prevents Gogul from getting the reversal.
Karelin lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Gogul hang on?
Karelin controlling the position easily from mount.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Karelin lands a big shot there that rocks Gogul but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mstislav Karelin clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Gogul avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Gogul defending well as Karelin loads up on a big left hand.

Karelin looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Gogul 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.
Karelin is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Gogul wants to get back to his feet but Karelin is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Gogul is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Gogul keeping full guard, as Karelin tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karelin throws and elbow that misses. Gogul uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Karelin's guard. Nice move by Gogul!
Gogul pushing down on Karelin's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Gogul is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Karelin is trying is best to control the position here.
Karelin has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Karelin is looking for a sweep. Gogul is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Karelin is pressing down on Gogul's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Karelin is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Karelin changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Gogul fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Gogul is looking to clinch.
Karelin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Karelin is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gogul can do to turn this around?
Gogul tries to clinch there but Karelin circles away.
Gogul shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Karelin counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Karelin seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gogul is looking to improve his position.
Karelin slows the pace down in half guard.
Karelin is looking to advance position but Gogul won't allow it.
Gogul keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Karelin content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Karelin is trying to control. Gogul wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Gogul pushes Karelin off and gets back to his feet.
Gogul misses with an uppercut. Karelin saw that one coming.
Gogul with a lazy takedown attempt

and Karelin counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Gogul's guard now.

Gogul working for submissions but it's allowed Karelin to get to half guard.
Karelin frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mstislav Karelin had his way with Benten Gogul in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, 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.

The fight stays on the outside here - Gogul looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Karelin throws a shot from downtown. Gogul moves away and avoids it.

Karelin shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Karelin showed some decent athleticism there.
Karelin is controlling the pace.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gogul pushes Karelin off looking to stand but Karelin dives back in and keeps control.
Gogul keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Karelin missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Karelin stops Gogul from getting back to his feet.
Gogul has hold of Karelin's hands but Karelin slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Gogul is trying to stand.
Karelin scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Karelin scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Karelin is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Karelin is nestled in close to Gogul, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Mstislav Karelin overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Karelin slows the pace down in half guard.
Gogul on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Karelin slips a nice elbow through Gogul's hands, connecting with Gogul's forehead.
Gogul on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karelin lands strikes from half guard.
Karelin takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Karelin looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Karelin lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Karelin thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Gogul's head.
Karelin takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Karelin looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Ground and pound from Karelin.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gogul makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Gogul.
Karelin controls from within his opponent's guard.
Mstislav Karelin is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mstislav Karelin showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Karelin, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 50:45
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 50:45
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mstislav Karelin!
Mstislav Karelin is the new heavyweight champion!