PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Francis Fitzpatrick (ranked 199 p4p, 26 weight class) and Toshi Hijikata (ranked 84 p4p, 10 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Fitzpatrick
vs
Hijikata

180 cm
33
165 lbs
31 - 19 - 2

178 cm
31
159 lbs
23 - 9 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

PWNAGE

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
HELLS BALLS RECOVERY

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 31 - 19 - 2, fighting out of Amsterdam, Francis Fitzpatrick!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 9 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Toshi Hijikata!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Donald Grub and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hijikata swings for the body but Fitzpatrick moves out of range.
Fitzpatrick doesn't manage to clinch there - Hijikata circles away.
Fitzpatrick throws a series of strikes that have Hijikata backpedaling.

It looks like Toshi Hijikata has been cut.
Hijikata misses with a straight left.
Fitzpatrick is looking to clinch but Hijikata is avoiding it.
A telegraphed right hand from Fitzpatrick misses the target.
Fitzpatrick checks a low kick from Hijikata.
Hijikata lands with a nice body kick.
Hijikata misses with a shot to the body
and Fitzpatrick counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Hijikata thumps Fitzpatrick with a low kick.
Fitzpatrick jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hijikata dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Fitzpatrick. That did some damage!
Hijikata connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Hijikata fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Fitzpatrick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Fitzpatrick lands a jab to Hijikata's midsection.
Hijikata goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Fitzpatrick is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Fitzpatrick lands a really nice looking cross but Hijikata seems unphased.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Fitzpatrick pushes Hijikata up against the cage in a clinch.
Fitzpatrick comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Our sources have told us that Fitzpatrick has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Fitzpatrick throws an elbow but it misses.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Fitzpatrick blocking some punches.
A right hook to the body lands for Fitzpatrick.
Hijikata tries to stall but Fitzpatrick uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Hijikata's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hijikata lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A short uppercut from Hijikata.
Fitzpatrick taking a breather.
Hijikata tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Fitzpatrick's elbow.
Hijikata looking to slow down the pace here.
Fitzpatrick blocks a body shot from Hijikata.
Hijikata misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Hijikata fails to land.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hijikata.
Hijikata throws a punch but it's blocked by Fitzpatrick.
Hijikata tries to stall but Fitzpatrick uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick misses with a punch to the body.
Fitzpatrick lands a nice shot to the body.
Hijikata tries to stall but Fitzpatrick uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Fitzpatrick working aggressively here.
Fitzpatrick misses with a punch to the body.
Hijikata scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Fitzpatrick throws a punch but it's blocked by Hijikata.
Fitzpatrick throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hijikatas head.
Hijikata looking to stall.
Fitzpatrick scores with a shoulder strike.
Fitzpatrick blocks an uppercut.
Hijikata scores with a shoulder strike.
Fitzpatrick blocks a body shot from Hijikata.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick effectively controlling the action here.
A short uppercut from Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick lands a right hand.
Hijikata lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Fitzpatrick backwards.
Fitzpatrick swings wildly with an uppercut but Hijikata uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hijikata scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hijikata dodges an elbow strike from Fitzpatrick.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Fitzpatrick.
Hijikata is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Hijikata tries a body shot but Fitzpatrick blocks it.
Fitzpatrick misses with a hook to the ribs.
Fitzpatrick blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Fitzpatrick as Hijikata tries to tie him up.
A short body shot lands from Hijikata as the two fighters clinch.
Fitzpatrick stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Hijikata wants to stall.
Fitzpatrick looking to stall.
Hijikata looking to slow down the pace here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick pushes off an throws an elbow but Hijikata leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Hijikata scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hijikata scores with a hook to the body.
Fitzpatrick lands a damaging elbow.
Hijikata lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Fitzpatrick throws an elbow that misses.
Fitzpatrick lands a hook that snaps the head of Hijikata backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Hijikata looking to slow down the pace here.
Fitzpatrick tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hijikata's elbow.
Fitzpatrick tries to work over Hijikata's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Hijikata doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A bit of stalling here from Hijikata.
Fitzpatrick misses with some punches.
Fitzpatrick blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hijikata tries to work over Fitzpatrick's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hijikata softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Francis Fitzpatrick will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Toshi Hijikata's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Fitzpatrick misses with a jab to the body
and Hijikata counters with a thumping low kick.
Hijikata blocks a low kick nicely.
Hijikata walks into a straight right hand from Fitzpatrick.
Hijikata fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Fitzpatrick on the side of the head.
The fighters circling - Fitzpatrick throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hijikata chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Fitzpatrick pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A jab from Hijikata misses.
Fitzpatrick doesn't manage to clinch there - Hijikata circles away.
Hijikata throws a big shot that misses.
Fitzpatrick swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fitzpatrick walks into a left hand.
Hijikata circles away from the clinch attempt.
Fitzpatrick chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hijikata can pounce on him.
Fitzpatrick swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Hijikata tries to move into range but Fitzpatrick moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick looks to clinch
and Hijikata finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Hijikata just misses with a punch to the body.
Fitzpatrick scores with a jab to the head.
Fitzpatrick takes one to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Hijikata.

Fitzpatrick clinches up against the cage.
Fitzpatrick creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Hijikata has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Fitzpatrick seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Hijikata can turn it around.
Fitzpatrick lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hijikata backwards.
Hijikata's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Hijikata prevents a body shot from Fitzpatrick.
Hijikata misses with a punch to the body.
Hijikata lands an uppercut.
Francis Fitzpatrick has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Fitzpatrick lands a nice elbow.
Hijikata is stalling here.
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!
The referee is keeping an eye on Hijikata - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata digs a right hand into Fitzpatrick's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Fitzpatrick's gas tank.
Hijikata makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hijikata goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hijikata misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hijikata lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Fitzpatrick backwards.
A nice left hand lands by Fitzpatrick.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Fitzpatrick.
A short uppercut from Hijikata.
Hijikata misses with a body punch.
Hijikata stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Nice body punch from Fitzpatrick - that landed with a thud.
Fitzpatrick prevents a body shot from Hijikata.
Fitzpatrick goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hijikata avoiding damage.
Fitzpatrick blocking some punches.
Fitzpatrick tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Stalling in the clinch from Fitzpatrick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata misses with the head strike.
Fitzpatrick scores with a shoulder strike.
Hijikata is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Fitzpatrick misses with some punches.
Fitzpatrick tries to work over Hijikata's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hijikata misses with a body punch.
Fitzpatrick throws a punch but it's blocked by Hijikata.
Hijikata's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Fitzpatrick misses with an elbow over the top.
Hijikata tries to stall but Fitzpatrick uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Fitzpatrick swings wildly with an uppercut but Hijikata uses good head movement to avoid it.
Fitzpatrick tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hijikata lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Fitzpatrick taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Hijikata lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Fitzpatrick backwards.
Fitzpatrick swings wildly with an uppercut but Hijikata uses good head movement to avoid it.
A body shot lands from Fitzpatrick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick is leaning against Hijikata and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Fitzpatrick misses with a short punch on the inside.
A short left from Hijikata.
Hijikata slowing the pace effectively.
Hijikata misses with a hook from the clinch.
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!
Hijikata takes an elbow to the forehead.
Fitzpatrick misses with a punch on the inside.
Hijikata pushes Fitzpatrick back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hijikata scores with a shot to the side of Fitzpatrick's head.
Fitzpatrick lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hijikata throws a head punch that misses.
Fitzpatrick looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Hijikata misses with the head strike.
Fitzpatrick is working Hijikata over against the cage.
Fitzpatrick lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hijikata lands a left hand that snaps the head of Fitzpatrick backwards.
Hijikata wants to stall.
A short right from Fitzpatrick on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Toshi Hijikata will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Toshi Hijikata's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Fitzpatrick swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Fitzpatrick swings widly with a right hand
and Hijikata counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hijikata jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hijikata with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Fitzpatrick is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Fitzpatrick loads up on a big right hand but Hijikata slips the punch.
Fitzpatrick takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Hijikata ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hijikata fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Fitzpatrick has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Fitzpatrick fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hijikata lands with a good body shot.
Fitzpatrick throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hijikata sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hijikata misses with an uppercut.
Nice uppercut there from Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick throws an overhand right that lands on Hijikata's shoulder, as Hijikata tries to avoid the shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick lands a jab-cross combination.
Toshi Hijikata seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hijikata slips a jab from Fitzpatrick.
Hijikata fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Hijikata looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Hijikata throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hijikata takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hijikata chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Fitzpatrick takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Fitzpatrick looks to throw the jab but Hijikata is out of range.
Hijikata scores with a punch to the head.
Hijikata takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Toshi Hijikata seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Fitzpatrick tries to bum rush Hijikata with a series of wild strikes but Hijikata uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hijikata keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A good leg kick by Hijikata.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hijikata.
Hijikata throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Hijikata misses the jab.
Hijikata takes one to the side of the head.
Fitzpatrick swings for the body but Hijikata moves out of range.
Hijikata counters with a body kick.
Fitzpatrick throws a lazy right hand but Hijikata sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hijikata only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Hijikata lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Fitzpatrick takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Fitzpatrick avoids the body shot from Hijikata.
Hijikata throws a hook but Fitzpatrick blocks it.
Fitzpatrick scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Hijikata doesn't seem bothered though.
Fitzpatrick blocks a jab.
It looked like Fitzpatrick wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Fitzpatrick connects with a body shot.
Fitzpatrick cracks Hijikata with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzpatrick is looking to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Fitzpatrick. Hijikata does a little dance to reset his feet.
Fitzpatrick doesn't manage to clinch there - Hijikata circles away.
Hijikata cracks Fitzpatrick with a good jab.
Fitzpatrick tries to clinch but Hijikata moves out of range.
Hijikata looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hijikata gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Fitzpatrick counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Fitzpatrick fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Hijikata throws a low kick but it's checked well by Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick fails with an attempt to clinch.
Hijikata lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Hijikata throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Jab from Fitzpatrick.

Hijikata is rocked!
Fitzpatrick lands with a nice body punch.
Hijikata walks into a jab.
Hijikata is still on wobbly legs! Can Fitzpatrick finish him?
Fitzpatrick is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Fitzpatrick checks a low kick from Hijikata.
Hijikata gets caught by a big overhand right and goes down! Fitzpatrick gets on top of him and starts throwing some serious punches until the ref intervenes and stops the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Francis Fitzpatrick!
Francis Fitzpatrick was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.