PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rudy Rhod (ranked 85 p4p, 240 weight class) and Kagekatsu Uesugi (ranked 9 p4p, 29 weight class). Rhod kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Prince - Kiss. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Rhod
vs
Uesugi

180 cm
35
155
27 - 15 - 2

182 cm
33
166
25 - 11 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Dark Knight Nutrition
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Aspire Clothing
KOMBAT KLOTHING

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 27 - 15 - 2, fighting out of New York, Rudy Rhod!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 11 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kagekatsu Uesugi!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Steven Brown and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Uesugi moves out of range of the body kick.
Rhod throws a hook to the side of Uesugi's head but Uesugi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Uesugi throws a hook to the side of Rhod's head but Rhod sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Uesugi throws a hook but Rhod avoids it easily.
Uesugi blocks a leg kick.
Rhod missing with a left hand there. Uesugi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Uesugi throws a right and a left that both miss.
Rhod will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Uesugi swings for the body but Rhod moves out of range.
Rhod lands with a thumping leg kick.
Rhod ducks under a wild hook from Uesugi.
Rhod lands with a slapping head kick.
A big left from Rhod misses.
Rhod scores with a nice head shot.
Uesugi misses the shot to the body.
Uesugi throws out a loose jab but Rhod uses good head movement to avoid it.
Uesugi moves away from the strike by Rhod.
Uesugi is looking to clinch.
Uesugi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rhod was well out of range. Poor timing from Uesugi.
Uesugi throws a right and a left that Rhod avoids nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rhod is looking to score with low kicks.
Uesugi wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Uesugi staying out of range there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rhod uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Uesugi.
A looping hook to the body misses from Uesugi. Rhod does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rhod swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Rhod moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Rhod swats away the attempt to clinch by Uesugi.
Uesugi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rhod manages to avoid it.
Rhod throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Uesugi sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rhod sets himself, and Uesugi steps forward looking for the clinch! Rhod avoids it this time.
Rhod misses with a straight right.
Uesugi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rhod was well out of range. Poor timing from Uesugi.
Rhod takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Rhod ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rhod throwing a counter right hand but Uesugi manages to avoid it.
Uesugi thuds a left hand into Rhod's body.
Rhod tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Uesugi is able to avoid easily.
Uesugi throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rhod buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Uesugi ducks under a wild hook from Rhod.
Rhod throws a big shot that misses.
Rhod takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Rhod throws a low kick but Uesugi moves out of range easily.
Uesugi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Uesugi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rhod.
Uesugi misses with a body shot.
Uesugi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Uesugi throws a jab but it's blocked by Rhod.
Rhod pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rhod takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Uesugi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Uesugi lands a body shot.
Uesugi takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Uesugi closes the distance and clinches.

Rhod's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Uesugi takes a swing at Rhod's ribcage but misses.
Uesugi throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Nice body punch from Uesugi.
We've been told by Rhod's head coaches at Little Lebowski Urban Achievers Gymnasium that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Uesugi throws a body punch but Rhod moves out of range.
Rhod lands a slapping body shot.
Rhod avoids the body shot from Uesugi.
A looping hook to the body misses from Uesugi. Rhod does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rhod scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Rhod lands with a nice body punch.
The fighters circling - Uesugi throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi throws a shot to the body.
Rhod throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Uesugi slips a jab from Rhod.
Rhod sets himself, and Uesugi steps forward looking for the clinch! Rhod avoids it this time.
Uesugi scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Rhod darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Uesugi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Rhod looks to land a right hand but Uesugi moved out of range.
Rhod is looking to land body kicks.
Rhod avoids the body shot from Uesugi.
Uesugi wants to clinch.
Rhod was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
A jab from Rhod misses.
Uesugi tries to counter by closing the distance.
Uesugi is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Rhod rather than just go for the knockout.
A shot to the liver by Rhod. Beautiful body shot.
Uesugi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rhod manages to avoid it.
Rhod lands a jab to the head.
Rhod connects with a leg kick.
Rhod throws a nice outside leg kick.
Uesugi ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
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!
Uesugi dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rhod looks for the body kick but Uesugi saw that one coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Uesugi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Rhod sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rhod throws a right and a left that Uesugi avoids nicely.
Uesugi throws a body shot but no joy.
Rhod swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Jab, jab by Rhod - just one landing.
Rhod scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Rhod fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Uesugi checks it well.
Rhod smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Rhod finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Uesugi checks a leg kick nicely.
Uesugi scores with a one two! Rhod had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Uesugi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rhod throws a hook but Uesugi avoids it easily.
Uesugi tries to counter with a clinch but Rhod shakes him off and moves away.
A cross from Rhod lands.
Rhod keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rhod. Uesugi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Uesugi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Uesugi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rhod moves away.
Uesugi on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Uesugi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rhod moves away.
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 Rudy Rhod will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Uesugi swings for the body but Rhod moves out of range.
Uesugi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Uesugi keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Rhod.
Uesugi takes one to the chin there.
Rhod takes a swing at Uesugi's ribcage but misses.
Rhod sets himself, and Uesugi steps forward looking for the clinch! Rhod avoids it this time.
Rudy Rhod is winning the standup battle so far.
Uesugi slips a jab from Rhod.
Uesugi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rhod was well out of range. Poor timing from Uesugi.
Uesugi has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Uesugi there as he acknowledges the shot.

Uesugi clinches with his opponent.
Uesugi keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rhod's efforts to push away.
Rhod lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Uesugi throws a punch but it's blocked by Rhod.
Rhod has a couple of punches blocked by Uesugi.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Uesugi misses with a punch to the body.
Uesugi works on Rhod's body with a couple of short punches.
Rhod wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

Rhod pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Uesugi looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Uesugi throws a shot from downtown. Rhod moves away and avoids it.
Rudy Rhod seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rhod throws a wild body kick that Uesugi sees coming a mile off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rhod avoids the body shot from Uesugi.
Rhod throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Uesugi on the side of the head.
Rhod connects with a solid leg kick.
Rhod turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Uesugi throws a body punch but Rhod moves out of range.
Rhod misses with a low kick as Uesugi jumps back.
Rhod swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Uesugi tries to counter with a clinch but Rhod shakes him off and moves away.
Rhod misses with a hook.
Uesugi looks to score with a jab to the body but Rhod is just out of range.
Rhod uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Uesugi.
Uesugi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rhod.
Uesugi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Uesugi gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Uesugi comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Rhod missing with a left hand there. Uesugi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Uesugi lands with a straight right. Rhod didn't see that one coming.
A chopping leg kick lands by Rhod.
Uesugi lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rhod at a distance.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Uesugi with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Rhod to score with a decent uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rhod misses with a hook. Uesugi ducked under it nicely.
Uesugi's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Uesugi swings for the body but Rhod moves out of range.
Rhod lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Uesugi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rhod.
Rhod fires out a quick counter leg kick but Uesugi just manages to avoid it.
Uesugi throws a body shot but no joy.
Rhod moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Rhod tries to land a front kick but Uesugi steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rhod swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Uesugi just misses with a punch to the body.
Uesugi blocks a leg kick.
Uesugi steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Rhod.
Rhod tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Uesugi blocks a leg kick.
Uesugi misses the shot to the body.
Rhod avoids the body shot from Uesugi.
Rhod misses the shot to the body.
Uesugi is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Uesugi misses with a body shot.
It looked like Rhod wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Uesugi swings for the body but Rhod moves out of range.
An inside leg kick lands from Rhod.
Uesugi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Uesugi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rhod was well out of range. Poor timing from Uesugi.
As Uesugi backs away, Rhod returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Rhod misses with a looping right.
Uesugi tries to counter by closing the distance.
Rhod wants to slow Uesugi down by chopping away at his legs.
Uesugi thows a left - swing and a miss!
Uesugi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rhod goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Rhod ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Uesugi moves away.
Uesugi stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Uesugi misses with a straight right.
Rhod looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Rhod throws a hook to the side of Uesugi's head but Uesugi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Uesugi blocks a low kick nicely.
Rhod doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Rhod slips a jab and a cross from Uesugi.
Uesugi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rhod.
Uesugi fails to land with a series of punches.
Rhod scores with the left hand. Uesugi knows he should have avoided that one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Uesugi looks to score with a jab to the body but Rhod is just out of range.
And Rhod counters with a quick kick to the body but Uesugi blocks it.
Uesugi closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Uesugi takes a swing at Rhod's ribcage but misses.
Uesugi moves away from the strike by Rhod.
Uesugi wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Uesugi throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Uesugi tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Rhod fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Uesugi.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Rhod.
Uesugi takes a swing at Rhod's ribcage but misses.
Uesugi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rhod.
Uesugi throws a hook but Rhod avoids it easily.
Rhod throws a body shot but no joy.
Uesugi is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Uesugi misses with a hook.
Rhod throwing a counter right hand but Uesugi manages to avoid it.
Rhod avoids the body shot from Uesugi.
Rhod was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Uesugi misses the jab.
Uesugi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rhod.
Rhod thumps Uesugi with a low kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A looping hook to the body misses from Uesugi. Rhod does a little dance to reset his feet.
Uesugi comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Rhod scores with a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Rudy Rhod will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Uesugi takes one on the button.
Rhod with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Uesugi to score with a decent uppercut.
Rhod uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Uesugi.
Uesugi throws a body punch but Rhod moves out of range.
Rhod scores with a spinning back kick!
Rhod fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Rhod feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Uesugis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Uesugi takes a swing at Rhod's ribcage but misses.
Uesugi walks into a straight right hand from Rhod.
Uesugi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rhod moves away.
Rhod fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Uesugi checks it well.
Uesugi misses with a body shot.
Rhod throws a front kick aimed at Uesugi's knee but Uesugi avoids it well.
Rhod closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Uesugi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rhod wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rhod with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Uesugi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Rhod looks to score with a jab to the body but Uesugi is just out of range.
Uesugi steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Rhod.
Rhod throws a hook but Uesugi avoids it easily.
Rhod takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A punch lands to the side of Uesugi 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Rhod throws out a loose jab but Uesugi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Uesugi wants to counter with a clinch but Rhod pushes him away.
Uesugi chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rhod can pounce on him.
Rhod sizes up Uesugi with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Rhod just misses with a punch to the body.
Uesugi just misses with a punch to the body.
Rhod loads up on a big right hand but Uesugi slips the punch.
Good exchange - Uesugi coming out on top.
Uesugi misses the shot to the body.
Good work by Uesugi as he checks the leg kick.
Uesugi with a jab.
A swing and a miss from Rhod.
Uesugi throws a lazy right hand but Rhod sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rhod throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Uesugi swings for the body but Rhod moves out of range.
Rhod throws a leg kick which misses Uesugi's front leg but catches the back leg as Uesugi tries to avoid it.
Uesugi drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rhod walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Uesugi checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Uesugi scores with a hook to the body. Rhod takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi cracks a nice hook into Rhod's ribs.
Uesugi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rhod moves away.
Uesugi has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Uesugi misses the shot to the body.
Uesugi stuns Rhod with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Uesugi takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Uesugi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Rhod sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rhod moves away from the strike by Uesugi.
Rhod throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Uesugi on the side of the head.
The fighters circling - Rhod throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Uesugi is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Rhod waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Uesugi.
Uesugi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rhod.
Rhod with the inside leg kick.

Uesugi drives through and clinches with Rhod against the cage.
Rhod tries to break free but Uesugi pushes him back against the cage.
Rhod can't break the clinch.
Rhod lands with a right to the head.
Rhod is trying to push Uesugi away but Uesugi has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Rhod tries to circle away but Uesugi has him pinned against the cage.
Rhod tries to circle away but Uesugi has him pinned against the cage.
Kagekatsu Uesugi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rudy Rhod is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rhod stalling.
Uesugi working aggressively here.

Rhod breaks the clinch.
Nice defenses there by Uesugi.
Rhod smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Uesugi avoids the head kick by Rhod.
Rhod connects with a leg kick.
Uesugi throws a nice looking combination but Rhod bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Rhod misses with a straight left.
Rhod with a nice cross.
Uesugi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rhod was well out of range. Poor timing from Uesugi.
Rhod scores with a jab. Uesugi acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Uesugi looks to score with a jab to the body but Rhod is just out of range.
Rhod fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Uesugi has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Rhod looks to score with a jab to the body but Uesugi is just out of range.
Uesugi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rhod throws a quick inside leg kick.
Uesugi lands with a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rhod connects with a solid leg kick.
Rhod scores with a crisp jab that stopped Uesugi in his tracks.
Rhod buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Uesugi stuns Rhod with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Rhod lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Uesugi at a distance.
Uesugi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rhod moves away.
Good leg kick by Rhod.
Uesugi misses the shot to the body.
Rhod fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Uesugi.
Uesugi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rhod manages to avoid it.
Rhod circles away from the clinch attempt.
Uesugi scores with a hook.
Rhod lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Rhod lands with a straight right. Uesugi didn't see that one coming.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Uesugi scores with a hook to the body. Rhod takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Rhod lands a body shot.
Rhod misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Uesugi.
Uesugi checks the leg kick.
Uesugi throws a hook but Rhod avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rudy Rhod showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Rhod, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rudy Rhod!
Our winner, Rudy Rhod, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.