PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Venali Paetmar (ranked 2655 p4p, 1587 weight class) and Ryo Hazuki (ranked 321 p4p, 217 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Paetmar might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Powerwolf - Amen & Attack. Venali Paetmar had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Paetmar
vs
Hazuki

168 cm
32
153
7 - 10 - 1

176 cm
22
160
3 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

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 7 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Venali Paetmar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ryo Hazuki!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Sam Margolis and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Paetmar takes a swing at Hazuki's ribcage but misses.
We've been told by Paetmar's head coaches at Advanced Fitness Inc. that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Paetmar throws a body shot but no joy.

Hazuki shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Paetmar manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Paetmar has Hazuki pulled in close to control his posture.
Paetmar lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Hazuki working for a triangle but Paetmar defends it easily.
Paetmar wants to pass the guard but Hazuki is keeping the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Paetmar slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Paetmar wants to control from the top but Hazuki keeps moving.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hazuki looking to hit a scissor sweep but Paetmar is one step ahead there.
Paetmar controlling from the top position.
Paetmar trying to control but Hazuki is working from the bottom.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Paetmar trying to control but Hazuki is working from the bottom.
Paetmar is really struggling to control Hazuki but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Hazuki has momentary wrist control but Paetmar slips an elbow through the middle.
Paetmar is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Paetmar pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hazuki is keeping the position for now.
Paetmar trying to control the position from guard on top but Hazuki is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Paetmar is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Hazuki is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Hazuki 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hazuki utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

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

Hazuki is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Paetmar is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Paetmar tries to free his leg and advance position but Hazuki is retaining full guard.
Hazuki wants to sweep here but Paetmar controlling him for the moment.
Paetmar throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Hazuki keeping full guard, as Paetmar tries to pass.
Paetmar is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Paetmar working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Hazuki's head.
Paetmar trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Our spies down at at Iron Wolf Private Gym inform us that Hazuki has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?

Paetmar drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Hazuki manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Paetmar has Hazuki in his guard.

Paetmar is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Hazuki wants to get up but he can't break Paetmar's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Paetmar has his foot on Hazuki's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hazuki works his way back into a safe position though.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Paetmar is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Hazuki defends well.

Hazuki drops back looking for a leg! Paetmar is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Paetmar manages to kick Hazuki off! Hazuki jumps back into Paetmar's guard.
Paetmar is looking to stand up but Hazuki isn't so interested in that idea.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Venali Paetmar will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Paetmar throws out a powerful jab.

Hazuki fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Paetmar, pushing him back against the cage.
Hazuki tries to throw a body punch but Paetmar avoids it by throwing Hazuki back against the cage.
Hazuki has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Paetmar avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Paetmar keeps control of Hazuki as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Paetmar breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hazuki blocks a jab.
And Hazuki tries to counter it with a takedown but Paetmar pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Hazuki darts in looking for a takedown but Paetmar gets double underhooks and turns Hazuki into the cage.
Paetmar throws a hook to the side of Hazuki's head but Hazuki sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Hazuki shoots in and bounces Paetmar off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Paetmar pulls Hazuki in close to his closed guard and prevents Hazuki from doing any damage or advancing position.
Ryo Hazuki has got the better of the ground game so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Paetmar is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Paetmar has his feet on Hazuki's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hazuki moves out of range of the strikes.
Horrible takedown attempt by Hazuki or perhaps it was just good defense by Paetmar, which made it look bad.
Venali Paetmar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryo Hazuki.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paetmar stuffs the takedown.
Paetmar looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Paetmar paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Paetmar keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Paetmar takes a swing at Hazuki's ribcage but misses.
Paetmar fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Hazuki looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Paetmar lands with a shot to the body.

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

Paetmar bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
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!
Paetmar is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hazuki.
Paetmar misses with a looping right.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Paetmar misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Hazuki manages to break the clinch.
Hazuki tries to clinch but Paetmar moves out of range.
Paetmar throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Hazuki on the side of the head.

Hazuki manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Paetmar on his heels. He'll look to pass Paetmar's guard now, I'm sure.
Hazuki won't allow Paetmar to sweep him here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hazuki passes Paetmar's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Hazuki is looking to advance position but Paetmar won't allow it.
Hazuki wants to stand up but Paetmar has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Paetmar is looking for a sweep. Hazuki is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Paetmar is refusing to be controlled, as Hazuki sits in half guard.
Paetmar has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Hazuki is working away from the top position though.
Paetmar wants to get back to full guard.
Paetmar is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hazuki's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hazuki's back!
Paetmar throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Hazuki is taking damage to the body and head.

Paetmar looking for the choke from the back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Paetmar keeps control of the position as Hazuki tries to break free.
Paetmar lands an elbow to the side of the head.

Hazuki showing good submission defense here.
Hazuki covering up well under a barage of strikes.
Paetmar thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.

Paetmar is persistently looking for the submission but Hazuki is defending it well.

Paetmar looking for the choke from the back.
Hazuki breaks Paetmar's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Paetmar is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hazuki can do to turn this around?
Paetmar is trying to control the position but Hazuki postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hazuki pushes down on Paetmar's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Hazuki is thwarting Paetmar's attempts to control the position.
Paetmar wants to get back to his feet.
Paetmar is in trouble now - Hazuki has advanced to mount!
Paetmar keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Hazuki is trying to stand up but he's being controlled by his opponent.
Paetmar is desperately trying to improve his position but Hazuki has a good base and remains in mount.
Paetmar tries to hold on but Hazuki postures up.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hazuki content just to control the position here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Venali Paetmar dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Hazuki tries to close the distance and clinch but Paetmar swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Paetmar misses with a looping right.
The fight stays on the outside here - Hazuki looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Hazuki keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Paetmar enables Hazuki to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Paetmar manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Paetmar looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hazuki wants to pass the guard but Paetmar is keeping the position.
Paetmar wants to sweep but no luck.

Paetmar has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Hazuki is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Paetmar misses with a punch to the body.
Paetmar is trying to maintain a safe position but Hazuki gets an underhook and turns Paetmar into the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hazuki looking to stall.

Paetmar breaks from the clinch.
Hazuki is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Paetmar throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hazuki bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paetmar throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hazuki stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Paetmar looks to score with a jab to the body but Hazuki is just out of range.
A right-left combo lands from Hazuki.
Hazuki wants to clinch up but Paetmar keeps it at a distance.
It looked like Paetmar wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Hazuki lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Paetmar connects with an inside leg kick.
Hazuki 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.
Hazuki wants to clinch.
Hazuki takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Paetmar scores with a sloppy right hand. Hazuki should have avoided that one.
Paetmar leaves Hazuki with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hazuki uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Paetmar.
Hazuki staying out of range there.
Hazuki scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Paetmar connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Hazuki momentarily.
Paetmar misses with a straight right.
A shot to the liver by Hazuki. Beautiful body shot.
Paetmar ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hazuki moves away.

Paetmar gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Hazuki drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Hazuki jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Hazuki preventing the sweep.
Hazuki trying to control but Paetmar is working from the bottom.

Hazuki drops back looking for a leg! Paetmar is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Paetmar manages to kick Hazuki off! Hazuki jumps back into Paetmar's guard.
Hazuki trying to control the position from guard on top but Paetmar is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Paetmar throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hazuki forces his way into half guard.
Hazuki prevents Paetmar from standing back up.
Paetmar trying to control here.
Hazuki frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Paetmar wants to control but Hazuki is having none of it.

Hazuki working for a submission but Paetmar is keeping him at bay.
Paetmar wants to control but Hazuki is having none of it.
Paetmar tries to reverse the position but Hazuki maintains control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Paetmar bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

Paetmar thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Hazuki had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Paetmar defends it easily.
Paetmar controlling from the top position.
Venali Paetmar is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Paetmar with a flurry of punches that miss.
Paetmar trying to control but Hazuki is working from the bottom.
Ryo Hazuki has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

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

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Venali Paetmar.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Paetmar, 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 James Glass scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 30:29
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Venali Paetmar!