PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Hirata Hitoshi (ranked 747 p4p, 1315 weight class) and Ryder Stephens (ranked 96 p4p, 177 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Hitoshi
vs
Stephens

173 cm
26
157
6 - 1 - 0

180 cm
26
160
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

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UnderGround Threads

Highland Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Hirata Hitoshi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ryder Stephens!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Sandra Marshall and Bart Greer.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stephens misses with a few strikes there.
Stephens closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hitoshi circles away.
Hitoshi tries to counter by clinching up but Stephens breaks away and moves out of range.
Stephens misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hitoshi.
Stephens throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hitoshi changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Hitoshi looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Stephens shoots in for a double leg but Hitoshi sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Nice sprawl there from Hitoshi as Stephens shoots in.
Hirata Hitoshi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryder Stephens.
Stephens tries a head kick but it misses.
Stephens shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hitoshi as he jumps to the side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stephens throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hitoshi.
Stephens rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Hitoshi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A head kick misses from Stephens.
A jab from Hitoshi misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stephens blocks a jab.
And Stephens tries to counter it with a takedown but Hitoshi pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Stephens throws a leg kick that is checked

and Hitoshi counters with a takedown into side control.
Hitoshi in side control lands a decent elbow.
Stephens wants to control but Hitoshi postures up.
Hitoshi lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Stephens down.
Hitoshi in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

Stephens is rocked!
Hitoshi crunches a massive hammerfist down on Stephens - he's out! Hitoshi Holds back on further strikes and jumps to his feet to celebrate with the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Hirata Hitoshi!
Hirata Hitoshi retains his lightweight title!
An out of breath Hirata Hitoshi thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.