PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Dix ONeill (ranked 4694 p4p, 5770 weight class) and Tadao Sato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dix ONeill has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

ONeill
vs
Sato

173 cm
18
159
0 - 0 - 0

152 cm
25
162
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Very confident

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Dix ONeill!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tadao Sato!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Don Winkell and Percy O'Donnell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
ONeill moves in looking to clinch but Sato pushes him off.
ONeill is looking to clinch but Sato is avoiding it.
A little jabbing left from Sato on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
ONeill stuffs the takedown.
Sato swats away the attempt to clinch by ONeill.
Sato looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
ONeill tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Sato manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
It seemed like Sato was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Sato has eaten all the pies!
Sato keeps the fight on the outside.

Sato has managed to clinch.
Sato creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
Sato looks to throw an elbow but misses.
ONeill swings wildly with an uppercut but Sato uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
ONeill avoids the elbow strike from Sato, against the cage.
Sato blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from ONeill fails to land.
ONeill swings wildly with an uppercut but Sato uses good head movement to avoid it.
ONeill swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
ONeill misses with the head strike.
ONeill misses with some punches.
ONeill blocks the elbow strike.
Sato throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
ONeill fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sato pushes off an throws an elbow but ONeill leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
ONeill avoids a wild elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sato blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
ONeill swings away with an uppercut that misses.
ONeill avoids a wild elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill throws a punch but it's blocked by Sato.
ONeill avoids the elbow strike from Sato, against the cage.
ONeill takes an elbow to the temple.

It looks like Dix ONeill has been cut.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Sato just misses with a elbow thrown towards ONeill's brow.
ONeill misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sato throws an elbow but it misses.
ONeill misses with some punches.
Sato throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Sato wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sato blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
ONeill blocks the elbow strike.
Sato blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sato blocks a punch to the side of the head.
ONeill misses with a punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for ONeill.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
ONeill fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
ONeill avoids a wild elbow strike from Sato.
Sato pushes off an throws an elbow but ONeill leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
ONeill avoids the elbow strike from Sato, against the cage.
ONeill dodges an elbow strike from Sato.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sato.
A head punch on the inside from ONeill fails to land.
A head punch on the inside from ONeill fails to land.
Sato lands an elbow inside that ONeill shrugs off.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sato.
Sato blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sato tries to break free but ONeill pushes him back against the cage.
Sato blocks an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sato misses with an elbow over the top.
ONeill throws a head punch that misses.
ONeill has a couple of punches blocked by Sato.
ONeill tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sato throws an elbow that misses.
ONeill misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
ONeill fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
ONeill blocks an elbow strike.
ONeill throws a punch but it's blocked by Sato.
ONeill misses with the head strike.
Sato looks to throw an elbow but misses.
ONeill swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sato throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Sato looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Sato throws an elbow that misses.
Sato blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from ONeill fails to land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sato blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sato misses with an elbow over the top.
ONeill misses with the head strike.
ONeill misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sato creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Sato misses with an elbow strike.
ONeill blocks an elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill avoids a wild elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
ONeill takes an elbow to the temple.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sato looks to throw an elbow but misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sato.
Sato throws an elbow that misses.
Sato pushes off an throws an elbow but ONeill leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Sato creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through ONeill's defenses.
ONeill blocks an elbow strike.
ONeill throws a punch but it's blocked by Sato.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for ONeill.
Sato creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
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 Dix ONeill will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Dix ONeill's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Sato throws a series of punches but ONeill moves out of range.
Sato throws a looping overhand right but ONeill ducks down to avoid it.
Sato circles away from the clinch attempt.
Sato circles away from the clinch attempt.
Some wild striking there from Sato.
Sloppy strikes from Sato. Those never looked like landing.
The fight stays on the outside here - ONeill looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

ONeill moves into the clinch.
ONeill misses with the head strike.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Sato.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
ONeill has a couple of punches blocked by Sato.
A head punch on the inside from ONeill fails to land.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sato.
ONeill misses with the head strike.
Dix ONeill has scored more points in the clinch so far.
ONeill working aggressively here.
ONeill tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
ONeill throws a head punch that misses.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
ONeill fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
ONeill throws a punch but it's blocked by Sato.
ONeill avoids a wild elbow strike from Sato.
We've been informed that Sato has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
ONeill avoids the elbow strike from Sato, against the cage.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Sato just misses with a elbow thrown towards ONeill's brow.
Sato throws an elbow that misses.
ONeill swings away with an uppercut that misses.
ONeill avoids a wild elbow strike from Sato.
Sato looks to throw an elbow but misses.
A head punch on the inside from ONeill fails to land.
Sato throws an elbow but it misses.
Sato creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Sato blocking some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for ONeill.
Sato blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
ONeill misses with a hook from the clinch.
ONeill blocks an elbow strike.
Sato blocks an uppercut.
ONeill throws a punch but it's blocked by Sato.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Sato just misses with a elbow thrown towards ONeill's brow.
ONeill tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
ONeill takes an elbow to the temple.
ONeill misses with a hook to the ribs.
ONeill swings wildly with an uppercut but Sato uses good head movement to avoid it.
ONeill has a couple of punches blocked by Sato.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Sato comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
ONeill avoids the elbow strike from Sato, against the cage.
Sato comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
ONeill avoids the elbow strike from Sato, against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Sato throws an elbow but misses.
Sato blocking some punches.
ONeill has a couple of punches blocked by Sato.
ONeill blocks an elbow strike from Sato.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sato throws an elbow but it misses.
ONeill swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sato pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Sato pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
ONeill swings wildly with an uppercut but Sato uses good head movement to avoid it.
ONeill throws a head punch that misses.
Sato is trying to force a seperation but ONeill has the dominant position.

Sato breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
ONeill keeps the fight on the outside.
Sato keeps the fight on the outside.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sato looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Dix ONeill is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
ONeill ducks under a wild hook from Sato.
ONeill doesn't manage to clinch there - Sato circles away.
ONeill wants to clinch up but Sato keeps it at a distance.
Sato throws a combination but it was largely blocked by ONeill.
Sato swats away the attempt to clinch by ONeill.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sato shoots in for a takedown but ONeill shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Sato keeps the fight on the outside.
Sato swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Sato looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Sato tries to close the distance and clinch up but ONeill swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sato swats away the attempt to clinch by ONeill.
The fight stays on the outside here - ONeill looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
ONeill tries to clinch up but Sato circles away and keeps his distance.
Despite the aggression on Sato's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Sato swinging wildly here.
Sato avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
ONeill moves in looking to clinch but Sato pushes him off.
ONeill tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sato swats him away and circles back towards the center.
ONeill is looking to clinch.
ONeill tries to clinch but Sato is having none of it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tadao Sato showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Dix ONeill's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

ONeill slips under a jab from Sato.
No luck for Sato with that takedown attempt.
ONeill fails with an attempt to clinch.
ONeill tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sato paws at him with a jab and circles away.
ONeill doesn't manage to clinch there - Sato circles away.
ONeill slips a jab and a cross from Sato.
ONeill tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sato paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Sato swats away the attempt to clinch by ONeill.
Sato circles away from the clinch attempt.
ONeill tries to close the distance and clinch but Sato swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
ONeill moves in looking to clinch but Sato pushes him off.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
ONeill fails in his attempt to clinch.
As ONeill backs off Sato throws a huge counter combo but ONeill manages to avoid it all.
ONeill tries to clinch up.
Sato takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Sato swats away the attempt to clinch by ONeill.
ONeill tries to clinch up but Sato circles away and keeps his distance.

Sato takes the fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for ONeill.
ONeill fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for ONeill.
ONeill misses with a punch on the inside.
With the fighters up against the cage, Sato throws an elbow but misses.
ONeill tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Sato just misses with a elbow thrown towards ONeill's brow.
ONeill has a couple of punches blocked by Sato.
ONeill avoids the elbow strike from Sato, against the cage.
Sato pushes off an throws an elbow but ONeill leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sato.
ONeill working aggressively here.
Sato looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Sato blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Sato blocking some punches.
Sato throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Sato blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
ONeill misses with a short punch on the inside.
ONeill misses with a hook from the clinch.
ONeill blocks an elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill misses with some punches.
ONeill blocks an elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill misses with the head strike.
ONeill blocks an elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill swings wildly with an uppercut but Sato uses good head movement to avoid it.
With the fighters up against the cage, Sato throws an elbow but misses.
ONeill avoids the elbow strike from Sato, against the cage.
ONeill misses with some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sato.
Sato comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
ONeill misses with a punch on the inside.
ONeill avoids a wild elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sato blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sato escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Sato.
ONeill fails with an attempt to clinch.
Tadao Sato is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
ONeill tries to clinch up but Sato circles away and keeps his distance.
Sato scores with a nice right hand.
ONeill wants to clinch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Sato wants to clinch.

Sato moves into the clinch.
Sato is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
ONeill swings wildly with an uppercut but Sato uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sato pushes off an throws an elbow but ONeill leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Sato lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
ONeill throws a punch but it's blocked by Sato.
ONeill misses with a punch to the body.
ONeill takes an elbow to the forehead.
Sato is trying to force a seperation but ONeill has the dominant position.
Sato creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through ONeill's defenses.
A head punch on the inside from ONeill fails to land.
ONeill misses with the head strike.
Sato wants to break the clinch but can't.
Sato misses with an elbow strike.
ONeill misses with a punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for ONeill.
Sato blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
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!
ONeill lands a hook that snaps the head of Sato backwards.
ONeill dodges an elbow strike from Sato.
ONeill swings wildly with an uppercut but Sato uses good head movement to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tadao Sato comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Sato has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 27:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tadao Sato!