PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Koichi Kamei (ranked 1081 p4p, 1324 weight class) and Romega Vartanein (ranked 147 p4p, 178 weight class). 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.

Kamei
vs
Vartanein

182 cm
42
159
34 - 24 - 0

179 cm
30
130
15 - 21 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Fast

Shadow Realm Apparel

Bondi MMA 🏝️

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 34 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Koichi Kamei!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 21 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Romega Vartanein!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Don Winkell and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vartanein loads up on a big right hand but Kamei slips the punch.
Vartanein keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Kamei looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Vartanein lands a nice hook to Kamei's body. Kamei takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Vartanein takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Vartanein misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kamei.
A leg kick checked by Vartanein.
Vartanein misses with a body shot.
Vartanein misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kamei.
Vartanein lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kamei at a distance.
Vartanein throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kamei closes the distance and clinches.
Kamei wants to get back to striking at distance but Vartanein won't allow it.
Kamei is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Kamei breaks the clinch.
Vartanein is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Vartanein scores with the left hand. Kamei knows he should have avoided that one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vartanein tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kamei was well out of range. Poor timing from Vartanein.
Vartanein throws a poor cross that misses
and Kamei counters with a nice body shot.
Vartanein throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Vartanein misses with a looping left.
Kamei misses with a wild combination.

Kamei clinches up against the cage.

Kamei manages to break the clinch.
Romega Vartanein is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kamei takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Vartanein fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kamei manages to avoid it.

Kamei has managed to clinch.

Kamei manages to break the clinch.
Good shot there by Vartanein.
Vartanein scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Kamei takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kamei avoids the body shot from Vartanein.
Kamei tries to counter with a takedown but Vartanein is quick to defend against it.
Kamei goes for a double leg but Vartanein avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Vartanein continues to drive forward.

Kamei breaks the clinch.
Vartanein misses with a body shot.
Vartanein scores with a jab to the body.
Vartanein misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kamei.
No joy there for Kamei, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Vartanein throws a looping overhand right but Kamei ducks down to avoid it.
Vartanein looks to land a left hand but Kamei moved out of range nicely.
Kamei darts in looking for a takedown but Vartanein gets double underhooks and turns Kamei into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Koichi Kamei. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Kamei manages to break the clinch.
Kamei changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Vartanein tries to avoid it but Kamei manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Vartanein to the ground. Vartanein escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Vartanein misses with a straight right.
Kamei on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Kamei avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kamei ducks under a wild hook from Vartanein.
Kamei closes this distance looking for a takedown but Vartanein circles away.
A little jabbing left from Vartanein on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Kamei keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kamei connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Vartanein stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Vartanein wants it to stay on the feet.
Kamei tries to close the distance and clinch up but Vartanein swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kamei slips under a jab from Vartanein.
Kamei is looking to clinch.
Vartanein ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kamei moves away.
Vartanein circles away from the clinch attempt.
Vartanein appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Vartanein tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kamei was well out of range. Poor timing from Vartanein.
Vartanein ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Vartanein thows a left - swing and a miss!
Vartanein throws a body punch but Kamei moves out of range.
Vartanein circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kamei doesn't manage to clinch there - Vartanein circles away.

Kamei moves into the clinch successfully.
Kamei is trying to push Vartanein away but Vartanein has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Vartanein prevents Kamei from breaking the clinch.
Kamei has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Kamei's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Vartanein connects with a jab.

Kamei shoots in and gets a takedown into Vartanein's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vartanein is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Vartanein can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kamei controls the pace.
Vartanein can't keep his opponent in guard - Kamei advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Kamei content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Romega Vartanein dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Nice body punch from Vartanein.
Kamei is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Vartanein! But no joy.
A telegraphed right hand from Vartanein misses the target.
Nice jab there from Kamei.
Vartanein lands a body shot.
Kamei is looking to clinch but Vartanein is avoiding it.
Kamei shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Vartanein but Vartanein pushes him off and we're back to square one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vartanein dodges the punch combination from Kamei.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Vartanein. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Kamei throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Vartanein's waist but Vartanein gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kamei off to one side.
Vartanein lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Kamei bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Romega Vartanein seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kamei looks for a takedown but Vartanein sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Koichi Kamei. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kamei takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A big left from Vartanein misses.
Vartanein avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Vartanein digs a good body shot into Kamei's ribs.
A swing and a miss from Vartanein.
Vartanein stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Vartanein wants it to stay on the feet.
Kamei uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vartanein.
Kamei throwing a counter right hand but Vartanein manages to avoid it.
Vartanein scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Vartanein ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kamei moves away.

Kamei fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Vartanein, pushing him back against the cage.

Kamei's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kamei manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Vartanein on his heels. He'll look to pass Vartanein's guard now, I'm sure.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vartanein is pulling down on Kamei's head to control his posture.
Vartanein can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kamei controls the pace.
Kamei has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Kamei stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Vartanein swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Vartanein is trying to control the position but Kamei postures up.
Vartanein 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.
Kamei stays in close to Vartanein's body and controls the position.
Vartanein wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vartanein is working an open guard so Kamei takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Kamei tries to clinch up but Vartanein circles away and keeps his distance.
Koichi Kamei is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Vartanein takes a swing at Kamei's ribcage but misses.
A right-left combo lands from Kamei.

Vartanein is rocked!
Vartanein tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kamei was well out of range. Poor timing from Vartanein.
Kamei uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vartanein.

Kamei clinches up with Vartanein and pushes him back against the cage.

Kamei breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Kamei shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Vartanein is breathing heavily.
Kamei prevents Vartanein from improving his position.
Kamei is taking a breather. Vartanein says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vartanein is trying is best to control the position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kamei content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Kamei is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Vartanein is looking to improve his position.
Vartanein manages to get to full guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vartanein can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kamei controls the pace.
Vartanein wants to sweep here but Kamei controlling him for the moment.
Vartanein wants to stand and escape but Kamei is having none of it.
Vartanein trying to control the position.
Kamei passes easily into side control. Nice work.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Romega Vartanein will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Kamei throws the kick towards the body but Vartanein avoids it.
Vartanein is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kamei rather than just go for the knockout.
Vartanein throws a body shot but no joy.
Romega Vartanein seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kamei shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Vartanein defends it nicely.
Kamei tries to clinch up but Vartanein circles away and keeps his distance.
Vartanein connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Vartanein thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kamei tries for a takedown but Vartanein sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Vartanein moves into range and connects with a jab.
Vartanein fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vartanein ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Kamei takes a jab right on the kisser.
Vartanein swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kamei wants to slow Vartanein down by chopping away at his legs.
A little jabbing left from Vartanein on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vartanein swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Vartanein takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kamei staying out of range there.
Vartanein misses with an uppercut.
Vartanein misses with an uppercut. Kamei saw that one coming.
Vartanein fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kamei manages to avoid it.
Kamei closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Vartanein is still on wobbly legs! Can Kamei finish him?

It looks like Romega Vartanein has been cut.
Vartanein misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kamei.
Vartanein throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Vartanein with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Nice sprawl there from Vartanein as Kamei shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Koichi Kamei. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kamei fails to land with a series of punches.
Kamei lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Vartanein circles away quickly and effectively.
Vartanein seems to have recovered his senses.
Vartanein lands with an overhand left.
Vartanein fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kamei manages to avoid it.
Vartanein misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kamei.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kamei tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Vartanein swivels and escapes.
Kamei shoots in and drives through. Vartanein sprawls well.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vartanein pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kamei wants to clinch up but Vartanein keeps it at a distance.
Vartanein looks to score with a jab to the body but Kamei is just out of range.
Kamei fails with a takedown attempt.
Vartanein looks to score with a jab to the body but Kamei is just out of range.
Kamei shoots in for a double leg but Vartanein sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
The fighters circle momentarily. Vartanein darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kamei tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Vartanein has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vartanein lands with a shot to the body.
Kamei gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Vartanein.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vartanein works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Vartanein swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Kamei closes the distance and clinches.

Kamei manages to break the clinch.
Kamei misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Vartanein lands with a straight right. Kamei didn't see that one coming.
Vartanein swings for the body but Kamei moves out of range.
Kamei tries a head kick but it misses.
Kamei throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Vartanein's waist but Vartanein gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kamei off to one side.
Kamei shoots in for a takedown but Vartanein shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Vartanein swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Vartanein uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Kamei has time to react.
Kamei ducks under a wild hook from Vartanein.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kamei uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vartanein.
Kamei takes one on the button.
Kamei fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kamei fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Vartanein avoids it really well and circles away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kamei takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Koichi Kamei has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Romega Vartanein is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kamei uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vartanein.
Vartanein misses with a straight left.
Kamei moves out of range of the strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Romega Vartanein comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Vartanein winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 28:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Romega Vartanein!
A relieved looking Romega Vartanein thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.