PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Takeda Sokaku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mateus Santiago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Sokaku might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to She's Like the Wind. Mateus Santiago is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Sokaku
vs
Santiago

189 cm
22
217 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

187 cm
24
209 lbs
5 - 4 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Good knees
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Takeda Sokaku!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mateus Santiago!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Mauricio Rocha and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sokaku swings for the body but Santiago moves out of range.
Sokaku tries to land a front kick but Santiago steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Santiago avoids the head kick by Sokaku.

Santiago gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Santiago using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sokaku has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Santiago takes a knee right on the jaw!
Sokaku with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Sokaku trying to land knees to the body.
Sokaku lands a knee to the head.
Sokaku trying to land knees to the body.
Santiago misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Sokaku.
Santiago lands an uppercut.

It looks like Takeda Sokaku has been cut.
Sokaku tries to land knees in the clinch but Santiago avoids the damage to the body.
Santiago throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Sokaku blocks it with crossed arms.
Sokaku tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Sokaku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Santiago is defending well for now.
Sokaku changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Santiago fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Sokaku throws a sloppy head kick and Santiago moves out of range easily.
Sokaku tries a head kick but it misses.
Sokaku is breathing heavily.
Sokaku tries a head kick but it misses.
Sokaku pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Santiago lands a head shot.

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

Santiago breaks the clinch.

Santiago has taken the fight to the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Santiago slowing the pace effectively.
A knee to the head by Santiago.
Santiago lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Santiago with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Santiago lands a hook to the side of the head.

Sokaku is rocked!

Santiago pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Sokaku tries to keep at a distance but Santiago has taken the fight into the clinch.
Sokaku throws a knee to the head but misses.
Santiago landing knees to the head.
Santiago is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Sokaku tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Santiago misses with a knee strike.

Santiago pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Santiago has Sokaku up against the cage in a clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Santiago landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Santiago scores with a knee to the head.

Takeda Sokaku's cut is getting worse.
Santiago tries a knee to the head but Sokaku blocks it.
Santiago stalls.

Santiago escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A head kick misses from Sokaku.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Santiago lands a body punch in the clinch.
Sokaku looking to throw knees to the head but Santiago is blocking nicely.
Santiago landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Santiago is pressed up against the cage. Sokaku has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Santiago down to the mat. Santiago avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Santiago moves into range and clinches up with Sokaku.
Santiago tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Santiago avoiding damage.
Sokaku jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Santiago walks away with a smile on his face. Sokaku gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takeda Sokaku. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sokaku tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sokaku darts in trying to clinch

and Santiago holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Sokaku trying to land knees to the body.
Santiago lands a good knee to the midsection. Sokaku won't want to take too many of those.
Santiago can't break the clinch.
Sokaku tries a knee to the head but Santiago blocks it.
Santiago avoiding damage as Sokaku throws knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sokaku has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Santiago avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Santiago's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

Sokaku's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Sokaku misses with a takedown attempt

and Santiago counters by moving into the clinch.
Santiago connects with a nasty looking knee right to Sokaku's face.

Sokaku manages to break the clinch.
Sokaku tries to score a power double leg takedown but Santiago sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Sokaku somewhat.
Sokaku throws a sloppy head kick and Santiago moves out of range easily.
Sokaku throws a sloppy head kick

and Santiago counters by clinching up.
Santiago misses with a knee to the head.
Santiago lands a knee to the head.
Santiago with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Santiago tries a knee to the head but Sokaku blocks it.
Santiago connects with a knee to the head.
Santiago takes a knee right on the jaw!
Santiago putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Sokaku in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Santiago.
Sokaku wants to get back to striking at distance but Santiago won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sokaku tries to land a knee to the head but Santiago blocks with his arms.
Sokaku throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Santiago blocks it with crossed arms.
Sokaku with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Sokaku tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Sokaku is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Santiago gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Santiago lands with a short shot to the head.
Sokaku tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Santiago avoids it.
Sokaku drops down looking for an ankle pick but Santiago pulls his leg out and moves away.
Sokaku scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Santiago tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A telegraphed right hand from Sokaku misses the target.
Sokaku shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Santiago counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Santiago.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Santiago connects with a knee to the head.
Sokaku trying to land knees to the body.

Santiago breaks from the clinch.
Sokaku misses with a body punch

and Santiago holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Santiago scores with an uppercut up the middle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mateus Santiago dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Takeda Sokaku's cut.
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.

Sokaku closes the distance but Santiago moves to the side

and Santiago counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Sokaku tries to land a knee to the head but Santiago blocks with his arms.
Sokaku looking to throw knees to the head but Santiago is blocking nicely.
Santiago using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Sokaku with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Santiago digs a right hand underneath Sokaku's ribcage. Sokaku let out a lung full of air as it connected.

Santiago breaks from the clinch.

Santiago has Sokaku up against the cage in a clinch.
Sokaku misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Santiago.

Santiago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Takeda Sokaku seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sokaku throws a hook but Santiago blocks it.

Santiago moves into the clinch.
Santiago with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Sokaku being controlled against the cage.
The crowd are getting on Santiago's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
Sokaku tries to land a knee to the head but Santiago blocks with his arms.
Santiago tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Sokaku throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Santiago blocks it with crossed arms.
Sokaku looking for a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Santiago tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Sokaku avoids it.
Santiago on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A short right from Santiago.
Sokaku using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

Santiago's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Santiago moves in looking to clinch but Sokaku pushes him off.
Sokaku fails to land the takedown.
Sokaku misses with a head kick.

Santiago gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Sokaku with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Santiago taking a breather.
Sokaku with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Sokaku using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Santiago has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Sokaku obliges.
Santiago using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sokaku has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Santiago stalling in the clinch.
Sokaku scores a nice knee to the body.
Santiago throws a knee to the head but misses.
Sokaku looking to slow down the pace here.
Mateus Santiago seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Santiago with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sokaku wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Santiago has him pressed against the cage.
Sokaku tries to circle away but Santiago has him pinned against the cage.
Sokaku is trying to break free.
Sokaku has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Santiago breaks from the clinch.
Sokaku tries a head kick but it misses.
Sokaku shoots in for a double leg but Santiago sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takeda Sokaku. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sokaku tries a head kick but it misses.

Santiago fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Sokaku, pushing him back against the cage.
Santiago prevents Sokaku from breaking the clinch.
Santiago tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Sokaku misses with a knee strike.
Sokaku putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Santiago in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Santiago tries a knee to the head but Sokaku blocks it.
Sokaku scores with a knee to the head.
Sokaku misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Santiago.
Sokaku is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Santiago landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Santiago lands with a short shot to the head.
Sokaku on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Sokaku tries for a takedown but Santiago manages to get underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sokaku misses with a knee strike.
Sokaku has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Santiago avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Santiago lands a good knee to the midsection. Sokaku won't want to take too many of those.
Sokaku tries to land a knee to the head but Santiago blocks with his arms.
Santiago lands with a right to the head.
Santiago tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Sokaku avoids it.
Sokaku wants to break free but Santiago has control.
Sokaku wants a takedown but no success here.
Santiago lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Santiago misses with a knee strike.
Santiago putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Sokaku in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Sokaku misses with a knee strike.
Santiago pushes Sokaku back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Santiago tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Sokaku tries to land knees in the clinch but Santiago avoids the damage to the body.

Santiago pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Santiago clinches up with Sokaku and pushes him back against the cage.
Sokaku unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Sokaku throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Santiago blocks it with crossed arms.
Santiago tries a knee to the head but Sokaku blocks it.
Sokaku tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Santiago avoids it.
Santiago stops a takedown attempt from Sokaku.
Santiago using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sokaku has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Santiago lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Sokaku backwards.
Santiago with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Santiago looking to throw knees to the head but Sokaku is blocking nicely.
Santiago with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Sokaku wants to get back to striking at distance but Santiago won't allow it.
Santiago avoiding damage as Sokaku throws knees to the body.
Santiago tries a knee to the head but Sokaku blocks it.

Santiago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Sokaku lands a jab to the nose.
Sokaku throws a sloppy head kick and Santiago moves out of range easily.
Mateus Santiago is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Santiago clinches.
Sokaku throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Santiago blocks it with crossed arms.
Sokaku is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Santiago pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Sokaku with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Sokaku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Santiago is defending well for now.
Sokaku goes for a takedown attempt but Santiago pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
A jab from Sokaku misses.
Sokaku throws a hook but Santiago avoids it easily.
Sokaku is trying hard to land a takedown here. Santiago sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Sokaku pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mateus Santiago showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Takeda Sokaku's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Santiago throws a combination. Sokaku tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

Santiago closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Santiago stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Santiago takes a knee right on the jaw!
Santiago keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Sokaku's efforts to push away.
Sokaku tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Sokaku trying to control the position but instead, Santiago has worked for underhooks and has pushed Sokaku into the cage.
Sokaku goes for a takedown in the clinch but Santiago prevents it.
Santiago utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

Santiago breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Santiago punishes Sokaku's body with a nice straight punch.
Sokaku takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Santiago gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Santiago with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Sokaku has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Sokaku throws a knee to the head but misses.
Santiago avoiding damage as Sokaku throws knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sokaku using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Santiago has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Santiago is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Santiago lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Sokaku tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Sokaku throws a knee to the head but misses.
Santiago tries a knee to the head but Sokaku blocks it.

Santiago manages to break the clinch.
Sokaku shoots in but no luck this time.
Sokaku tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sokaku keeps the fight on the outside.
Sokaku shoots in looking for a takedown. Santiago tries to sprawl out of it but Sokaku keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Santiago manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takeda Sokaku. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Santiago doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Sokaku wants to clinch but Santiago slips to the side

and Santiago holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Sokaku connects with a nasty looking knee right to Santiago's face.
Santiago lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A shot in the inside from Santiago.
Santiago is pressed up against the cage. Sokaku has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Santiago down to the mat. Santiago avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Santiago takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Santiago stuffs the takedown attempt from Sokaku. Sokaku gets slowly back to his feet.
Sokaku fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Santiago avoids it really well and circles away.
A big right from Sokaku misses.

Santiago moves into the clinch.
Santiago keeps control of Sokaku as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Santiago manages to break the clinch.
Santiago moves in looking to clinch but Sokaku pushes him off.
Santiago takes a kick to the side of the head.
Santiago has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sokaku throws a head kick that misses

and Santiago counters by clinching up.
Sokaku trying to land knees to the body.
Santiago throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Sokakus head.
Sokaku wants to break free but Santiago has control.
Sokaku trying to land knees to the body.
Santiago avoiding damage as Sokaku throws knees to the body.
Sokaku tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sokaku is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Santiago is keeping busy.
Sokaku looking to throw knees to the head but Santiago is blocking nicely.
Sokaku wants to get back to striking at distance but Santiago won't allow it.
Sokaku tries to circle away but Santiago has him pinned against the cage.
Sokaku using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Santiago has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Santiago misses with a knee strike.
Santiago tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Sokaku landing knees to the body.
Sokaku misses with a knee strike.
Santiago throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Sokakus head.
Sokaku tries a knee to the head but Santiago blocks it.
Sokaku working Santiago over with knees to the body.
A shot in the inside from Santiago.
Sokaku is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Santiago pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Sokaku trying to land knees to the body.
Sokaku looking to slow down the pace here.
Sokaku tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Sokaku is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Santiago pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Santiago lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sokaku has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Santiago prevents Sokaku from breaking the clinch.
Santiago using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sokaku has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Sokaku is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Takeda Sokaku has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Santiago using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sokaku has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Santiago lands a good knee to the midsection. Sokaku won't want to take too many of those.
Santiago gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Sokaku.
Santiago with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Santiago blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Santiago using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sokaku has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Knees to the body from Santiago.
Sokaku tries to stall but Santiago uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Santiago with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Sokaku using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Santiago has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Santiago blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Sokaku tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Sokaku taking a breather.
Santiago using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sokaku has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Santiago landing knees to the head.
Sokaku tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Santiago smiles and moves away.
A head kick misses from Sokaku.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mateus Santiago comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Santiago has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Paulo Santos scores the fight for Mateus Santiago!
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight for Mateus Santiago!
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight for Mateus Santiago!

Mateus Santiago wins by unanimous decision!