PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between GAK SAN (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shinya Kawasaki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

SAN
vs
Kawasaki

180 cm
21
145 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

172 cm
24
148 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, GAK SAN!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shinya Kawasaki!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
SAN connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
SAN lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Kawasaki takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.

Kawasaki is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in SAN's half guard.
Kawasaki is pressing down on SAN's thigh, looking to free his foot. SAN is holding on for now.
Kawasaki is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
SAN is trying to stand back up but Kawasaki is controlling him
Kawasaki wants to pass the guard but SAN is defending well.
Kawasaki is keen to just control but SAN is a slippery customer.
SAN is looking to escape.
SAN is breathing heavily.
Kawasaki wants to take a breather but SAN is having none of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kawasaki wants to pass the guard but SAN is defending well.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kawasaki looks for a takedown but SAN sprawls well.
SAN scores with a jab.
SAN misses with a few strikes there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kawasaki misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
SAN throws a right and a left that Kawasaki avoids nicely.
SAN misses with a wild combination.

Kawasaki gets a takedown into half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Kawasaki lands a nice short elbow.
Kawasaki trying to control from half guard but SAN is working away.
SAN is trying to stand.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Kawasaki in particular looking to stall.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
No luck for Kawasaki with that takedown attempt.
GAK SAN has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinya Kawasaki.
SAN throws a series of punches but Kawasaki avoids them all with ease.
SAN misses with a series of wild punches.
SAN stuffs the takedown attempt from Kawasaki. Kawasaki gets slowly back to his feet.
SAN looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
SAN misses with a double jab.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
SAN closes the distance and lands a one-two.
SAN thuds his right hand into Kawasaki's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
A head kick misses from SAN.
SAN will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kawasaki shoots in for a takedown but SAN shows good takedown defense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for SAN, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kawasaki dodges the punch combination from SAN.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Kawasaki walks into a jab.
Kawasaki closes this distance looking for a takedown but SAN circles away.
SAN misses with the combination.
SAN paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
SAN looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
SAN misses with a few strikes there.
Kawasaki dives in and grabs SAN's left leg, looking for a takedown. SAN pushes down on Kawasaki's head and hops out.
SAN digs a good body shot into Kawasaki's ribs.
Kawasaki fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kawasaki shoots in for a takedown but SAN shows good takedown defense.
SAN misses with a wild combination.
GAK SAN is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
SAN takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
SAN scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Kawasaki shoots in and drives through. SAN sprawls well.
SAN throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kawasaki misses with a takedown attempt - SAN sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
SAN misses with a jab, cross combination.
SAN fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
SAN really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
SAN displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kawasaki.
Kawasaki shoots for a takedown but SAN saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Kawasaki takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
SAN looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kawasaki walks into a stiff left hand from SAN.
SAN lands a nice shot that snaps Kawasaki's head back.
Kawasaki shoots for a double leg takedown but SAN sprawls well. He's pushed Kawasaki's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
SAN misses with a wild combination.
Kawasaki swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and SAN counters with a straight right hand.
SAN swinging wildly here.

Kawasaki scores with a takedown into SAN's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shinya Kawasaki dominated that round.
That's time! SAN's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Kawasaki shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with SAN but SAN pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Kawasaki throws a right hand that SAN ducks under and follows up with a left that SAN also avoids with ease.
SAN stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kawasaki fails to pull guard.
SAN wants to break the clinch but can't.
SAN is trying to break the clinch but Kawasaki is controlling him.
Kawasaki prevents SAN from breaking the clinch.
Kawasaki keeps the fight in the clinch, despite SAN's efforts to push away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
SAN tries to break the clinch but Kawasaki is controlling the position.
Kawasaki wants a takedown.
GAK SAN has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinya Kawasaki.
Kawasaki tries for a takedown but SAN manages to get underhooks.
Kawasaki is working for takedown but SAN is calmly controlling the position for now.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kawasaki pulls SAN into guard.
SAN tries to stand but Kawasaki is controlling from the bottom.
Kawasaki manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
SAN is trying to stand up.

SAN bucks Kawasaki off and manages to get back to his feet!
Kawasaki shoots in for a double leg but SAN sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
No joy there for SAN, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
SAN lands with a shot to the body.
Kawasaki shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
SAN lands with a nice combination. Kawasaki backs away looking to recover.
SAN throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
SAN connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
SAN displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kawasaki.
SAN stuffs the takedown.
Kawasaki misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
GAK SAN seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
SAN lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kawasaki circles away quickly and effectively.
A head kick from SAN lands but Kawasaki takes it in his stride.
SAN looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Some wild striking there from SAN.
SAN throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
SAN defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kawasaki.
Kawasaki takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
SAN jabs at Kawasaki's body.
Kawasaki keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Kawasaki shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts SAN as he jumps to the side.
SAN slaps away a takedown attempt from Kawasaki, before circling back to the center of the mat.
SAN throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A left and a right from SAN both land. Nice combination.
No joy there for SAN, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kawasaki throws a combination that misses
and SAN counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kawasaki thinking.
Some wild striking there from SAN.
SAN looks to land a combination. Kawasaki sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
SAN lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Danga de danga de dang - SAN scores with a four punch combination!
Kawasaki tries to score a power double leg takedown but SAN sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kawasaki somewhat.
Some wild striking there from SAN.
SAN is working the combinations to good effect here.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kawasaki.
SAN throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
SAN throws a head kick but Kawasaki moves out of range.
SAN dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kawasaki moves out of range of the body kick from SAN.

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.
No joy there for SAN, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
SAN throws out a powerful jab.
SAN tries to bum rush Kawasaki with a series of wild strikes but Kawasaki uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
SAN looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
SAN lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
SAN misses with a two punch combination.
Kawasaki with a lazy takedown attempt
and SAN counters with a two punch combo.
SAN lands a two punch combo.
SAN lands a lovely overhand right.
SAN tries to land a leg kick but Kawasaki saw it coming and moves away.
SAN lands a nice shot that snaps Kawasaki's head back.
SAN throws a series of punches but Kawasaki avoids them all with ease.
SAN lands with a cross.
SAN fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kawasaki fails with a takedown attempt.
SAN scores with a three punch combo!
SAN lands a jab-cross combination.
SAN throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

GAK SAN dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Good exchange - SAN coming out on top.
Kawasaki on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Kawasaki shoots in but no luck this time.
Kawasaki shoots in for a takedown but SAN shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
SAN with a hook.
SAN lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Kawasaki backs up against the cage.
GAK SAN is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A combination from SAN does no damage.
A right-left combo lands from SAN.
Kawasaki shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with SAN but SAN pushes him off and we're back to square one.
GAK SAN has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinya Kawasaki.
Kawasaki takes a body punch but keeps moving.
A nice combination there by SAN.
SAN misses with a jab, cross combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
SAN throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kawasaki fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
SAN goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Kawasaki fails with the takedown.
SAN lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Kawasaki backs up against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kawasaki shoots in for a double leg but SAN sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
SAN throws a head kick that misses.
SAN throws a combination that misses

and Kawasaki counters with a single leg into guard. SAN didn't expect that.
Kawasaki stops SAN from standing up.
Kawasaki wants to pass the guard but SAN is keeping the position.
SAN is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Kawasaki is looking to stand up but SAN won't let him.
Kawasaki is standing up over SAN. SAN looks to escape but Kawasaki dives into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kawasaki wants to control but SAN is keeping him busy.
SAN tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
SAN is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.

SAN bucks up and throws Kawasaki to the side - he's got back to his feet. Great escape!
SAN leaves Kawasaki with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
SAN misses with a wild combination.
SAN scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by SAN!
Kawasaki has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Kawasaki there as he acknowledges the shot.
SAN scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kawasaki doesn't seem bothered though.
SAN is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
SAN scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
A combination from SAN does no damage.
SAN lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

Kawasaki throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. SAN was covering up waiting for the punch and Kawasaki finishes the takedown easily into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
SAN wants to stand and escape but Kawasaki is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

SAN uses the cage to get back to his feet.
SAN swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kawasaki.
SAN throws a sloppy head kick and Kawasaki moves out of range easily.
SAN falls off balance throwing a combination

and Kawasaki counters with a takedown into side control.
SAN wants to get back to his feet.
SAN trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Kawasaki is looking to take a break and control but SAN is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Kawasaki is trying to get an arm triangle but SAN is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kawasaki has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for SAN!
SAN trying desperately to get to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kawasaki is trying to control here but SAN has managed to regain half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Shinya Kawasaki comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kawasaki 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shinya Kawasaki!