PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ryu Hoshi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ikuhisa Minowaman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Hoshi
vs
Minowaman

183 cm
23
199 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

175 cm
22
194 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Powerful

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 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ryu Hoshi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ikuhisa Minowaman!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Minowaman fails with a takedown attempt.
Hoshi tries to clinch there but Minowaman circles away.
Hoshi tries to close the distance and clinch but Minowaman swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Minowaman changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Hoshi looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Hoshi is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Minowaman is controlling him well.
Minowaman tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Hoshi wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

Minowaman is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Hoshi has escaped the position, nice work there.
Hoshi is trying to get back to his feet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Minowaman shoots in for a takedown but Hoshi shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hoshi doesn't manage to clinch there - Minowaman circles away.

Minowaman drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Hoshi is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Minowaman is controlling him well.
Hoshi 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.
Hoshi stops Minowaman from passing to mount.
Minowaman staying calm.
Minowaman trying to control the action but Hoshi is working from the bottom.
Hoshi wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Hoshi tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Minowaman paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hoshi doesn't manage to clinch there - Minowaman circles away.
Hoshi slaps away a takedown attempt from Minowaman, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Ryu Hoshi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ikuhisa Minowaman.
Minowaman shoots in but Hoshi avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Nice sprawl there from Hoshi as Minowaman shoots in.

Minowaman forces Hoshi back against the ropes and clinches.
Minowaman avoiding damage as Hoshi throws knees to the body.
Hoshi looking to throw knees to the head but Minowaman is blocking nicely.
Hoshi prevents the takedown attempt.
Hoshi tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hoshi using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Minowaman has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hoshi gets underhooks to prevent Minowaman's takedown attempt.
Minowaman jumps guard but Hoshi stands there with Minowaman around his waist. Minowaman gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Minowaman avoiding damage as Hoshi throws knees to the body.
Hoshi prevents a takedown attempt there.
Hoshi misses with a knee strike.
Minowaman tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hoshi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Minowaman is defending well for now.
Hoshi with a knee to the head.
Minowaman has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Hoshi avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Minowaman looks gassed!
Minowaman managing to block the knees to the body from Hoshi.
Hoshi throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Minowaman blocks it with crossed arms.
Hoshi throws a knee to the head but misses.

Minowaman pulls guard successfully.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Minowaman can do anything to dispel that myth.

Hoshi decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Hoshi wants to clinch but Minowaman slips to the side

and Minowaman counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Minowaman prevents Hoshi from getting back to his feet.
Minowaman is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Minowaman throwing strikes from guard but Hoshi blocks nicely.
Hoshi keeping moving, preventing Minowaman from controlling successfully.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Hoshi pushes Minowaman off and gets back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Minowaman drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hoshi is looking to stand up but Minowaman isn't so interested in that idea.
Minowaman looking to pass the guard.
Minowaman throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hoshi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hoshi is looking to stand up but Minowaman isn't so interested in that idea.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Minowaman is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Minowaman won't allow Hoshi to get back to his feet.
Minowaman looking to pass the guard.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Minowaman wants to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ikuhisa Minowaman dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Hoshi tries to clinch

and Minowaman holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Hoshi throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Minowaman blocks it with crossed arms.
Hoshi is pressed up against the ropes. Minowaman has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hoshi down to the mat. Hoshi avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Hoshi tries to clinch but Minowaman moves away

and Minowaman counters by clinching up.
Minowaman is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hoshi pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Hoshi misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Minowaman.
Hoshi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Minowaman is defending well for now.
Minowaman fails to pull guard.
Ryu Hoshi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ikuhisa Minowaman.
Minowaman tries for a takedown but Hoshi manages to get underhooks.
Hoshi with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hoshi throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Minowaman blocks it with crossed arms.
Minowaman blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Hoshi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Minowaman is defending well for now.
Minowaman goes for a takedown attempt but Hoshi pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Ikuhisa Minowaman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Hoshi drives through and clinches with Minowaman against the ropes.
Hoshi misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Minowaman.
Minowaman has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Hoshi avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Hoshi tries a knee to the head but Minowaman blocks it.
Minowaman is breathing heavily.
Hoshi with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hoshi trying to land knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minowaman managing to block the knees to the body from Hoshi.
Minowaman lands with a short shot to the head.

Minowaman is working on a single leg takedown against the ropes. Hoshi can't fight it off and eventually Minowaman manages to take the fight to the floor. Hoshi looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Hoshi pushes Minowaman off and gets back to his feet.
Minowaman circles away from the clinch attempt

and Minowaman counters by moving into the clinch.
Minowaman wants a takedown but no success here.
Minowaman tries to pull guard but Hoshi holds him up against the ropes and eventually Minowaman drops back down to his feet.
Hoshi prevents the takedown attempt.
Hoshi misses with a knee to the head.
Hoshi misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Minowaman.
Hoshi gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Minowaman.
Knees in the clinch landing for Hoshi.
Hoshi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Minowaman is defending well for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hoshi tries to land a knee to the head but Minowaman blocks with his arms.
Minowaman takes a knee to the side of the body.
Hoshi is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Hoshi throws a knee to the head but misses.

Minowaman has Hoshi pressed up against the ropes. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Minowaman pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Hoshi tumbling to the mat - Minowaman dives into Hoshi's guard.
Minowaman prevents Hoshi from getting back to his feet.
Minowaman is pushing down on Hoshi's leg trying to pass to half guard. Hoshi is fighting to maintain full guard but Minowaman has managed to sneak the leg through.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Minowaman throwing shots but Hoshi is blocking nicely.
Minowaman prevents Hoshi from standing back up.
Minowaman moves nicely into side control.
Hoshi is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

Minowaman is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Hoshi is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Minowaman is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hoshi knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Hoshi is pushing Minowaman's head away, looking to escape. Minowaman manages to hold on to the position though.
Minowaman tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Hoshi pushes Minowaman away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Minowaman gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

Minowaman is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Hoshi is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Hoshi pushes Minowaman away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Minowaman gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Hoshi wants to clinch but Minowaman slips to the side

so Minowaman counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Minowaman prevents Hoshi from getting back to his feet.
Hoshi working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Minowaman.
Minowaman with a flurry of punches that miss.
Minowaman prevents Hoshi from getting back to his feet.
Minowaman working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Hoshi's head.
Minowaman loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Minowaman wants to control from the top but Hoshi keeps moving.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Minowaman is defended easily by Hoshi.
Minowaman misses with a takedown attempt - Hoshi sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Hoshi darts in trying to clinch

and Minowaman counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Minowaman.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ikuhisa Minowaman showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Hoshi tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Minowaman paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Minowaman changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hoshi tries to avoid it but Minowaman manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hoshi to the ground. Hoshi escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Hoshi tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Minowaman counters with a takedown into side control.

Minowaman tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Minowaman has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Hoshi wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Minowaman throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Minowaman prevents Hoshi from escaping the position.
Minowaman wants to control but Hoshi is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minowaman misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Nice sprawl there from Hoshi as Minowaman shoots in.
Hoshi darts in trying to clinch

and Minowaman counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Ikuhisa Minowaman has got the better of the ground game so far.

Hoshi kicks Minowaman off and gets back to his feet.
Hoshi tries to clinch but Minowaman moves away

and Minowaman counters with a single leg into guard. Hoshi didn't expect that.
Hoshi is looking to stand up but Minowaman isn't so interested in that idea.
Minowaman wants to control from the top but Hoshi keeps moving.
Hoshi wants to stand but Minowaman is controlling the position.
Hoshi keeping moving, preventing Minowaman from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hoshi is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Minowaman trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Hoshi closes the distance but Minowaman moves to the side

and Minowaman counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
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!
Hoshi tries to kick Minowaman off but Minowaman keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Minowaman is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Hoshi tries to kick Minowaman off but Minowaman keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Minowaman is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hoshi doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Minowaman.
Hoshi is trying to stand back up but Minowaman is controlling him

Minowaman is trying to work for a kimura but Hoshi is defending well.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Minowaman shoots in looking for a takedown. Hoshi tries to sprawl out of it but Minowaman keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Hoshi manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ryu Hoshi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ikuhisa Minowaman.
Minowaman tries to clinch up but Hoshi circles away and keeps his distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hoshi wants to clinch up but Minowaman keeps it at a distance.
Minowaman throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hoshi fails with an attempt to clinch.
Hoshi tries to clinch but Minowaman moves out of range.
Hoshi moves in looking to clinch but Minowaman pushes him off.
Minowaman shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hoshi but Hoshi pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Hoshi tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Minowaman misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Hoshi pushes Minowaman up against the ropes in a clinch.
Hoshi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Minowaman is defending well for now.
Minowaman dodges an elbow strike from Hoshi.
Minowaman blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Minowaman blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Hoshi throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Minowaman blocks it with crossed arms.
Minowaman on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ryu Hoshi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ikuhisa Minowaman is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Minowaman managing to block the knees to the body from Hoshi.
Hoshi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Minowaman is defending well for now.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ikuhisa Minowaman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Minowaman 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 Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ikuhisa Minowaman!