PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tazuboku Kayo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mbala Ubuntu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kayo comes to the cage accompanied by Flipsyde - Someday. Ubuntu has chosen Hohodza as his entrance music. Tazuboku Kayo has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kayo
vs
Ubuntu

200 cm
26
167 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

175 cm
22
163 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Tazuboku Kayo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Mbala Ubuntu!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Gregory Folan and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ubuntu tries for a takedown but Kayo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Ubuntu fails with a takedown attempt.
Kayo stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

Ubuntu scores a takedown into full mount!
Kayo tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kayo tries to lock up and control but Ubuntu gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Ubuntu can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Kayo is looking to escape.
Kayo wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Ubuntu.
Kayo tries to hold on but Ubuntu pushes him away.
Ubuntu sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Ubuntu can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Kayo is looking to escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ubuntu looking to finish with strikes here!
Kayo takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Kayo is in all sorts of trouble here.
Ubuntu punishing his opponent with strikes.
Ubuntu wants to control the pace but Kayo is squirming around nicely.
Ubuntu throws a strike there. Kayo manages to avoid it well and slips a leg under to get to half guard.
Ubuntu wants to take a breather but Kayo is having none of it.
Ubuntu works his way into full mount!
Ubuntu tries to control but Kayo wriggling away.
Kayo is desperately trying to improve his position but Ubuntu has a good base and remains in mount.
Ubuntu lands with some strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kayo keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Ubuntu is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Kayo can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

Ubuntu with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Kayo wants to control but Ubuntu is having none of it.
Kayo is in all sorts of trouble here.
Ubuntu fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Kayo is trying to escape the mount.

Ubuntu goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Kayo is on top in guard.
Kayo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ubuntu swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ubuntu pushes Kayo off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Kayo scores with a sloppy right hand. Ubuntu should have avoided that one.
Ubuntu fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kayo avoids it really well and circles away.
Tazuboku Kayo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mbala Ubuntu.
Kayo clobbers Ubuntu with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Ubuntu takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Kayo scores with a jab. Ubuntu acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Ubuntu shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kayo pinned against the cage. Kayo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Ubuntu shoots for a double leg takedown but Kayo sprawls well. He's pushed Ubuntu's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ubuntu looks gassed!
Horrible takedown by Ubuntu or perhaps it was just good defense by Kayo which made him look bad.
Ubuntu misses with a takedown attempt - Kayo sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Mbala Ubuntu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kayo moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Kayo scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Ubuntu fails with the takedown.
Ubuntu has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Ubuntu there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kayo is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Kayo ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kayo scores with a hook.
Ubuntu takes one on the button.
Kayo closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Kayo lands a nice looking body shot.
Ubuntu walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Kayo is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.

Ubuntu shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Kayo works his way to full guard. Good work.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Kayo is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Tazuboku Kayo will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kayo connects with a nice looking jab.
Ubuntu shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kayo pinned against the cage. Kayo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Kayo darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Kayo wants to free his trapped foot but Ubuntu is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Kayo looking for a submission but Ubuntu manages to get full guard, putting an end to that submission attempt.
Kayo is looking to work some ground and pound but Ubuntu has wrist control.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kayo advances to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kayo trying to mount his opponent but Ubuntu defends it.
Kayo stops Ubuntu from getting back to his feet.

Kayo is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Ubuntu is just riding it out for now. Kayo eventually gives up the hold.
Ubuntu gets full guard.

Ubuntu wriggles free and stands up.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Kayo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ubuntu wants to get back to his feet but Kayo drags him back down.

Kayo decides to stand up, so the ref orders Ubuntu to his feet.
Ubuntu shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Kayo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ubuntu shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Kayo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Tazuboku Kayo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mbala Ubuntu.
Ubuntu doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Kayo counters with a nice double leg into side control. Ubuntu won't be happy with that.
Kayo in side control lands a decent elbow.

Kayo is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Ubuntu is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Ubuntu is trying to control Kayo's posture but Kayo avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kayo working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Kayo will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Ubuntu throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Ubuntu tries for a takedown but Kayo circles away easily
and Kayo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ubuntu tries for a takedown but Kayo circles away easily

and Kayo counters with a shoot takedown. Ubuntu fights it but they end up in guard.
Kayo wants to pass the guard but Ubuntu is keeping the position.
Kayo trying to move into half guard but instead Ubuntu has managed to sweep!
Kayo really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kayo is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Ubuntu defends well.

Ubuntu thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Kayo is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Kayo is trying to control the position but Ubuntu postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kayo keeping full guard, as Ubuntu tries to pass.
Ubuntu wants to control from the top but Kayo keeps moving.

Kayo working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ubuntu doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ubuntu manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Tazuboku Kayo overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Ubuntu cracks Kayo with a solid left hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tazuboku Kayo dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Ubuntu misses with a takedown attempt
and Kayo cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ubuntu shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kayo pinned against the cage. Kayo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Nice uppercut lands for Kayo. That snapped Ubuntu's head back.
Kayo uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ubuntu is defended easily by Kayo.
Tazuboku Kayo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mbala Ubuntu.
Ubuntu misses with a takedown attempt
and Kayo connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Kayo decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Kayo is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Ubuntu is in trouble now - Kayo has advanced to mount!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Kayo is working for a guillotine from mount but Ubuntu frees his head quite easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kayo misses with some ground and pound and Ubuntu recovers position to half guard.

Kayo seems to be working for a kimura but Ubuntu defends the submission attempt.
Ubuntu is trying to stand.
Ubuntu trying to control here.
The fighters are battling for position here. Ubuntu manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ubuntu trying to control the position here.
Kayo looking to pass the guard.
Kayo trying to control the position from guard on top but Ubuntu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ubuntu trying to control the position.
Kayo throws and elbow that misses. Ubuntu uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kayo's guard. Nice move by Ubuntu!
Ubuntu must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Ubuntu pushes down on Kayo's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kayo looking for submissions off his back.
Ubuntu works his way into full mount!
Ubuntu fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Ubuntu tries to control but Kayo wriggling away.
Kayo can't escape the position.

Ubuntu looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
The referee warns Kayo that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Kayo wants to control but Ubuntu is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Kayo is desperately trying to improve his position but Ubuntu has a good base and remains in mount.
Kayo tries to lock up and control but Ubuntu gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Kayo really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Ubuntu looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Ubuntu looking to finish Kayo with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kayo!
Kayo sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Ubuntu winds up and cracks Kayo with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

Ubuntu is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kayo wants to get back to his feet.

Kayo is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ubuntu pulls his head out easily.

Kayo looking for submissions off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Mbala Ubuntu just about did enough to take it.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ubuntu looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Ubuntu trying to control from half guard but Kayo is working away.

Kayo actively working from the bottom here.
Ubuntu wants to free his trapped foot but Kayo is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kayo is pressing down on Ubuntu's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Ubuntu advances to half guard.
Ubuntu trying to mount his opponent but Kayo defends it.

Kayo looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kayo tries to get to full guard but Ubuntu has control of the leg.

Kayo looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Kayo is staying active underneath Ubuntu, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Ubuntu passes to full mount!
Ubuntu trying to control but Kayo is having none of it.
Ubuntu lands a heavy elbow.

Kayo defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Ubuntu.
Kayo is looking to get to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ubuntu wants to control the pace but Kayo is squirming around nicely.
Kayo sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Ubuntu moves nicely into side control.
Kayo regains half guard.
Kayo on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Kayo is staying active underneath Ubuntu, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kayo wants to control but Ubuntu is keeping busy.
Kayo is refusing to be controlled, as Ubuntu sits in half guard.
Kayo is pressing down on Ubuntu's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ubuntu wants to control from the top but Kayo keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ubuntu pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kayo is keeping the position for now.

Kayo is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Kayo working for a triangle but Ubuntu defends it easily.
Kayo keeping full guard, as Ubuntu tries to pass.
Kayo tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Ubuntu missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Kayo looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Kayo keeping moving, preventing Ubuntu from controlling successfully.

Kayo is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ubuntu is aware though and is defending well.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ubuntu tries for a takedown but Kayo circles away easily
and Kayo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Kayo stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Ubuntu shoots in for a takedown but Kayo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Good standup being displayed there by Kayo as he connects with a hook.

Kayo shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Ubuntu's guard.
Kayo wants to pass the guard but Ubuntu is keeping the position.
Ubuntu preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Tazuboku Kayo will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Ubuntu defending well as Kayo loads up on a big left hand.
Kayo getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Ubuntu misses with a takedown
enabling Kayo to counter with a crisp jab.
Ubuntu has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Ubuntu shoots and misses
and Kayo counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Ubuntu gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
letting Kayo counter with a right hand.
Tazuboku Kayo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mbala Ubuntu.
Kayo lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Ubuntu backs up against the cage.

Kayo shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Ubuntu's guard.
Kayo working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Kayo is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Ubuntu is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Ubuntu has escaped and now he's on top!

Kayo has his foot on Ubuntu's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ubuntu works his way back into a safe position though.
Ubuntu pushing down on Kayo's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Kayo tries to roll over but Ubuntu keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ubuntu tries to pass to full mount but Kayo defends it.
Ubuntu is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Kayo tries to reverse the position but Ubuntu maintains control.
Ubuntu trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Kayo sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Ubuntu working over Kayo with some ground and pound. Kayo looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Ubuntu is trying to control. Kayo wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Kayo is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ubuntu pulls his head out easily.
Nice strikes from Ubuntu there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ubuntu is looking to advance position but Kayo won't allow it.
Kayo gets full guard.
Ubuntu throwing strikes but missing.

Kayo working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ubuntu doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ubuntu manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Ubuntu preventing the sweep.
Ubuntu is pushing down on Kayo's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kayo is fighting to maintain full guard but Ubuntu has managed to sneak the leg through.
Ubuntu is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Kayo working to try and regain half guard.
Mbala Ubuntu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ubuntu is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Kayo can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ubuntu looking to control and managing it successfully.
Ubuntu with shots to the head and body - Kayo looks very uncomfortable down there.
Ubuntu landing punches.
Kayo wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Ubuntu.
Ubuntu lands with some strikes.
Ubuntu scoring with strikes but Kayo is staying in there.
Ubuntu throwing strikes here but Kayo is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Kayo tries to hold on but Ubuntu pushes him away.
Ubuntu wants to control the pace but Kayo is squirming around nicely.
Kayo is desperately trying to improve his position but Ubuntu has a good base and remains in mount.

Ubuntu is working for a guillotine from mount but Kayo frees his head quite easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ubuntu working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Kayo keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Ubuntu looking to finish Kayo with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kayo!
Kayo is wriggling around trying to escape.

Kayo defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Ubuntu.

Ubuntu with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.

Ubuntu jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Kayo is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Kayo and Ubuntu has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mbala Ubuntu comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kayo has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge William Peck scores the fight 49:47
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 49:47
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 48:48

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Tazuboku Kayo!
Tazuboku Kayo retains his lightweight title!