PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Latka Gravas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shizuka Uesugi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Gravas
vs
Uesugi

185 cm
25
202 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

190 cm
21
198 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Experienced

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Latka Gravas!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Shizuka Uesugi!
The judges for this bout are Eliza Hachem, Bruno Hogan and Skip Squint.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Uesugi feints and as Gravas raises his hands in defense, Uesugi changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Gravas looking for a sweep. Not yet Gravas, not yet.
Gravas is working hard here to advance position.
Uesugi wants to control from the top but Gravas keeps moving.
Uesugi preventing the sweep.
Uesugiis looking to pass into half guard but Gravas pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Gravas is in guard.
Uesugi has momentary wrist control but Gravas slips an elbow through the middle.
Uesugi wants to sweep but no luck.
Gravas pushing down on Uesugi's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Uesugi gets back to full guard.

Uesugi working for a triangle but Gravas defends it easily.
Gravas is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gravas won't allow Uesugi to sweep him here.
Gravas trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gravas is looking to advance position but Uesugi has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Uesugi goes for an armbar but Gravas turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Gravas.
Gravas in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Uesugi looking to control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gravas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Uesugi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gravas won't allow Uesugi to sweep him here.
Uesugi working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Gravas.
Gravas advances to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi gets back to full guard.
Gravas postures up.

Uesugi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Gravas can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Uesugi looks gassed!
Uesugi wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gravas working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Gravas advances position into side control!
Gravas working away.
Gravas throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Uesugi manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Uesugi is working for a kimura but Gravas is defending it quite comfortably.
Gravas is pressing down on Uesugi's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Gravas is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Uesugi is aware though and is defending well.
Gravas is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Uesugi trying to control the position from guard on top but Gravas is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gravas is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Gravas looking to hit a scissor sweep but Uesugi is one step ahead there.

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.
Uesugi pushes down on Gravas's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Gravas is defending against the submission attempts here by Uesugi.
Gravas is looking to control Uesugi's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Gravas avoid being mounted?
Uesugi seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Shizuka Uesugi will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Uesugi throws a jab but it's blocked by Gravas.
A looping hook to the body misses from Uesugi. Gravas does a little dance to reset his feet.
Gravas takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Uesugi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gravas manages to avoid it.
Uesugi misses with a wild body shot.
Gravas moves out of range of the strikes.
Uesugi misses with a wild body shot.
Uesugi swings for the body but Gravas moves out of range.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gravas is defended easily by Uesugi.
Uesugi misses with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Uesugi misses.
Uesugi thows a body shot but no joy.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Gravas.
Gravas misses with the combination.
Uesugi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gravas moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uesugi digs a good hook to Gravas's body.
Gravas takes one to the chin there.
Uesugi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gravas was well out of range. Poor timing from Uesugi.
Uesugi digs a good body shot into Gravas's ribs.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Gravas closes the distance and clinches up with Uesugi, looking for a takedown. Gravas pushes Uesugi against the cage but Uesugi circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Latka Gravas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gravas uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Uesugi.
Uesugi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gravas was well out of range. Poor timing from Uesugi.
Gravas uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Uesugi.
Gravas takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Uesugi looks to land a right hand but Gravas moved out of range.

Uesugi shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Gravas's guard.
Uesugi wants to pass the guard but Gravas is keeping the position.
Uesugi is pushing down on Gravas's leg trying to pass to half guard. Gravas is fighting to maintain full guard but Uesugi has managed to sneak the leg through.
Uesugi tries to pass the half guard into mount. Gravas knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Uesugi works his way into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi controlling the position from side mount.
Uesugi wants to control but Gravas is keeping him busy.
Uesugi avoids the strikes from the bottom by Gravas.

Uesugi is trying to get an arm triangle but Gravas is defending well.
Gravas is looking for a sweep.
Gravas manages to work his way to half guard, despite Uesugi's best efforts.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gravas slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Uesugi trying to control but Gravas is working from the bottom.
Gravas keeping full guard, as Uesugi tries to pass.
Uesugi trying to control but Gravas is working from the bottom.
Uesugi content to stall in guard here.
Uesugi stopping the sweep attempt from Gravas.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Uesugi forces his way into half guard.
Gravas is trying to get back to full guard.

Uesugi is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Gravas is just riding it out for now. Uesugi eventually gives up the hold.
Uesugi works his way into side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shizuka Uesugi showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Gravas's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A left lands for Uesugi.
Gravas uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Uesugi.
Uesugi scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Shizuka Uesugi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Uesugi stuns Gravas with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Gravas shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Uesugi's guard.
Uesugi is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Uesugi throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Uesugi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Uesugi has his foot on Gravas's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gravas works his way back into a safe position though.
Uesugi keeping full guard, as Gravas tries to pass.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Gravas throwing strikes from guard but Uesugi blocks nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Uesugi looking for a guillotine here but Gravas defends easily.

Uesugi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Gravas with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Gravas works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Gravas is looking for submissions but instead, Uesugi has regained full guard.

Uesugi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Uesugi is trying to keep Gravas in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi keeping full guard, as Gravas tries to pass.
Uesugi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gravas works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Uesugi taking some punishment here, with Gravas in his half guard.
Uesugi is looking to improve his position.
Uesugi regains full guard. Nicely done.
Gravas slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Gravas lands a decent elbow from side control.
Uesugi is trying to control Gravas's posture but Gravas avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gravas working the strikes but Uesugi uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Uesugi slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Uesugi manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

Uesugi goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Gravas is on top in guard.
Gravas postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Uesugi is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Uesugi preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gravas with a nice head shot there.
Uesugi is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Gravas is trying to control but can't.
Uesugi passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Gravas!
Uesugi prevents Gravas from getting the reversal.
Gravas is squirming around, avoiding Uesugi's attempts to control the action.
Uesugi avoids the attempt from Gravas to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Shizuka Uesugi just about did enough to take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Uesugi throws out a loose jab but Gravas uses good head movement to avoid it.
Uesugi lands a nice looking body shot.
Uesugi waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Gravas.
Gravas avoids the body shot from Uesugi.
Uesugi throws a body punch but Gravas moves out of range.
Gravas looks to land a right hand but Uesugi moved out of range.
Uesugi tries to move into range but Gravas moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Gravas takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Uesugi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gravas moves away.
Gravas moves out of range as Uesugi strikes.
Uesugi jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Uesugi lands with a nice body punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gravas scores a takedown into full mount!
Uesugi is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Gravas avoids the attempt from Uesugi to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uesugi slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Uesugi is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Gravas scores with a couple of nice shots.
Uesugi is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gravas's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gravas's back!

Uesugi looking for the RNC.
Uesugi wants to control the position but Gravas frees himself and scrambles - Uesugi manages to regain control in side control.
You can see the frustration on Gravas's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Uesugi advances to full mount.
Uesugi tries to control but Gravas wriggling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Uesugi is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Gravas has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Gravas!
Gravas preventing the sweep.
Gravas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Uesugi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Uesugi is trying to keep Gravas in close.
Gravas postures up and lands a big shot to Uesugi's brow.
Gravas trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gravas throws a big right hand that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uesugi trying to keep a closed guard but Gravas is proving a slippery customer.
Gravas is working Uesugi over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Gravas tries to free his leg and advance position but Uesugi is retaining full guard.
Uesugi manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Gravas manages to get himself to full guard.
Uesugi advances position into side control!
Gravas struggling a bit here.

Uesugi swings around for an armbar but Gravas sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Uesugi's guard.

Uesugi is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Uesugi is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gravas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Uesugi swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Uesugi has his foot on Gravas's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gravas works his way back into a safe position though.

Uesugi is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Gravas is aware though and is defending well.

Uesugi looking for a guillotine here but Gravas defends easily.
Uesugi can't keep his opponent in guard - Gravas advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Gravas wants to pass the guard but Uesugi is defending well.
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 Latka Gravas will probably get the nod.
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!

Gravas tries to score a power double leg takedown but Uesugi sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gravas somewhat.
Uesugi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gravas manages to avoid it.
Gravas throws a looping overhand right but Uesugi ducks down to avoid it.
Uesugi thows a body shot but no joy.
Gravas slips under a jab from Uesugi.
Gravas ducks under a wild hook from Uesugi.
Uesugi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gravas.

Uesugi closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Uesugi wants to work for an arm triangle but Gravas is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Shizuka Uesugi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Gravas moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
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.
Gravas not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uesugi is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Uesugi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gravas swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gravas 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.

Uesugi drops back looking for a leg! Gravas is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Gravas manages to kick Uesugi off! Uesugi jumps back into Gravas's guard.
Uesugi sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Gravas's guard.

That's two 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.
Gravas is pressing down on Uesugi's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Uesugi wants to control from the top but Gravas keeps moving.
Uesugi sitting in guard here, content to control.
Gravas manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Uesugi regains half guard.
Gravas scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Uesugi trying to control here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gravas prevents Uesugi from improving his position.
Gravas lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Gravas slips a nice elbow through Uesugi's hands, connecting with Uesugi's forehead.
Uesugi moves into full guard.
Gravas trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Uesugi looking for a guillotine here but Gravas defends easily.

Gravas got a little sloppy there for a moment and Uesugi has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Gravas has managed to get both his arms back between Uesugi's legs - danger averted.
Gravas pushing down on Uesugi's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gravas thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Gravas lands with a punch from half guard.
Uesugi is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Gravas wants to pass to mount but Uesugi is defending the position.
Gravas lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Gravas wants to pass to mount but Uesugi is defending the position.
Uesugi moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Latka Gravas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Uesugi has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Gravas should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Uesugi has tightened it up now! Gravas should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Shizuka Uesugi!
Shizuka Uesugi is the new middleweight champion!