PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ippo Makunouchi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Russ Reaper (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Makunouchi
vs
Reaper

205 cm
25
280 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

196 cm
25
280 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big right hand

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ippo Makunouchi !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Russ Reaper!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Gregory Folan and Steve Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Reaper moves in looking to clinch but Makunouchi pushes him off.
Reaper shoots for a takedown but Makunouchi saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Makunouchi misses with a low kick.
Reaper tries to clinch up.
A combination from Makunouchi does no damage.
Makunouchi misses with a head kick.
Makunouchi scores with a jab.
Makunouchi scores with a jab. Reaper acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Reaper slips a jab and a cross from Makunouchi .
Makunouchi connects with the punch.

It looks like Russ Reaper has been cut.
Reaper is looking to clinch but Makunouchi is avoiding it.
Makunouchi will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Reaper takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Makunouchi fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Reaper on the side of the head.
Makunouchi lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Makunouchi lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Reaper backs up against the cage.
Reaper shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Makunouchi as he avoids it easily.
Reaper tries to clinch but Makunouchi is having none of it.
A punch lands to the side of Reaper 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Russ Reaper seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Makunouchi swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Reaper.
Makunouchi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Reaper.
Reaper doesn't manage to clinch there - Makunouchi circles away.
Reaper tries to close the distance and clinch but Makunouchi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reaper fails to land the takedown.
Ippo Makunouchi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Russ Reaper.
Makunouchi misses with a body kick.
Reaper tries to clinch there but Makunouchi circles away.
Reaper changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Makunouchi tries to avoid it but Reaper manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Makunouchi to the ground. Makunouchi escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Makunouchi throws a combination. Reaper tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Makunouchi is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Makunouchi throws a combination. Reaper tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Reaper looks gassed!
Reaper fails in his attempt to clinch.
Makunouchi works over Reaper's head and body with a nice combination.
Reaper tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Reaper walks into a jab.
Makunouchi lands a jab to the head.
Makunouchi stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Makunouchi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Reaper.
Makunouchi throws a one two combo.
Makunouchi swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Reaper.
Makunouchi cracks a nice hook into Reaper's ribs.
Reaper is trying desperately to land a takedown but Makunouchi is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Reaper.
Reaper tries to clinch but Makunouchi moves out of range.
Danga de danga de dang - Makunouchi scores with a four punch combination!
Makunouchi lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Makunouchi is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Makunouchi throws a good cross that connects.

That has opened up Russ Reaper's cut even more.
Makunouchi is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Reaper looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Makunouchi is fending him off so far but Reaper persists. Nope, Makunouchi circles away and we're back to standing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Makunouchi connects with a jab and follows up with a big overhand right! Oh that's hurt Reaper! He's out on his feet! Makunouchi rushes in and drops Reaper with another big right hand, forcing the referee to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:07 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Ippo Makunouchi !