PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kobayashi Masato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Muta Baruka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Baruka has chosen Don't Stay In A Whiteman Country Too Long as his entrance music. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Masato
vs
Baruka

174 cm
26
150 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

194 cm
25
160 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

MADE IN GERMANY

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kobayashi Masato!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Muta Baruka!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Masato misses with a jab, cross combination.
Masato takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Masato tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Baruka lands a nice looking kick to the body. Masato takes a step back to recover.
Masato is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A jab lands there for Baruka.
Baruka tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Baruka feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Masato's calf.

Baruka has managed to clinch.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Baruka stalling against the ropes.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.

It looks like Kobayashi Masato has been cut.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Baruka's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
A right hand to the body from Baruka.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.
Baruka stalls.
Baruka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Baruka lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Baruka is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka stalling in the clinch.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Masato in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Masato has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baruka working Masato over with knees to the body.
Baruka stalling against the ropes.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka stalls.
Masato misses with a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masato takes a knee right on the jaw!
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.

Baruka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Baruka throws a push kick but Masato slaps the foot to one side.
Baruka thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Masato if he has to take too many more of those.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Baruka is looking to slow Masato down with leg kicks.

Baruka has closed the distance and engaged Masato in a clinch.
Baruka misses with a knee to the head.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Masato is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baruka cracks Masato with a nice body shot.
Baruka lands a knee to the head.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka is struggling to control the position.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Masato lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.
Masato tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Baruka avoids it.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows.
Masato takes a knee to the side of the body.
Baruka stalling against the ropes.
Baruka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Masato's efforts to push away.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Baruka.
Baruka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka landing knees to the body.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Baruka utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Baruka landing knees to the head.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Masato in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Masato being controlled against the ropes.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Baruka landing knees to the head.
Masato blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka lands an elbow that stopped Masato in his tracks for a moment.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.

Baruka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Masato throws a hook but Baruka blocks it.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Baruka.
Baruka throws a front kick that sends Masato stumbling back into the ropes.
Kobayashi Masato seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Baruka clinches up against the ropes.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Masato in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but Masato blocks with his arms.
Baruka connects with a knee to the head.
Baruka scores a nice knee to the body.
Baruka crunches a lovely knee into Masato's ribcage.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows.
Masato is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The referee is keeping an eye on Baruka - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Knees to the body from Baruka.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Baruka as Masato tries to tie him up.
Baruka will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Masato up against the ropes.
Baruka lands a knee to the body.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Masato is trying to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling him.
Baruka leaning his opponent against the ropes.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka managing to block the knees to the body from Masato.
Masato tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Masato misses with a knee strike.
Masato avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.

Baruka manages to break the clinch.

Baruka gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka scores a nice knee to the body.
Baruka slows down the pace here.
Baruka lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Masato in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Baruka slowing the pace effectively.
Baruka misses with a knee strike.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Masato is trying to maintain a safe position but Baruka gets an underhook and turns Masato into the ropes.
Masato is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Baruka is defending well for now.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Baruka lands a knee to the body.
Baruka lands a nice knee to the body.
Baruka prevents Masato from breaking the clinch.
Baruka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Baruka is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Baruka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Masato looks to clinch
and Baruka counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A solid leg kick lands there for Baruka.
Baruka goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Baruka walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Masato checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Baruka throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Masato avoids a kick to the body.
Masato thows a leg kick but Baruka checks it
letting Baruka counter with a right hand.
Baruka walks into a jab.
Masato throws a sloppy head kick
and Baruka counters with a nice kick to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Masato misses the shot to the body.
Masato wants to clinch
and Baruka counters with a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muta Baruka dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kobayashi Masato's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Baruka throws a body kick that misses.
Masato will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Baruka keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Masato.
Baruka avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Baruka scores with a push kick.
Baruka throws a quick inside leg kick.
Baruka cracks the inside of Masato's front leg.

Baruka clinches up with Masato and pushes him back against the ropes.

Baruka breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Baruka attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Baruka misses with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masato tries to clinch but Baruka moves away
letting Baruka counter with a right hand.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Masato jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Baruka dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Masato. That did some damage!
A low kick from Masato misses

and Baruka counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Masato lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Baruka dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Baruka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Masato blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Masato avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baruka comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Baruka as Masato tries to tie him up.
Baruka lands a knee to the head.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Masato is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Baruka is keeping busy.
Baruka pressing his opponent against the ropes.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Baruka throws a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka lands a knee to the body.
Baruka lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Masato takes a knee to the side of the body.
Baruka avoiding damage.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Baruka trying to stall but Masato improves his position.
Baruka avoiding damage as Masato throws knees to the body.
Baruka is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Baruka lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Masato.
Baruka with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Baruka wants to stall.
Masato has had enough of the clinch but Baruka keeps him there for the moment.
Muta Baruka seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Baruka lands a knee to the head.
Masato wants to get back to striking at distance but Baruka won't allow it.

Masato breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Masato takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Muta Baruka seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Masato avoids a kick to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Baruka is looking to clinch.
Masato misses with a hook to the body

and Baruka counters by moving into the clinch.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Masato has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baruka misses with a knee strike.
Masato can't break the clinch.
Baruka stalling in the clinch.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.

Masato breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Baruka looking to land some kicks to the body here.
A swing and a miss from Masato.
Masato lands a nice shot that snaps Baruka's head back.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Masato thows a body shot but no joy.
Baruka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Baruka darts in and clinches Masato up against the ropes.
Baruka is looking to control Masato's arms but Masato gets an underhook and turns him. Now Baruka has his back to the ropes.
Masato blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Masato throws a knee to the head but misses.
Masato wants to break the clinch but can't.
Masato blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Masato throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baruka blocks it with crossed arms.
Baruka will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Masato up against the ropes.
A knee to the head by Masato.
Masato wants to get back to striking at distance but Baruka won't allow it.
Masato avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.

That's six 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.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Masato missing with knees to the body.
Masato with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka is pushing Masato up against the ropes, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Baruka takes a knee right on the jaw!
Baruka leaning his opponent against the ropes.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Masato on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Baruka prevents Masato from breaking the clinch.
Baruka on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Masato wants to stall.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Baruka blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Masato pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Masato tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Baruka counters with a nice kick to the body.

Baruka takes the fight into the clinch.
Baruka misses with a knee to the head.
Masato dodges an elbow strike from Baruka.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Masato looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Baruka scores with a knee to the head.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Masato looking to slow down the pace here.

Baruka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Baruka gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Masato wants to break free but Baruka has control.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Baruka connects with a knee to the head.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Baruka as Masato tries to tie him up.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but Masato blocks with his arms.

Masato's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Baruka circles away from the clinch attempt
and Baruka counters with a big head kick but Masato shrugs it off.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Baruka throws a head kick but Masato moves out of range.
Masato misses with a body shot.
Masato tries to clinch up
and Baruka counters with an inside leg kick.
Masato clinches but Baruka breaks the clinch

and Baruka counters by clinching up.
Baruka leaning against his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muta Baruka showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Kobayashi Masato's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Masato misses with a hook to the body
and Baruka counters with a low kick, right behind Masato 's knee.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Baruka.

Baruka gets a clinch.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Masato tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Baruka taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A knee to the head by Baruka.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baruka working Masato over with knees to the body.
Baruka stalling.
Masato is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Muta Baruka.
Baruka throws a nice outside leg kick.

Baruka clinches up with Masato and pushes him back against the ropes.
Masato trying to land knees to the body.
Baruka pressing his opponent against the ropes.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Baruka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Baruka will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Masato up against the ropes.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Baruka is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masato working hard to break the clinch.
Masato is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Knees to the body from Baruka.
Baruka misses with a knee strike.
Masato trying to control the position but instead, Baruka has worked for underhooks and has pushed Masato into the ropes.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Baruka obliges.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Masato in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
A bit of stalling here from Baruka.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but Masato blocks with his arms.
Masato trying to control the position but instead, Baruka has worked for underhooks and has pushed Masato into the ropes.
Masato tries to land a knee to the head but Baruka blocks with his arms.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Masato using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Baruka has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baruka avoiding damage as Masato throws knees to the body.
Baruka stalls.
Baruka landing knees to the head.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Masato in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Masato is trying to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling him.
Masato tries to land knees in the clinch but Baruka avoids the damage to the body.
Masato is trying to maintain a safe position but Baruka gets an underhook and turns Masato into the ropes.
Baruka landing knees to the body.
Baruka misses with a knee to the head.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Masato lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka displaying some good clinch control by pressing Masato up against the ropes.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Masato lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Baruka on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Baruka avoiding damage.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Masato looking to throw knees to the head but Baruka is blocking nicely.
Baruka blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.
Baruka is struggling to control the position.
Masato working hard to break the clinch.
Masato tries a knee to the head but Baruka blocks it.
Baruka stalls.
Masato tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Masato is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Baruka is defending well for now.
Baruka scores with a knee to the head.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Masato blocks it.
Masato on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Masato wants to stall.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Masato blocks it.
Masato trying to land knees to the body.
Baruka on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Masato avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Masato misses with a knee strike.
Masato is trying to break the clinch but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Masato has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baruka is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Masato is keeping busy.
Baruka is persisting with his attempts to control the action in the clinch, rather than do any real damage.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Masato tries to land knees in the clinch but Baruka avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka digs a right hand into Masato's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Masato's gas tank.
Masato takes a knee right on the jaw!
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Masato with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Baruka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Masato's efforts to push away.
Masato stalling in the clinch but Baruka improves position.
Baruka leaning against his opponent.
Masato looking to stall.
Baruka is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Baruka working Masato over with knees to the body.

Baruka manages to break the clinch.

Masato tries to keep at a distance but Baruka has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Masato looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A knee to the head by Masato.
Baruka lands a nice knee to the body.
Baruka scores a nice knee to the body.
Baruka is struggling to control the position.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Masato throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baruka blocks it with crossed arms.

Baruka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Masato darts in trying to clinch
and Baruka counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Masato tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Baruka counters with a nice uppercut.
Masato takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

Baruka clinches with his opponent.
Baruka has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
The referee is keeping an eye on Baruka - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Masato stalling in the clinch but Baruka improves position.
Masato misses with a knee strike.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Baruka blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka lands a left hand that snaps the head of Masato backwards.

Baruka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Baruka thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Masato if he has to take too many more of those.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Baruka moves into the clinch.
Baruka working Masato over with knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Baruka.
Masato takes a knee right on the jaw!
Baruka landing knees to the body.
Baruka stalls.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Baruka obliges.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Masato blocks it.
Masato can't break the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Masato avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Baruka scores a nice knee to the body.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Masato blocks it.
Masato is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Baruka is keeping busy.
Baruka taking a breather.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muta Baruka really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kobayashi Masato's cut.
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.

Masato throws a hook to the side of Baruka's head but Baruka sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Masato closes the distance but Baruka moves to the side

and Baruka counters by moving into the clinch.
Baruka avoiding damage.
Masato takes a knee to the side of the body.
Baruka dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Baruka lands a nice knee to the body.
Baruka lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Baruka utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Masato with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Baruka obliges.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Baruka lands a knee to the head.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Masato lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Baruka trying to stall but Masato improves his position.
Baruka on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Masato using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Baruka blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka trying to stall but Masato improves his position.
Masato wants to break free but Baruka has control.
Masato is trying to stall.

Baruka breaks the clinch.
Baruka misses with an attempted mid kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Baruka.
Baruka wants to clinch.
Baruka takes one to the chin there.
Baruka is looking to score with low kicks.
Masato misses with a jab to the body

and Baruka holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Masato with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Baruka lands a knee to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baruka lands a knee to the body.
Baruka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Baruka lands a knee to the body.
Baruka throws an elbow that misses.
Baruka dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Baruka.
Masato with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Masato throws a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Baruka working Masato over with knees to the body.
Baruka stalling in the clinch.
Baruka lands a nice knee to the body.
Masato tries a knee to the head but Baruka blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baruka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Baruka controlling the action here for a moment.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Masato breaks the clinch.
Masato wants to clinch
and Baruka counters with a low kick, right behind Masato 's knee.
Masato thows a body shot but no joy.

Baruka closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Masato misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Baruka.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but Masato blocks with his arms.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Baruka with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Baruka working Masato over with knees to the body.
Masato with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Masato wants to break the clinch but can't.
Baruka scores with a knee to the head.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Masato tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Masato tries to stall but Baruka uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Baruka working Masato over with knees to the body.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.
Baruka manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Masato missing with knees to the body.
Baruka taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Masato on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Masato using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Baruka has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Masato is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Masato tries to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling the position.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Baruka stalling the fight.
Masato on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka stalling in the clinch but Masato improves position.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Masato lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Baruka is trying to stall.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Masato on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka looking to stall.
Masato throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baruka blocks it with crossed arms.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Baruka throws a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Masato tries to land a knee to the head but Baruka blocks with his arms.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.
Baruka crunches a lovely knee into Masato's ribcage.
Masato wants to break the clinch but can't.
Baruka is looking to control Masato's arms but Masato gets an underhook and turns him. Now Baruka has his back to the ropes.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Masato tries to stall but Baruka uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Masato effectively controlling the action here.
Baruka connects with a knee to the head.

That's eight 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.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Masato tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
A knee to the head by Baruka.
Baruka lands a knee to the body.
Baruka has Masato pressed against the ropes.
Masato is trying to maintain a safe position but Baruka gets an underhook and turns Masato into the ropes.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Masato throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baruka blocks it with crossed arms.
Baruka taking a breather.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Masato lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Masato tries to circle away but Baruka has him pinned against the ropes.
Masato on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Masato misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Baruka.
Baruka is struggling to control the position.
Masato lands a knee to the body.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Baruka scores with a knee to the head.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Masato's face.
Masato stalling in the clinch but Baruka improves position.
Masato is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Baruka is defending well for now.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Masato stalling in the clinch but Baruka improves position.
Masato has had enough of the clinch but Baruka keeps him there for the moment.
Baruka throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Masato blocks it with crossed arms.
Masato is trying to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling him.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Masato is trying to break the clinch but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muta Baruka dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Kobayashi Masato's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Nice defenses there by Baruka.
Masato lands with a straight right. Baruka didn't see that one coming.
Masato tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Masato throws a leg kick
and Baruka counters with a good, hard body kick but Masato shrugs it off.
Baruka chopping away at his opponent's legs.

Baruka has closed the distance and engaged Masato in a clinch.
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.
Baruka stalling the fight.
Baruka receives a warning from the referee for stalling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masato is trying to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling him.
Masato takes a knee right on the jaw!

Baruka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
The fighters circling - Masato throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Masato checks a low kick from Baruka.

Baruka closes the distance and clinches.
Baruka controlling the action here for a moment.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Masato wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Baruka.
Masato is looking to break free of the clinch but Baruka has double underhooks.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Masato throws a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Baruka is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Masato is keeping busy.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Masato tries to stall but Baruka uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Masato avoids it.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Masato using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Baruka trying to stall but Masato improves his position.
Baruka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Masato's efforts to push away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Masato is trying to stall.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Masato is trying to break free.
Baruka prevents Masato from breaking the clinch.
Masato with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but Masato blocks with his arms.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Baruka controlling the action here for a moment.
Baruka on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Masato wants to get back to striking at distance but Baruka won't allow it.
Masato is trying to break the clinch but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Masato tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

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.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Masato is blocking nicely.
Masato with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka landing knees to the head.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Baruka wants to stall.
Baruka lands a knee to the head.
Masato misses with a knee strike.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Baruka leaning against his opponent.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Baruka managing to block the knees to the body from Masato.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Baruka is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Masato tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Masato working Baruka over with knees to the body.
Baruka taking a breather.
Baruka pressing his opponent against the ropes.
Masato is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Baruka throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Masato blocks it with crossed arms.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Baruka managing to block the knees to the body from Masato.
Masato with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Masato is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Baruka is keeping busy.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Masato in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Masato has had enough of the clinch but Baruka keeps him there for the moment.

That's six 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.
Masato blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Masato takes a knee right on the jaw!
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Masato taking a breather.
Baruka utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Baruka lands a knee to the head.
Masato on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Masato with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Masato looking to stall.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Masato blocks it.
Masato lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Masato with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka lands a good knee to the midsection. Masato won't want to take too many of those.
Baruka has Masato pushed against the ropes.
Baruka scores a nice knee to the body.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Baruka connects with a knee to the head.
Baruka misses with a knee strike.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Masato's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Baruka avoiding damage as Masato throws knees to the body.
Masato is trying to force a seperation but Baruka has the dominant position.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Masato missing with knees to the body.
Baruka taking a breather.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Masato wants to stall.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Masato in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Baruka is trying to stall.
Masato just leaning against Baruka, taking a breather.

That's eight 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.
Masato tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Baruka just leaning against Masato, taking a breather.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Masato missing with knees to the body.
Masato takes a knee right on the jaw!
Baruka avoiding damage.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Masato looking to throw knees to the head but Baruka is blocking nicely.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Masato is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Baruka is keeping busy.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Masato avoids the damage to the body.
Masato misses with a knee strike.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Baruka takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Masato looking to throw knees to the head but Baruka is blocking nicely.
Masato on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Masato throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baruka blocks it with crossed arms.
Masato blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masato.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Masato is defending well for now.
Masato holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Masato managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Masato throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baruka blocks it with crossed arms.
Masato misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Baruka.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Masato's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Baruka throws the kick towards the body but Masato avoids it.
Kobayashi Masato has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Masato throws a hook to the side of Baruka's head but Baruka sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

And that's the end of the fight!
Muta Baruka comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Baruka has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Shigeki Sano scores the fight for Muta Baruka!
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Muta Baruka!
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight for Muta Baruka!

Muta Baruka wins by unanimous decision! Muta Baruka retains his lightweight title!