PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Seth Bender (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tadashi Masaru (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Seth Bender had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Bender
vs
Masaru

165 cm
22
165 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

176 cm
20
166 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

Dangerous GnP
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Seth Bender!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tadashi Masaru!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Yukihiro Shimada and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Masaru displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bender.
Bender dodges the punch combination from Masaru.
A shot to the liver by Masaru. Beautiful body shot.
Bender shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Masaru defends it nicely.
Bender slips a jab and a cross from Masaru.
Masaru throws a right and a left that both miss.
Masaru digs a good body shot into Bender's ribs.
Bender shoots in looking for a takedown. Masaru tries to sprawl out of it but Bender keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Masaru manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Seth Bender. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Masaru rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bender moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Bender is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Bender takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

It looks like Seth Bender has been cut.
Masaru bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Bender takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Bender is breathing heavily.
Masaru bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

Masaru bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Masaru stands up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masaru lands a head shot.
Bender takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Masaru stuns Bender with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Masaru punishes Bender's body with a nice straight punch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A punch combination from Masaru misses.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Bender. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
No joy there for Masaru, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Masaru looks to land a combination. Bender sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Masaru is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Bender rather than just go for the knockout.
Bender takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Bender is rocked!

Seth Bender's cut is getting worse.
Masaru punishes Bender's body with a nice straight punch.
Masaru lands the left hand.
Masaru scores with a hook to the body. Bender takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Masaru swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Bender doesn't manage to clinch there - Masaru circles away.
Masaru with a hook.
Masaru smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Bender is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Masaru.
Oh Bender is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Masaru with a jab.
Bender seems to have got his legs back now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masaru scores with a punch to the head.
Masaru lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
A lazy left from Masaru finds it's target.
Masaru fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Masaru with a lazy takedown attempt

and Bender counters with a nice double leg into side control. Masaru won't be happy with that.

Bender goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Masaru has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Bender but great work by Masaru.
Bender holds on tight, trying to prevent any damage.

Masaru tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Masaru postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Masaru throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Who's going to make the next move?
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Masaru connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Bender some visible discomfort.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Check out the look on Masaru's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!

Masaru decides to stand back up.
Masaru throws a nice looking combination but Bender bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Masaru is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Masaru misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bender.
Nice sprawl there from Masaru as Bender shoots in.
Bender shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Masaru lands a nice shot to the body.
Masaru lands a jab.
Masaru with a body punch. A glancing blow.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bender.
A nice combination there by Masaru.

Seth Bender's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Masaru lands a slapping body shot.
Masaru cracks Bender with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Masaru darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Masaru is thwarting Bender's attempts to control the position.
Masaru scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

Bender makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Masaru thuds a left hand into Bender's body.
Masaru bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Bender's head backwards.
Masaru stalks Bender and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Bender's face. Bender staggers backwards, shaken.
Masaru connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Bender's hands.

Masaru looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Bender!
Bender tries to hold on but Masaru postures up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Bender in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tadashi Masaru dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Seth Bender's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Masaru connects with a body shot.
Masaru has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.

Bender closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Masaru is refusing to be controlled, as Bender sits in half guard.
Masaru wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bender stalling.
Bender wants to lay and pray for a moment but Masaru keeps working.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bender not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Masaru is not content to let Bender control the position.
Bender is looking to stall here but Masaru recovers full guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Masaru closes the distance and clinches up with Bender, looking for a takedown. Masaru pushes Bender against the cage but Bender circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Tadashi Masaru seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bender shoots in for a double leg but Masaru sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Bender tries to clinch up but Masaru circles away and keeps his distance.
Masaru thows a body shot but no joy.
Masaru has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Masaru fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Bender on the side of the head.
Bender tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Masaru looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Masaru swings away with a body shot that misses

so Bender counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Bender trying to control the position from guard on top but Masaru is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bender might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Bender in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Masaru can't keep his opponent in guard - Bender advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Masaru tries to kick Bender off but Bender keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bender is trying to control. Masaru wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Bender prevents Masaru from standing back up.

Bender escapes and gets back to his feet.
Masaru thuds a left hand into Bender's body.
Seth Bender is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Bender closes the distance and clinches.

Bender escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Masaru scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Bender doesn't seem bothered though.
Both fighters circling a little - Bender finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Masaru shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Bender counters by moving into the clinch.
Seth Bender has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tadashi Masaru.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Masaru tries to break free but Bender pushes him back against the cage.

Bender has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Masaru clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Bender is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Bender thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Bender is trying to control but Masaru is trying to escape here - he's now mounted.
Seth Bender overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Masaru is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.

Bender jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Masaru is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Masaru and Bender has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Seth Bender dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Seth Bender's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Bender fails in his attempt to clinch.
Donk. Masaru catches Bender right on the button with a cross.
Masaru getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Masaru throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bender takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Masaru falls off balance throwing a combination

and Bender counters by moving into the clinch.
Masaru is trying to force a seperation but Bender has the dominant position.
Masaru is trying to break the clinch but Bender is controlling him.
Masaru wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Bender jumps into guard, dragging Masaru to the mat.
Bender looking to control.
Masaru stopping the sweep attempt from Bender.

Masaru decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice sprawl there from Masaru as Bender shoots in.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masaru's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Masaru duly obliges.

Jeez, Seth Bender's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Masaru tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bender was well out of range. Poor timing from Masaru.
The fighters circle momentarily. Masaru darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Bender on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Masaru!
Masaru tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Bender swivels and escapes.
Bender tries to clinch but Masaru is having none of it.
Bender fails with a takedown attempt.
Masaru with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Masaru lands a head shot.
Masaru lands a right hook to the body.
Masaru swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Bender counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Bender missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bender frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Masaru is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Bender with good strikes from the mount here!
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Bender scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Bender thowing shots but they're missing.
Bender throws a strike there. Masaru manages to avoid it well and slips a leg under to get to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bender tries to pass the half guard into mount. Masaru knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Bender is looking to take a break and control but Masaru is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Bender is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Masaru has managed to free his arm - good work.
Masaru is trying to stand.

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.
Masaru keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Bender takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Bender takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Masaru lands with a nice body punch.
Bender on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Masaru lands a body shot.
Masaru throws a combination. Bender tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Masaru cracks Bender with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Masaru lands a head shot.
Masaru lands with a straight right. Bender didn't see that one coming.
Masaru tests Bender's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Masaru comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tadashi Masaru comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Masaru has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:29
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 28:29
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tadashi Masaru!