PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Thomas Stark (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yousei Kobiashi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Stark might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Jay Z - Dig a Hole. Kobiashi comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Shinobi vs The Dragon kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Stark
vs
Kobiashi

191 cm
24
220 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

188 cm
25
209 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

BJJ White Belt
World class boxer
Powerful

Slam-or-Fist
Firebird Designs

Slam-or-Fist

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Thomas Stark!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Yousei Kobiashi!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Kenichi Hosakawa and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stark throws a leg kick that is checked
and Kobiashi cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Stark fakes the leg kick and cracks Kobiashi in the body.

Kobiashi clinches.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks with his arms.
Kobiashi avoids the elbow strike from Stark, against the ropes.
A right hook to the body lands for Stark.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Stark obliges.
Stark working Kobiashi over with knees to the body.
Kobiashi looks gassed!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stark works on Kobiashi's body with a couple of short punches.
Stark working Kobiashi over with knees to the body.
Stark stalling the fight.
Stark creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Kobiashi's defenses.

It looks like Yousei Kobiashi has been cut.
Stark lands a shot to the body.
Stark landing knees to the head.
Kobiashi takes a shot to the head.
Stark lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kobiashi backwards.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Stark obliges.
Stark unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kobiashi lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Kobiashi's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stark is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Stark.
Stark throws a knee to the head but misses.
Stark connects with a knee to the head.
Stark presses Kobiashi against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Stark gets through Kobiashi's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kobiashi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Stark using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kobiashi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Stark presses Kobiashi against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Stark throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kobiashis head.
Good body shot from Stark.
Stark putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kobiashi in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Knees to the body from Stark.
Good body shot from Stark.
Stark lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kobiashi or not.
Stark working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Stark digs a right hand underneath Kobiashi's ribcage. Kobiashi let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kobiashi blocks an elbow strike from Stark.
A right hand to the body from Stark.
Stark lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Stark is stalling here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stark working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Stark working Kobiashi over with knees to the body.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Stark.
Kobiashi struggles to land a body shot inside as Stark controls his hands.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Stark creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kobiashi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stark won't allow it.
Stark tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Stark fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Stark tries to land knees in the clinch but Kobiashi avoids the damage to the body.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Stark goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Stark tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kobiashi avoids it.
Kobiashi tries a body shot but Stark blocks it.
Good body shot from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Stark's elbow.
Kobiashi swings wildly with an uppercut but Stark uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kobiashi wants to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stark keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobiashi's efforts to push away.
Kobiashi looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kobiashi is trying to force a seperation but Stark has the dominant position.
Stark lands a body shot.
Stark with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Stark misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kobiashi.

Kobiashi manages to break the clinch.

Kobiashi clinches with his opponent.
Stark tries to land knees in the clinch but Kobiashi avoids the damage to the body.
Stark using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kobiashi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Stark gets through Kobiashi's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kobiashi throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kobiashi trying to stall but Stark improves his position.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Stark trying to land knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi is working Stark over against the ropes.
Kobiashi blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
Kobiashi makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Kobiashi stalling in the clinch but Stark improves position.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Stark keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobiashi's efforts to push away.
Stark softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
Kobiashi misses with a body punch.
A short left from Stark.
Stark has Kobiashi pushed against the ropes.
Stark misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kobiashi.
Stark is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Kobiashi.
Kobiashi misses with a body punch.
Kobiashi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Stark.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark has him pressed against the ropes.
Stark tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kobiashi's elbow.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stark is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kobiashi is defending well for now.
Stark lands a body punch.
Stark scores with a shot to the side of Kobiashi's head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kobiashi.
Stark lands a knee to the body.
Kobiashi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stark won't allow it.
Stark lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kobiashi lands a hook that snaps the head of Stark backwards.
Kobiashi trying to control the position but instead, Stark has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kobiashi into the ropes.
Kobiashi is trying to force a seperation but Stark has the dominant position.
Stark throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kobiashi is trying to break free.
Stark cracks Kobiashi with a nice body shot.
Kobiashi is looking to control Stark's arms but Stark gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kobiashi has his back to the ropes.
Kobiashi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Stark lands a right hand.
Kobiashi is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Stark lands a nice uppercut.
Kobiashi tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Stark's elbow.
A right hook to the body lands for Stark.
Stark unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Stark lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kobiashi misses with a body punch.
Kobiashi has a couple of punches blocked by Stark.
Stark lands a right hand.
Stark tries a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks it.
Stark using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kobiashi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Kobiashi seems frustrated at his inability to get double underhooks.
A short body shot lands from Kobiashi as the two fighters clinch.
Stark tries a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks it.
Stark lands a nice elbow.
Kobiashi tries to break the clinch but Stark is controlling the position.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Stark escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Kobiashi drives through and clinches with Stark against the ropes.
Kobiashi taking a breather.
Stark cracks Kobiashi with a nice body shot.
Stark tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Kobiashi lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Stark or not.
Kobiashi avoiding damage as Stark throws knees to the body.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Stark tries to work over Kobiashi's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stark misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Stark.
Stark is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kobiashi is defending well for now.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
Stark tries to work over Kobiashi's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kobiashi lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Stark.
Kobiashi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Stark putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kobiashi in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Stark lands with a right to the head.
Stark misses with a body punch.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
Stark misses with a hook to the ribs.
A short body shot lands from Kobiashi as the two fighters clinch.
Stark misses with the head strike.
Kobiashi avoiding damage as Stark throws knees to the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Kobiashi.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Kobiashi pushes Stark back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Kobiashi throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kobiashi misses with a hook to the ribs.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kobiashi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Kobiashi wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Kobiashi scores with a hook to the body.
Kobiashi wants to stall.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi blocking some punches.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stark looking to throw knees to the head but Kobiashi is blocking nicely.
Kobiashi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kobiashi digs a right hand into Stark's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Stark's gas tank.
Kobiashi is trying to maintain a safe position but Stark gets an underhook and turns Kobiashi into the ropes.
Kobiashi goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kobiashi scores with a hook to the body.
Stark throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kobiashi misses with a body punch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kobiashi has Stark pressed against the ropes.
Stark scores a nice knee to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stark working aggressively here.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi.
A right hand to the body from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi wants to break free but Stark has control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Stark dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Yousei Kobiashi's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kobiashi closes the distance and clinches.
Kobiashi blocks an uppercut.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks with his arms.
Stark with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kobiashi wants to break free but Stark has control.
Stark tries a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks it.
Kobiashi lands a body shot.
Kobiashi tries a body shot but Stark blocks it.
Kobiashi lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Stark.
Kobiashi is trying to push Stark away but Stark has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Kobiashi avoiding damage as Stark throws knees to the body.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
Kobiashi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kobiashi taking a breather.
Stark working aggressively here.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Stark looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
Kobiashi is looking to control Stark's arms but Stark gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kobiashi has his back to the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stark cracks Kobiashi with a nice body shot.
Stark using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kobiashi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
A short right from Stark on the inside.
Kobiashi can't find room to land a body shot as Stark controls the action.
Stark with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Stark connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kobiashi's face.
Kobiashi struggles to land a body shot inside as Stark controls his hands.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kobiashi.
Stark tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kobiashi avoids it.
Stark keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobiashi's efforts to push away.
Stark tries to throw a body punch but Kobiashi avoids it by throwing Stark back against the cage.
Kobiashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Stark tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Stark blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short right from Stark on the inside.
Kobiashi can't find room to land a body shot as Stark controls the action.
Thomas Stark has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kobiashi is trying to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Kobiashi is trying to force a seperation but Stark has the dominant position.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark has him pressed against the ropes.
A short uppercut from Stark.
Kobiashi avoiding damage as Stark throws knees to the body.
Stark presses Kobiashi against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Stark lands a hook that snaps the head of Kobiashi backwards.
Stark stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Stark pushes Kobiashi back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Stark with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Stark lands a left hand.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Kobiashi tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks with his arms.
Kobiashi digs a right hand into Stark's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Stark's gas tank.
Kobiashi tries to break free but Stark pushes him back against the ropes.
Stark swings wildly with an uppercut but Kobiashi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kobiashi is trying to push Stark away but Stark has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
Kobiashi stalling in the clinch but Stark improves position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stark tries a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks it.
Kobiashi is trying to push Stark away but Stark has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Kobiashi wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kobiashi blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kobiashi gets through Stark's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Come on Kobiashi - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Kobiashi misses with some punches.
Stark lands a good knee to the midsection. Kobiashi won't want to take too many of those.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Stark.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stark works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Stark creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Stark is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kobiashi is keeping busy.
Stark tries a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks it.
Kobiashi works on Stark's body with a couple of short punches.
Kobiashi looking to slow down the pace here.
Kobiashi misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi is trying to stall.
Knees in the clinch landing for Stark.
Stark misses with the head strike.
Stark throws a punch but it's blocked by Kobiashi.
Kobiashi misses with the head strike.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nice elbow from Stark.
Kobiashi managing to block the knees to the body from Stark.
Stark misses with a punch to the body.
Kobiashi tries to break the clinch but Stark is controlling the position.
Kobiashi misses with a body punch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kobiashi avoiding damage as Stark throws knees to the body.
Kobiashi working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark is controlling him.
Stark is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kobiashi is defending well for now.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Stark has Kobiashi pressed against the ropes, preventing Kobiashi from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Stark tries to throw a body punch but Kobiashi avoids it by throwing Stark back against the cage.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Stark fails to land.
Kobiashi is leaning against Stark and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
The referee calls for Kobiashi to work.
Kobiashi lands a nice shot to the body.

Kobiashi manages to break the clinch.
Stark takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Stark gets tackled into the ropes by Kobiashi. Kobiashi maintains the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Stark prevents Kobiashi from breaking the clinch.
Stark utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Stark tries a body shot but Kobiashi blocks it.
Stark prevents Kobiashi from breaking the clinch.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Stark is keeping busy.
Kobiashi is persisting with his attempts to control the action in the clinch, rather than do any real damage.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
Stark lands a nice knee to the body.
A knee to the head by Stark.
A nice right hand lands inside from Stark.
Stark with a knee to the head.
Stark utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
A right hand to the body from Stark.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Stark tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kobiashi avoids it.
Kobiashi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stark won't allow it.
Kobiashi can't find room to land a body shot as Stark controls the action.
A frustrated look appears on Kobiashi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Stark with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Stark tries to land knees in the clinch but Kobiashi avoids the damage to the body.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Stark misses with a punch to the body.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks with his arms.
Kobiashi throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kobiashi blocks an uppercut.
Kobiashi misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Stark fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kobiashi stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kobiashi tries to throw a body punch but Stark avoids it by throwing Kobiashi back against the cage.
Stark has Kobiashi pressed against the ropes, preventing Kobiashi from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Stark goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark has him pressed against the ropes.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Stark is keeping busy.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Stark pushes Kobiashi back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A body shot lands from Stark.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark has him pressed against the ropes.
Stark lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kobiashi backwards.
Kobiashi tries to circle away but Stark has him pinned against the ropes.

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.
Stark lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Stark using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kobiashi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Stark putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kobiashi in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Stark working Kobiashi over with knees to the body.

Stark escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Stark gets tackled into the ropes by Kobiashi. Kobiashi maintains the clinch.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Stark keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobiashi's efforts to push away.
Stark misses with a hook to the ribs.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Kobiashi misses with a body punch.
Stark struggles to land a body shot inside as Kobiashi controls his hands.
A short body shot lands from Stark as the two fighters clinch.
A body shot lands from Stark.
Stark lands a shoulder strike.
Kobiashi tries to throw a body punch but Stark avoids it by throwing Kobiashi back against the cage.
Stark throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Stark works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Stark utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Stark lands a good knee to the midsection. Kobiashi won't want to take too many of those.
Stark lands a body shot.
Stark scores with a shot to the side of Kobiashi's head.
Kobiashi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Kobiashi blocks the elbow strike.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Stark just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kobiashi's brow.
Stark misses with a knee strike.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Stark tries to work over Kobiashi's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stark misses with a knee strike.
Kobiashi lands a left hand.
Kobiashi misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Stark trying to land knees to the body.
A frustrated look appears on Kobiashi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Stark trying to land knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Stark dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Yousei Kobiashi's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kobiashi closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Kobiashi is trying to break free.
Kobiashi can't break the clinch.
Kobiashi tries to throw a body punch but Stark avoids it by throwing Kobiashi back against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Stark.
A short left from Stark.
Stark slows down the pace here.
Kobiashi blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kobiashi trying to stall but Stark improves his position.

Kobiashi pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Stark moves into the clinch successfully.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A head punch on the inside from Kobiashi fails to land.
Kobiashi managing to block the knees to the body from Stark.
Stark taking a breather.
Stark is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kobiashi can do to turn this around?
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kobiashi is trying to break free.
Stark landing knees to the body.
Stark misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kobiashi.
A short body shot lands from Kobiashi as the two fighters clinch.
Stark misses with a punch to the body.
Kobiashi is looking to control Stark's arms but Stark gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kobiashi has his back to the ropes.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
Stark putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kobiashi in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Stark lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kobiashi backwards.
A right hook to the body lands for Stark.
Kobiashi wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Stark.
Stark lands a shot to the body.
Kobiashi can't break the clinch.
Stark with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Kobiashi is leaning against Stark and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kobiashi.
Stark misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kobiashi tries to circle away but Stark has him pinned against the ropes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi is trying to force a seperation but Stark has the dominant position.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
A right hook to the body lands for Kobiashi.
Kobiashi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Stark scores with a knee to the head.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kobiashi lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Stark.
Kobiashi lands with a short shot to the head.
Kobiashi tries to work over Stark's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
Kobiashi is trying to stall.
Kobiashi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kobiashi trying to stall but Stark improves his position.
Kobiashi lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Stark.
A right hand to the body from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Stark misses with a knee to the head.
Stark has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi is trying to break free.
Kobiashi is looking to control Stark's arms but Stark gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kobiashi has his back to the ropes.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Kobiashi.
Stark looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Stark misses with some punches.
Kobiashi tries to circle away but Stark has him pinned against the ropes.
Kobiashi misses with the head strike.
Stark with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Stark digs a right hand into Kobiashi's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kobiashi's gas tank.
Kobiashi tries to stall but Stark uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kobiashi lands a nice shot to the body.
Stark controlling the action here for a moment.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi - that landed with a thud.
Kobiashi is trying to stall.

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.
Stark misses with a knee to the head.
Stark misses with a knee strike.
Kobiashi tries to throw a body punch but Stark avoids it by throwing Kobiashi back against the cage.
Kobiashi blocking some punches.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark has him pressed against the ropes.
Stark keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobiashi's efforts to push away.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Stark obliges.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Stark prevents a body shot from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi misses with a hook from the clinch.
Stark looking to slow down the pace here.
Kobiashi scores with a nice hook to the head.
Stark keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobiashi's efforts to push away.
Stark digs a right hand underneath Kobiashi's ribcage. Kobiashi let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kobiashi tries to work over Stark's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stark tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Stark lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Stark lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kobiashi or not.
Stark misses with a body punch.
Stark tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kobiashi's elbow.
Stark lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Stark can't find room to land a body shot as Kobiashi controls the action.
Kobiashi avoiding damage as Stark throws knees to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Stark working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Stark is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kobiashi is defending well for now.
A right hook to the body lands for Kobiashi.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Kobiashi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Stark swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A frustrated look appears on Kobiashi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kobiashi.
Stark effectively controlling the action here.
Kobiashi misses with some punches.
Kobiashi lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Kobiashi lands a nice shot to the body.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi tries to circle away but Stark has him pinned against the ropes.
Kobiashi lands a body shot.
Stark lands a shot to the body.
A shot in the inside from Kobiashi.
A hook to the body from Kobiashi.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stark misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kobiashi scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kobiashi works on Stark's body with a couple of short punches.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stark tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kobiashi's elbow.
Kobiashi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stark won't allow it.
Stark blocks a body shot from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Stark misses with a punch to the body.
Kobiashi can't break the clinch.
Kobiashi can't break the clinch.
A knee to the head by Stark.
Stark pushes Kobiashi back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kobiashi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark is controlling him.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Stark with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kobiashi scores with a shoulder strike.
Kobiashi cracks Stark with a nice body shot.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Kobiashi wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kobiashi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kobiashi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kobiashi lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Kobiashi lands a body punch.
Kobiashi lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kobiashi is trying to force a seperation but Stark has the dominant position.
Stark misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi tries a body shot but Stark blocks it.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Kobiashi tries to circle away but Stark has him pinned against the ropes.
Stark struggles to land a body shot inside as Kobiashi controls his hands.
A short right from Stark.
Kobiashi blocking some punches.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi trying to stall but Stark improves his position.
Good body shot from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Stark.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Stark lands an uppercut.
Kobiashi is trying to break free.
Kobiashi wants to stall.

Kobiashi breaks from the clinch.

Kobiashi closes the distance and clinches.
Kobiashi managing to block the knees to the body from Stark.
Stark working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Kobiashi fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Stark just leaning against Kobiashi, taking a breather.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi struggles to land a body shot inside as Stark controls his hands.
Stark scores a nice knee to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Stark lands a knee to the body.
Kobiashi tries to work over Stark's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kobiashi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Kobiashi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Stark misses with a punch on the inside.
Kobiashi tries a body shot but Stark blocks it.
Stark prevents Kobiashi from breaking the clinch.
Stark tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kobiashi's elbow.
Stark tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kobiashi looking to slow down the pace here.
Kobiashi managing to block the knees to the body from Stark.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kobiashi.
Stark looking to stall.
Kobiashi wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Stark has him pressed against the ropes.
Good body shot from Kobiashi.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Thomas Stark did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Yousei Kobiashi'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.

Stark showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi moves out of range of the leg kick from Stark.
Stark scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kobiashi doesn't seem bothered though.
Stark slips under a jab from Kobiashi.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stark lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kobiashi at a distance.
Yousei Kobiashi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Kobiashi darts in and clinches Stark up against the ropes.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Stark.
Stark misses with an elbow strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stark misses with an elbow strike.
Stark misses with a knee to the head.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Stark using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Stark stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Stark.
Kobiashi trying to control the position but instead, Stark has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kobiashi into the ropes.
Stark connects with a knee to the head.
Stark lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Kobiashi blocks an elbow strike.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Stark is working Kobiashi over against the ropes.
Stark trying to land knees to the body.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Kobiashi trying to control the position but instead, Stark has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kobiashi into the ropes.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kobiashi.
A short right from Stark on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi tries to throw a body punch but Stark avoids it by throwing Kobiashi back against the cage.
Kobiashi managing to block the knees to the body from Stark.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kobiashi.
Stark trying to land knees to the body.
Kobiashi can't find room to land a body shot as Stark controls the action.
Stark lands a right hand.
Stark scores with a knee to the head.
Stark misses with some punches.
Stark makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Stark.
Kobiashi is leaning against Stark and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Kobiashi is trying to force a seperation but Stark has the dominant position.
Stark lands with a light punch inside.
Stark lands with a right to the head.
Kobiashi misses with a body punch.
Stark keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobiashi's efforts to push away.
A hook to the body from Stark.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A right hook to the body lands for Stark.
Stark lands a body punch in the clinch.
Stark lands a body punch.
Stark lands a shot to the body.
Stark using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kobiashi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Stark lands a body shot.
Stark putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kobiashi in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
A frustrated look appears on Kobiashi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Stark is pushing Kobiashi up against the ropes, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Stark lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Kobiashi tries to work over Stark's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stark lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kobiashi or not.
Stark lands a right hand.
Stark lands a nice uppercut.
Stark blocks a body shot from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
Stark prevents Kobiashi from breaking the clinch.
Stark lands a good knee to the midsection. Kobiashi won't want to take too many of those.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stark trying to land knees to the body.
Stark crunches a lovely knee into Kobiashi's ribcage.
Stark lands a body punch.
Kobiashi takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kobiashi tries to break the clinch but Stark is controlling the position.
A short body shot lands from Kobiashi as the two fighters clinch.
Kobiashi looking to stall.
Kobiashi takes a knee to the side of the body.
A short right from Stark.
Stark lands a body punch.
Stark trying to land knees to the body.
A short body shot lands from Stark as the two fighters clinch.
Still in the clinch, Stark scores with a nice short uppercut.
Stark looking to throw knees to the head but Kobiashi is blocking nicely.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kobiashi blocks the elbow strike.
Stark tries a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks it.
Kobiashi tries to break free but Stark pushes him back against the ropes.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kobiashi takes a knee to the side of the body.
Stark prevents a body shot from Kobiashi.
Stark working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Stark swings wildly with an uppercut but Kobiashi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kobiashi blocking some punches.
Stark tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Stark misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Kobiashi managing to block the knees to the body from Stark.
Stark tries a body shot but Kobiashi blocks it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kobiashi.
Kobiashi misses with the head strike.
Stark throws a head punch that misses.
Stark tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kobiashi avoids it.
Kobiashi is trying to maintain a safe position but Stark gets an underhook and turns Kobiashi into the ropes.
Stark with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kobiashi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.

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.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi - that landed with a thud.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Stark as Kobiashi tries to tie him up.
Kobiashi tries to work over Stark's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kobiashi stalling in the clinch but Stark improves position.
Stark lands an elbow inside.
Kobiashi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Kobiashi lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Stark.
Stark misses with a knee to the head.
Kobiashi looking to stall.
Kobiashi tries to throw a body punch but Stark avoids it by throwing Kobiashi back against the cage.
Kobiashi is trying to push Stark away but Stark has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Stark with a knee to the head.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kobiashi.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Kobiashi is trying to maintain a safe position but Stark gets an underhook and turns Kobiashi into the ropes.
Kobiashi avoids the elbow strike from Stark, against the ropes.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi takes a knee right on the jaw!
A short body shot lands from Kobiashi as the two fighters clinch.
Kobiashi wants to stall.
A right hook to the body lands for Kobiashi.
Kobiashi looking to stall.
Kobiashi tries to break the clinch but Stark is controlling the position.
Kobiashi taking a breather.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Stark.
Stark lands a right hand.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kobiashi.
Stark working aggressively here.
Kobiashi tries to work over Stark's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stark tries to land knees in the clinch but Kobiashi avoids the damage to the body.
Stark scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Stark tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Stark has a couple of punches blocked by Kobiashi.
Kobiashi scores with a hook to the body.
Kobiashi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Kobiashi tries to break the clinch but Stark is controlling the position.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark has him pressed against the ropes.
Stark misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Stark.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kobiashi.
Kobiashi tries to break free but Stark pushes him back against the ropes.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kobiashi.
Kobiashi lands a left hand that snaps the head of Stark backwards.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Kobiashi wants to break free but Stark has control.
Kobiashi goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark is controlling him.
Stark throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kobiashi taking a breather.
A shot in the inside from Stark.
Stark tries a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks it.
Stark keeps control of Kobiashi as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Stark is keeping busy.
Stark connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kobiashi's face.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi blocks a body shot from Stark.
Kobiashi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stark won't allow it.
Stark prevents a body shot from Kobiashi.
Stark throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kobiashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Stark keeps control of Kobiashi as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Kobiashi working aggressively here.
Stark stalling against the ropes.
Kobiashi works on Stark's body with a couple of short punches.
Stark tries to land knees in the clinch but Kobiashi avoids the damage to the body.
Stark throws a punch but it's blocked by Kobiashi.
Stark tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kobiashi goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A left hand lands to the body for Stark.
Stark throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kobiashi blocks it with crossed arms.

Kobiashi manages to break the clinch.

Kobiashi has managed to clinch.
Stark throws a head punch that misses.
Stark swings away with an uppercut that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Stark had his way with Yousei Kobiashi in that round.
The cut man is working on Yousei Kobiashi's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Kobiashi moves into the clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Kobiashi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Stark cracks Kobiashi with a nice body shot.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Stark obliges.
Stark works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Stark connects with a knee to the head.
A short body shot lands from Stark as the two fighters clinch.
Kobiashi blocks an elbow strike.
A hook to the body from Stark.
Stark throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kobiashis head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Stark.
Stark connects with a knee to the head.
Stark unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kobiashi lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
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.
Stark softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
Stark lands a knee to the head.
Kobiashi looking to slow down the pace here.
Kobiashi takes a knee right on the jaw!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kobiashi is trying to maintain a safe position but Stark gets an underhook and turns Kobiashi into the ropes.
Kobiashi avoids a wild elbow strike from Stark.
Stark lands a nice knee to the body.
Stark misses with a punch to the body.
Stark struggles to land a body shot inside as Kobiashi controls his hands.
Kobiashi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Stark has Kobiashi pressed against the ropes, preventing Kobiashi from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Stark scores with a hook to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Kobiashi fails to land.
A hook to the body from Stark.
Stark connects with a knee to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Kobiashi fails to land.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kobiashi misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
A frustrated look appears on Kobiashi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Stark scores with a shoulder strike.
Stark with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Stark misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kobiashi.

That's two 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.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
Kobiashi blocks a body shot from Stark.
Stark prevents Kobiashi from breaking the clinch.
Kobiashi trying to control the position but instead, Stark has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kobiashi into the ropes.
Stark is leaning against Kobiashi and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Stark presses Kobiashi against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Stark stalls.
Stark lands a body shot in the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Stark.
Stark prevents a body shot from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi cracks Stark with a nice body shot.
Kobiashi tries to work over Stark's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kobiashi looking to stall.
Kobiashi cracks Stark with a nice body shot.
Stark scores with a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi takes a knee to the side of the body.
Stark blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Stark lands a shot to the body.
Stark lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Stark lands a good knee to the midsection. Kobiashi won't want to take too many of those.
Knees to the body from Stark.
Kobiashi takes a shot to the head.
Stark with a knee to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Stark.
Stark with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kobiashi.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark is controlling him.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Stark.
Stark trying to land knees to the body.
Kobiashi tries to circle away but Stark has him pinned against the ropes.
Kobiashi tries to throw a body punch but Stark avoids it by throwing Kobiashi back against the cage.
Stark putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Kobiashi in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Kobiashi misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kobiashi.
Stark lands a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi is trying to force a seperation but Stark has the dominant position.
Stark lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kobiashi backwards.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stark stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Kobiashi prevents a body shot from Stark.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Kobiashi takes a knee to the side of the body.
A short body shot lands from Kobiashi as the two fighters clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kobiashi blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Stark keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobiashi's efforts to push away.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Stark misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kobiashi.
Stark lands a body shot in the clinch.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
A right handed body shot lands from Stark.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Stark struggles to land a body shot inside as Kobiashi controls his hands.
Stark blocking some punches.
Kobiashi has had enough of the clinch but Stark keeps him there for the moment.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Kobiashi is leaning against Stark and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Kobiashi blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Stark doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kobiashi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stark scores with a shoulder strike.
Stark just leaning against Kobiashi, taking a breather.
Kobiashi looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Stark digs a right hand underneath Kobiashi's ribcage. Kobiashi let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Stark struggles to land a body shot inside as Kobiashi controls his hands.
A left hand lands to the body for Kobiashi.
Kobiashi is trying to stall.
Kobiashi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

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.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi - that landed with a thud.
Kobiashi throws a punch but it's blocked by Stark.
Kobiashi lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Stark backwards.
A right hand to the body from Kobiashi.
A short uppercut from Kobiashi.
Stark is looking to control Kobiashi's arms but Kobiashi gets an underhook and turns him. Now Stark has his back to the ropes.
Kobiashi working hard to break the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Kobiashi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kobiashi is leaning against Stark and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Kobiashi lands with a light punch inside.
A frustrated look appears on Kobiashi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kobiashi presses Stark against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Kobiashi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stark won't allow it.
Stark tries a knee to the head but Kobiashi blocks it.
Kobiashi lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
A head punch on the inside from Kobiashi fails to land.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Stark is working Kobiashi over against the ropes.
Kobiashi looking to stall.
Stark tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kobiashi's elbow.
Stark missing with knees to the body.
Kobiashi tries to stall but Stark uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kobiashi managing to block the knees to the body from Stark.
Kobiashi tries a body shot but Stark blocks it.
Kobiashi managing to block the knees to the body from Stark.
Stark looking to throw knees to the head but Kobiashi is blocking nicely.
Stark prevents a body shot from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Stark can't find room to land a body shot as Kobiashi controls the action.
A right hook to the body lands for Stark.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stark is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Stark tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kobiashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kobiashi tries to circle away but Stark has him pinned against the ropes.
Stark misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi dodges an elbow strike from Stark.
Stark works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Stark tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kobiashi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kobiashi.
Yousei Kobiashi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kobiashi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stark won't allow it.
Stark with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kobiashi presses Stark against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi - that landed with a thud.
Kobiashi misses with a punch to the body.
Good body shot from Kobiashi.
Kobiashi is working Stark over against the ropes.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Stark as Kobiashi tries to tie him up.
Kobiashi lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Stark with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Stark's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Stark looking to throw knees to the head but Kobiashi is blocking nicely.
Kobiashi goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kobiashi cracks Stark with a nice body shot.
Kobiashi tries to work over Stark's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kobiashi is trying to stall.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi - that landed with a thud.
Stark blocks a body shot from Kobiashi.
A head punch on the inside from Kobiashi fails to land.
Kobiashi is trying to push Stark away but Stark has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stark landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Kobiashi goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Stark looking to throw knees to the head but Kobiashi is blocking nicely.
Stark prevents Kobiashi from breaking the clinch.
Stark trying to stall but Kobiashi improves his position.
Stark tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Kobiashi tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Stark's elbow.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stark has a couple of punches blocked by Kobiashi.
Kobiashi is trying to break the clinch but Stark has him pressed against the ropes.
Nice body punch from Kobiashi - that landed with a thud.

And that's the end of the fight!
Thomas Stark showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Stark 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight for Thomas Stark!
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight for Thomas Stark!
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Thomas Stark!

Thomas Stark wins by unanimous decision!
Thomas Stark retains his light heavyweight title!