PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Genki Sodo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tsunami Hiragawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Genki Sodo has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Sodo
vs
Hiragawa

176 cm
21
154 lbs
1 - 3 - 1

167 cm
20
160 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Inexperienced

Lightning Fight Gear

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 1 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Genki Sodo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tsunami Hiragawa!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yukihiro Shimada and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sodo moves into the clinch successfully.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Sodo.

Sodo gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Hiragawa regains guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hiragawa is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Hiragawa working for a triangle but Sodo defends it easily.
Hiragawa wants to sweep here but Sodo controlling him for the moment.
Sodo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hiragawa swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hiragawa wants to stand but Sodo is controlling the position.
Sodo tries to free his leg and advance position but Hiragawa is retaining full guard.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Sodo shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hiragawa as he jumps to the side.

Sodo darts in and clinches Hiragawa up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sodo wants a takedown.

Sodo gets a trip takedown into half guard.

Hiragawa looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Hiragawa is looking for a sweep. Sodo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hiragawa moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Hiragawa trying to keep a closed guard but Sodo is proving a slippery customer.
Sodo slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Hiragawa wants to control but Sodo postures up.

Sodo thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Sodo thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Sodo is breathing heavily.
Hiragawa is looking for a sweep.

Sodo is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Hiragawa has escaped the position, nice work there.

Sodo tries for a kimura but Hiragawa is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hiragawa is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Sodo off and has taken his back!
Sodo tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Sodo is wriggling around trying to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hiragawa wants to take Sodo's back here but Sodo is holding on to an arm, himself looking to escape.
Sodo is trying to escape the mount.
Sodo manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Sodo pushes Hiragawa off and gets back to his feet.

Sodo shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Hiragawa's guard.
Hiragawa looking to control.
Sodo is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sodo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hiragawa swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sodo forces his way into half guard.
Hiragawa wants to get back to full guard.
Hiragawa is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Hiragawa is pressing down on Sodo's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Hiragawa working for submissions but it's allowed Sodo to get to half guard.
Sodo has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Hiragawa is bucking up trying to escape but Sodo cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Hiragawa tries to reverse the position but Sodo maintains control.
Hiragawa sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

Hiragawa looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Hiragawa is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hiragawa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sodo.
Sodo wants to pass the guard but Hiragawa is defending well.

Sodo is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Hiragawa is just riding it out for now. Sodo eventually gives up the hold.
Hiragawa has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Sodo is working away from the top position though.
Hiragawa gets full guard.
Sodo stopping the sweep attempt from Hiragawa.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Hiragawa rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sodo moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Hiragawa throws a series of punches but Sodo avoids them all with ease.
Sodo fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Genki Sodo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hiragawa shoots in and drives through. Sodo sprawls well.
Sodo misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Genki Sodo dominated that round.
That's time! Sodo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Hiragawa closes the distance and clinches.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

Sodo escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hiragawa keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Sodo shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Sodo was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Hiragawa tries to hold on but Sodo postures up.
Hiragawa is looking to improve his position but Sodo isn't that keen on the idea.
Hiragawa is trying to reverse the position but instead Sodo has taken his back - oops!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Hiragawa showing good submission defense here.
Sodo doesn't have the hooks in and Hiragawa manages to turn into his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hiragawa trying to control but Sodo is working from the bottom.

Hiragawa stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Hiragawa throws a front kick aimed at Sodo's knee but Sodo avoids it well.

Hiragawa gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Sodo trying to stand up but can't free himself from Hiragawa's guard.
Sodo forces his way into half guard.

Sodo is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Sodo gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

Sodo gets the takedown into side control.

Sodo is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hiragawa knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Sodo advances nicely into full mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hiragawa is working to get back to half guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Sodo looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Sodo gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
Sodo shoots for a double leg takedown but Hiragawa sprawls well. He's pushed Sodo's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tsunami Hiragawa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hiragawa moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

Sodo gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Sodo has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Hiragawa uses from the top position.

Sodo working for a triangle but Hiragawa defends it easily.

Sodo looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Sodo manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hiragawa manages to get himself to full guard.

Hiragawa working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Sodo has passed into half guard!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sodo trying to control from half guard but Hiragawa is working away.
Hiragawa tries to roll over but Sodo keeps him under control.
Sodo tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Hiragawa.

Sodo is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hiragawa doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Sodo.
Sodo moves nicely into side control.
Hiragawa tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Hiragawa gets back to half guard.

Hiragawa looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Hiragawa is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Sodo pulls his head out easily.
Hiragawa is looking for a sweep. Sodo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Sodo takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Hiragawa is trying to stand up here but Sodo is controlling him well.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Hiragawa shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sodo counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

Sodo instigates a clinch.
Hiragawa tries to pull guard but Sodo won't allow it.
Sodo is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hiragawa pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Genki Sodo. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Hiragawa has hold of one of Sodo's legs. Sodo is fighting the takedown attempt but Hiragawa gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.

Hiragawa drops back looking for a leg! Sodo is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Sodo manages to kick Hiragawa off! Hiragawa jumps back into Sodo's guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hiragawa tries to free his leg and advance position but Sodo is retaining full guard.
Sodo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Hiragawa.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Genki Sodo dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Hiragawa closes the distance looking to clinch

and Sodo decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Hiragawa's guard.
Hiragawa has a closed guard, preventing Sodo from standing up.

Hiragawa escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Sodo gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Hiragawa throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Hiragawa keeping busy on the bottom but Sodo has passed one foot through into half guard.

Sodo is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Hiragawa defends it well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hiragawa moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Sodo is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Hiragawa is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Hiragawa is looking to advance position but Sodo won't allow it.

Sodo actively working from the bottom here.

Hiragawa is working for a submission of some sort.
The fighters are battling for position here. Sodo manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Hiragawa pushes down on Sodo's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Sodo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Hiragawa is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sodo is pressing down on Hiragawa's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Sodo has his foot on Hiragawa's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hiragawa works his way back into a safe position though.
Hiragawa wants to control from the top but Sodo keeps moving.

Sodo is looking for a triangle but Hiragawa pushes his legs off easily.

Sodo looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Sodo bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hiragawa's guard.
Sodo pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hiragawa is keeping the position for now.

Sodo decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Hiragawa, up you get!
Sodo looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Hiragawa fails to land with a series of punches.

Sodo scores a takedown into full mount!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Hiragawa is desperately trying to improve his position but Sodo has a good base and remains in mount.
Hiragawa tries to hold on but Sodo pushes him away.
Hiragawa really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sodo wants to control the pace but Hiragawa is squirming around nicely.
Hiragawa tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Sodo wants to control the pace but Hiragawa is squirming around nicely.
Hiragawa tries to hold on but Sodo postures up.
Hiragawa prevents Sodo from taking his back.
Hiragawa is wriggling around trying to escape.

Sodo wants to finish this one by submission but Hiragawa is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Sodo.
BOOM! Sodo connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Tsunami Hiragawa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sodo is standing up, even though he is in mount.

Sodo feints and as Hiragawa raises his hands in defense, Sodo changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Sodo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hiragawa swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hiragawa is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Hiragawa throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Sodo trying to control but Hiragawa is working from the bottom.
Genki Sodo overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Hiragawa working for a triangle but Sodo defends it easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Hiragawa had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Sodo is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Hiragawa Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Sodo's back instead.
Sodo manages to reverse the position and now he's in Hiragawa's guard. Nice work there by Sodo.

And that's the end of the fight!
Genki Sodo showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Sodo, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 30:27
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Genki Sodo!