PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kazuushi Sakuraba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Masahiko Kimura (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sakuraba comes to the cage accompanied by Wax Tailor feat. The Others . Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Sakuraba
vs
Kimura

175 cm
26
180 lbs
10 - 12 - 1

170 cm
26
187 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

[CBK] LEGAL HIGHS « AJFC↑ TRIPLE 160Q ®

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazuushi Sakuraba!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Masahiko Kimura!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Hirohito Nitta and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kimura tries for a takedown but Sakuraba sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kimura gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sakuraba counters with a left and a right that stings Kimura.
A punch lands to the side of Sakuraba 's head but he takes it in his stride.

Sakuraba closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Sakuraba pulls guard effortlessly.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Sakuraba can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kimura controls the pace.
Kimura pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sakuraba is keeping the position for now.
Sakuraba looking for a sweep. Not yet Sakuraba, not yet.
Kimura trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sakuraba manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kimura manages to get himself to full guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba distracts Kimura with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Kimura is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kimura tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Sakuraba trying to control but Kimura is working from the bottom.

We're going to have a standup here because Kazuushi Sakuraba wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Sakuraba fails with the takedown.
Kimura fails with a takedown attempt.
Kazuushi Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Masahiko Kimura.
Sakuraba throws the kick towards the body but Kimura avoids it.
Kimura looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sakuraba is fending him off so far but Kimura persists. Nope, Sakuraba circles away and we're back to standing.
Kimura throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sakuraba's waist but Sakuraba gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kimura off to one side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kimura tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sakuraba sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kimura somewhat.
Kimura closes this distance looking for a takedown but Sakuraba circles away.
Sakuraba throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

Kimura closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Sakuraba did well to prevent Kimura getting side control.
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!

Kimura looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Kimura looks gassed!

Kimura looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Sakuraba controlling the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimura is thwarting Sakuraba's attempts to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kimura is keen to just control but Sakuraba is a slippery customer.
Sakuraba wants to improve his position but Kimura is controlling well.
Sakuraba works his way to full guard. Good work.
Sakuraba looking for a sweep. Not yet Sakuraba, not yet.
Kimura is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba is trying to control the position but Kimura postures up.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Kimura throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Good standup being displayed there by Kimura as he connects with a hook.
Sakuraba lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Sakuraba looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Masahiko Kimura seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sakuraba displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kimura.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kimura moves out of range of the leg kick from Sakuraba.
Kimura dives in and grabs Sakuraba's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sakuraba pushes down on Kimura's head and hops out.
Kimura shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Sakuraba pinned against the cage. Sakuraba gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Sakuraba moves out of range as Kimura strikes.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Kimura has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Sakuraba finds it's way round the side to connect with Kimura's head.
Kimura moves out of range as Sakuraba throws a body kick.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sakuraba fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Kimura shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Sakuraba as he avoids it easily.
Kimura has his takedown stuffed
and Kimura takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sakuraba throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Sakuraba.

Kimura closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Sakuraba to the mat! Sakuraba manages to get full guard.
Sakuraba wants to sweep here but Kimura controlling him for the moment.
Sakuraba keeping moving, preventing Kimura from controlling successfully.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba 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.
Kimura tries to free his leg and advance position but Sakuraba is retaining full guard.
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!
Kimura won't allow Sakuraba to sweep him here.
Kimura wants to stand but Sakuraba is controlling his posture from full guard.
Sakuraba is controlling Kimura's posture.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Sakuraba throws a quick inside leg kick.
Sakuraba misses with the combination.
Kimura throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sakuraba's waist but Sakuraba gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kimura off to one side.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba tries to clinch but Kimura is having none of it.
Sakuraba looks to land a right hand but Kimura moved out of range.
Kimura shoots in for a takedown but Sakuraba shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Sakuraba throws a sloppy head kick and Kimura moves out of range easily.
Sakuraba ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Sakuraba connects with a high kick.
Sakuraba changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kimura tries to avoid it but Sakuraba manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kimura to the ground. Kimura escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Kimura looks for a takedown but Sakuraba sprawls well.
Sakuraba works Kimura's body with a nice hook.
Kimura looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sakuraba is fending him off so far but Kimura persists. Nope, Sakuraba circles away and we're back to standing.
Sakuraba scores with a hook.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Kimura has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Kimura has a takedown stuffed.
Sakuraba punishes Kimura's body with a nice straight punch.
Sakuraba scores with a leg kick.
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!
Kimura shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sakuraba makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Kimura really felt that one!
Kimura blocks a head kick by Sakuraba.
Kimura takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kimura avoids a kick to the body.
Kimura throws a good cross that connects.
Kimura checks the leg kick.

Sakuraba has closed the distance and engaged Kimura in a clinch.

Sakuraba breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kimura shoots in looking for a takedown but Sakuraba manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kimura's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Kimura throws a nice looking combination but Sakuraba bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A nice leg kick lands there from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba works Kimura's body with a nice hook.
Sakuraba scoring well with a low kick there.
Kimura throws a right hand that Sakuraba ducks under and follows up with a left that Sakuraba also avoids with ease.
Kimura avoids the head kick by Sakuraba.
Kimura looks to land a right hand but Sakuraba moved out of range.
Kimura shoots and misses

and Sakuraba counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Sakuraba.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sakuraba landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Sakuraba tries to land knees in the clinch but Kimura avoids the damage to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kazuushi Sakuraba dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Excellent takedown into side control there by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba controls the position from side control.
Sakuraba passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Kimura!
Sakuraba pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Kimura tries to reverse the position but Sakuraba maintains control.
Sakuraba putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Sakuraba with good strikes from the mount here!
Sakuraba putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kimura is looking to improve his position but Sakuraba isn't that keen on the idea.
Sakuraba looking to finish Kimura with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kimura!
Kimura can't escape the position.
You get the feeling that Kimura really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Kimura is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba breaks from Kimura's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Kimura is looking to get to half guard.
Sakuraba in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Kimura can't escape the position.
Sakuraba trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Kimura is working to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba cracks Kimura with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sakuraba tries to control but Kimura wriggling away.
Sakuraba is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Kimura is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Sakuraba landing punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba working Kimura over with strikes here.
Kimura tries to hold on but Sakuraba pushes him away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakuraba lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

Kimura is rocked!
Sakuraba tries to control but Kimura wriggling away.
Kimura is still in real trouble! Can Sakuraba finish him?
Sakuraba with good strikes from the mount here!
Sakuraba postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Kimura looks a forlorn figure.
Sakuraba controlling the pace for now.
Sakuraba pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Kazuushi Sakuraba overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kimura is desperately trying to improve his position but Sakuraba has a good base and remains in mount.
Sakuraba looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimura bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Sakuraba trying to keep a closed guard but Kimura is proving a slippery customer.
Kimura wants to get up but he can't break Sakuraba's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Kimura wants to control from the top but Sakuraba keeps moving.
Sakuraba is pulling down on Kimura's head. It's preventing any offense from Kimura, at least for the moment.
Kimura seems to have recovered his senses.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Kazuushi Sakuraba.
Kimura misses with a series of wild punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kimura smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Kazuushi Sakuraba is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kimura is defended easily by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Kimura closes the distance and clinches up with Sakuraba, looking for a takedown. Kimura pushes Sakuraba against the cage but Sakuraba circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kimura shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Sakuraba sprawls well. Sakuraba wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kimura gets slowly back to his feet.
Kazuushi Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Masahiko Kimura.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kimura fails with a takedown attempt.
Sakuraba fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kimura has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Kimura shoots for a takedown but Sakuraba saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Sakuraba.
Kimura has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba scores with a head kick.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Sakuraba.
Kazuushi Sakuraba is winning the standup battle so far.
Kimura shoots and misses

and Sakuraba counters with a nice double leg into side control. Kimura won't be happy with that.
Kimura tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Sakuraba presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
BOOM! Sakuraba connects with a massive shot to the dome!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sakuraba in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Sakuraba landing strikes from the mount.
Sakuraba tries to control but Kimura wriggling away.
Sakuraba breaks from Kimura's wrist control and lands an elbow.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

Sakuraba is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Kimura is surviving well by controlling Sakuraba's body position as best he can.
Sakuraba looking to control but Kimura is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Kimura is bucking up trying to escape but Sakuraba cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
The referee warns Kimura that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Kimura is squirming around, avoiding Sakuraba's attempts to control the action.
Kimura keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Kimura can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

Sakuraba wants to finish this one by submission but Kimura is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Kimura wants to hold on but Sakuraba pushes him away.
Sakuraba punishing his opponent with strikes.
Kimura working to try and regain half guard.
Sakuraba is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kimura can do to turn this around?
Sakuraba scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Sakuraba connects with a bit shot that sees Kimura covering up! More strikes from Sakuraba and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Sakuraba is our winner by TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 8:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kazuushi Sakuraba!
A very excited looking Kazuushi Sakuraba made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.