PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Yoshii Akiyama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kale Perez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Akiyama might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Time to say Goodbye. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Akiyama
vs
Perez

166 cm
21
145 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

165 cm
26
150 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Granite chin

Al's Supplements - GRAND OPENING - 160 for $125

CEC Nutrition Q160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Yoshii Akiyama!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kale Perez!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Taro Takaoka and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Perez misses with a head kick.
Perez fails with a takedown attempt.
Akiyama tries to clinch but Perez is having none of it.
Perez fails with a takedown attempt.
Perez looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Akiyama is fending him off so far but Perez persists. Nope, Akiyama circles away and we're back to standing.
Yoshii Akiyama has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kale Perez.

Akiyama shoots in and gets a takedown into Perez's guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Akiyama trying to control but Perez is working from the bottom.

Perez working for submissions but it's allowed Akiyama to get to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Perez is refusing to be controlled, as Akiyama sits in half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Perez is looking for a sweep. Akiyama is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Perez looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Akiyama is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Perez!
Perez is desperately trying to improve his position but Akiyama has a good base and remains in mount.
Akiyama controlling the pace for now.
Perez is looking to improve his position but Akiyama isn't that keen on the idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Perez is looking to escape.
Perez tries to reverse the position but Akiyama maintains control.
Perez gets back to half guard.
Perez is pressing down on Akiyama's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Perez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Akiyama is one step ahead there.
Perez is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Akiyama trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Perez working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Akiyama doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Akiyama manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Perez working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Akiyama.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Perez looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Akiyama wants to pass the guard but Perez is keeping the position.

Perez looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Perez has his foot on Akiyama's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Akiyama works his way back into a safe position though.

Akiyama got a little sloppy there for a moment and Perez has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Akiyama has managed to get both his arms back between Perez's legs - danger averted.
Akiyama pushes down on Perez's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Perez wants to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama is just content to waste time from the top position. Perez takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Perez keeping moving, preventing Akiyama from controlling successfully.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Akiyama won't allow Perez to sweep him here.
Perez preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Perez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Akiyama defends well.
Akiyama throwing strikes from guard but Perez blocks nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Perez is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Perez looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kale Perez dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Akiyama finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Akiyama throws a right and a left that Perez avoids nicely.
Akiyama fails with an attempt to clinch.
Akiyama doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Perez counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Perez is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Perez is trying to work for a kimura but Akiyama is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Perez is working for a submission of some sort.

Akiyama is defending against the submission attempts here by Perez.

Perez is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Akiyama defends it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Perez seems to be looking for submissions.

Perez is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Akiyama is just riding it out for now. Perez eventually gives up the hold.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Akiyama looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Perez prevents Akiyama from improving his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama is looking to escape.

Perez wants to work for an arm triangle but Akiyama is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Perez seems to be looking for submissions.

Perez is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Perez is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Akiyama wants to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Perez is looking for a kimura here.

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

Perez is working for a submission of some sort.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kale Perez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Akiyama scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Perez shoots in but Akiyama avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Akiyama fails with an attempt to clinch.
Akiyama throws a front kick aimed at Perez's knee but Perez avoids it well.
Perez closes this distance looking for a takedown but Akiyama circles away.
Akiyama tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Perez manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akiyama is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Akiyama fails with the takedown.
Akiyama wants to clinch.
Akiyama closes the distance looking to clinch

and Perez counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

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

Perez is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Akiyama doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Perez.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Perez is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Perez 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.
Perez uses his free foot to push down on Akiyama's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Akiyama.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Perez is working for a guillotine from mount but Akiyama frees his head quite easily.
Akiyama is looking to get to half guard.

Perez is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Akiyama has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Akiyama!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Perez is looking for a triangle but Akiyama pushes his legs off easily.
Akiyama advances position into side control!
Perez gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Perez can do anything to dispel that myth.
Perez is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Akiyama's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Akiyama's back!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akiyama holding both Perez 's hands and preventing any damage.
Perez gets his hands free as Akiyama looks to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kale Perez really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Akiyama misses with a takedown attempt

and Perez decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Akiyama's guard.

Perez is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Akiyama is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Akiyama has escaped and now he's on top!
Akiyama tries to stand but Perez is controlling from the bottom.
Akiyama looking to sit in guard and control but Perez gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Perez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Akiyama trying to control the position here.
Perez postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Perez drops back looking for a leg! Akiyama is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Akiyama manages to kick Perez off! Perez jumps back into Akiyama's guard.

Perez has gone for a leg lock! Akiyama slips out almost immediately though and dives into Perez's guard.

Perez escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Akiyama gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Perez wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama trying to control but Perez is working from the bottom.
Perez lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Akiyama!

Perez is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Akiyama has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Perez goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Akiyama turns into him and now he's in Perez's guard.
Akiyama trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama trying to control but Perez is working from the bottom.

Perez escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Akiyama gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Perez keeping moving, preventing Akiyama from controlling successfully.

Perez is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Akiyama looking to pass the guard.

Perez working for a triangle but Akiyama defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama trying to control but Perez is working from the bottom.

Perez has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Akiyama can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Perez looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Perez wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kale Perez dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Perez avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nice sprawl there from Akiyama as Perez shoots in.
Akiyama lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Perez circles away quickly and effectively.
Akiyama will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Perez shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Akiyama as he avoids it easily.
A leg kick checked by Perez.
Perez defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Akiyama.
Akiyama fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yoshii Akiyama. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Perez.
Perez throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Akiyama's waist but Akiyama gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Perez off to one side.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akiyama misses with a low kick.
Akiyama tries to clinch but Perez is having none of it.
Yoshii Akiyama is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Akiyama keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Akiyama tries to close the distance and clinch up but Perez swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Akiyama closes the distance and pushes Perez back into the cage.

Akiyama successfully pulls guard.
Perez tries to free his leg and advance position but Akiyama is retaining full guard.
Kale Perez is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Perez trying to control but Akiyama is working from the bottom.

Perez drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Akiyama manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Perez has Akiyama in his guard.
Akiyama wants to pass the guard but Perez is keeping the position.
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.
Akiyama is pushing down on Perez's leg trying to pass to half guard. Perez is fighting to maintain full guard but Akiyama has managed to sneak the leg through.
Akiyama is trying to control. Perez wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Perez is looking to improve his position.

Perez looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Perez is refusing to be controlled, as Akiyama sits in half guard.
Perez gets back to full guard.

Perez throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Akiyama working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Perez has an active guard here but Akiyama has managed to pass into half guard.
Akiyama passes to full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama trying to control but Perez is having none of it.
Akiyama punishing his opponent with strikes.
Akiyama landing strikes, looking to finish!
Perez is trying desperately to improve position.
Perez regains half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akiyama wants to lay and pray for a moment but Perez keeps working.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yoshii Akiyama showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Perez has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 46:49
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 46:49
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kale Perez!
Kale Perez is the new featherweight champion!
Kale Perez took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Hopkins Athletics for their support in the buildup to the fight.