PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Yamamoto Takiyama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tommy McTowlie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Takiyama
vs
McTowlie

176 cm
26
175 lbs
3 - 2 - 1

200 cm
25
177 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 1, fighting out of London, Yamamoto Takiyama!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Tommy McTowlie!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McTowlie takes one to the side of the head.

McTowlie fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Takiyama, pushing him back against the cage.
McTowlie is trying to push Takiyama away but Takiyama has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
McTowlie with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Takiyama gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Takiyama stops McTowlie from standing up.

Takiyama thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Takiyama pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. McTowlie is keeping the position for now.
McTowlie is looking to stand up but Takiyama isn't so interested in that idea.

McTowlie pushes Takiyama off and scrambles back to his feet.
Takiyama will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Left hook, right uppercut from McTowlie.
Takiyama misses with a head kick.
Takiyama blocks a head kick by McTowlie.
McTowlie throws a head kick that Takiyama semi-blocks.
Takiyama throws a head kick but McTowlie moves out of range.
McTowlie pulls out of a head kick attempt.
McTowlie plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
McTowlie tries to bum rush Takiyama with a series of wild strikes but Takiyama uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
McTowlie scores with a hook.
McTowlie lands a nice looking body kick.
McTowlie misses with a series of wild punches.
Takiyama throws a right and a left that both miss.
McTowlie throws a head kick but Takiyama moves out of range.
Takiyama misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Takiyama throws a nice outside leg kick.
McTowlie is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takiyama shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has McTowlie pinned against the cage. McTowlie gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
McTowlie showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Takiyama.
McTowlie plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
McTowlie throws a series of punches but Takiyama avoids them all with ease.
Tommy McTowlie seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Takiyama fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McTowlie tries to close the distance and clinch but Takiyama swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Takiyama throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
McTowlie is looking to clinch.
McTowlie tries to close the distance and clinch but Takiyama swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Takiyama changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. McTowlie tries to avoid it but Takiyama manages to keep hold of a leg and drag McTowlie to the ground. McTowlie escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yamamoto Takiyama. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McTowlie looks to land a combination. Takiyama sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
McTowlie fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Takiyama looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
McTowlie closes the distance and lands a one-two.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McTowlie misses with a double jab.
McTowlie looks gassed!

McTowlie drives through and clinches with Takiyama against the cage.
McTowlie wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

McTowlie breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Takiyama tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Both fighters circling a little - McTowlie finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
A head kick from Takiyama lands but McTowlie takes it in his stride.
McTowlie wants to clinch up but Takiyama keeps it at a distance.
McTowlie throws a head kick that Takiyama semi-blocks.
McTowlie chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Takiyama can pounce on him.
McTowlie tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Some wild striking there from McTowlie.
Takiyama misses with a takedown attempt - McTowlie sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Takiyama fails with the takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takiyama shoots for a takedown but McTowlie saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

McTowlie forces Takiyama back against the cage and clinches.
McTowlie wants to stall.

Takiyama breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
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!
Takiyama does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Sloppy strikes from McTowlie. Those never looked like landing.
McTowlie blocks a head kick by Takiyama.
Tommy McTowlie is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McTowlie avoids the head kick by Takiyama.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McTowlie scores with a crisp jab that stopped Takiyama in his tracks.
Sloppy strikes from McTowlie. Those never looked like landing.
Left hook, right uppercut from McTowlie.
McTowlie fails in his attempt to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tommy McTowlie dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Takiyama shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has McTowlie pinned against the cage. McTowlie gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A combination from Takiyama does no damage.
McTowlie is looking to clinch.
Takiyama misses with a head kick.
McTowlie misses with a wild combination.

McTowlie gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Takiyama takes an elbow to the forehead.

It looks like Yamamoto Takiyama has been cut.
Takiyama blocks an elbow strike from McTowlie.

McTowlie breaks the clinch.
McTowlie closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Takiyama blocks a head kick by McTowlie.
McTowlie tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Takiyama paws at him with a jab and circles away.
McTowlie tries to close the distance and clinch up but Takiyama swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McTowlie tries to close the distance and clinch up but Takiyama swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Yamamoto Takiyama is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Takiyama checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Takiyama shoots in but no luck this time.
McTowlie throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Takiyama throws a head kick but McTowlie moves out of range.
McTowlie throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
McTowlie stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yamamoto Takiyama. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Left hook, right uppercut from McTowlie.
Takiyama tries a head kick but it misses.
McTowlie fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Takiyama manages to avoid it.
McTowlie tries to clinch up.
McTowlie fails in his attempt to clinch.
McTowlie is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Takiyama dodges the punch combination from McTowlie.
McTowlie works over Takiyama's head and body with a nice combination.
McTowlie is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Takiyama feints and as McTowlie raises his hands in defense, Takiyama changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Takiyama trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but McTowlie manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Takiyama had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. McTowlie defends it easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Takiyama is trying to hold McTowlie in close to prevent damage but McTowlie has managed to pass into half guard.
Takiyama tries to roll over but McTowlie keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McTowlie wants to stand up but Takiyama has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Takiyama is trying to maintain the position but McTowlie is very close to passing his half guard.
Takiyama might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Takiyama moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Takiyama working for a triangle but McTowlie defends it easily.
Takiyama looking for a sweep. Not yet Takiyama, not yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

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

Takiyama is looking for a triangle but McTowlie pushes his legs off easily.
McTowlie pushing down on Takiyama's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
McTowlie wants to control but Takiyama is keeping him busy.

McTowlie seems to be looking for submissions.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McTowlie seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
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.
Takiyama trying to control here.
Still in half guard, McTowlie seems content to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Tommy McTowlie will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Yamamoto Takiyama's cut.
That's time! Takiyama's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Takiyama takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
McTowlie avoids the head kick by Takiyama.
McTowlie misses with a head kick.
McTowlie misses with a body kick.
McTowlie tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Takiyama paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A head kick misses from Takiyama.
Takiyama misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A combination from McTowlie does no damage.
Takiyama throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
McTowlie misses with a head kick.
Takiyama throws a head kick that misses.
McTowlie tries to clinch up but Takiyama circles away and keeps his distance.
McTowlie throws a nice looking combination but Takiyama bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
McTowlie throws a body punch but Takiyama moves out of range.
Takiyama misses with a takedown attempt - McTowlie sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
McTowlie tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Takiyama manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McTowlie misses with a two punch combination.
McTowlie pulls out of a head kick attempt.
McTowlie takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Takiyama fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging McTowlie to the ground. Takiyama is now in McTowlie's guard.
Takiyama tries to free his leg and advance position but McTowlie is retaining full guard.
Takiyama trying to control the position from guard on top but McTowlie is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McTowlie is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Takiyama is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takiyama works a leg free and moves into half guard.

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

Takiyama is looking for a kimura but McTowlie is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Takiyama to get the leverage.

Takiyama is looking for a kimura here.
McTowlie is trying to stand up here but Takiyama is controlling him well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takiyama wants to pass to mount but McTowlie is defending the position.

McTowlie makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
McTowlie attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Tommy McTowlie is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Takiyama misses with a head kick.
Takiyama misses with a double jab.
Takiyama walks into a left hand.
Takiyama tries a head kick but it misses.
McTowlie lands a two punch combo.
Takiyama rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but McTowlie moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Takiyama throws a sloppy head kick and McTowlie moves out of range easily.
Yamamoto Takiyama has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takiyama circles away from the clinch attempt.
Takiyama will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
McTowlie tries to clinch there but Takiyama circles away.
Takiyama blocks a head kick by McTowlie.
McTowlie fails with an attempt to clinch.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by McTowlie.
McTowlie scores with a head kick. Takiyama tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Takiyama throws a sloppy head kick and McTowlie moves out of range easily.
Takiyama closes the distance and clinches up with McTowlie, looking for a takedown. Takiyama pushes McTowlie against the cage but McTowlie circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
McTowlie throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McTowlie is looking to clinch but Takiyama is avoiding it.
McTowlie fails with an attempt to clinch.
McTowlie lands a head kick!

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Yamamoto Takiyama.
I think McTowlie has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:29
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:29
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 29:28

The fight is ruled a majority draw!