|
|
PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Katsuro Sato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matthieu Benoit (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
 |
|
 |
| 187 cm
28
199 lbs
17 - 5 - 0 |
|
185 cm
32
198 lbs
29 - 13 - 2 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible |
|
Olympic wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
17 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Katsuro Sato!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
29 - 13 - 2, fighting out of New York, Matthieu Benoit!
The judges for this bout are Micheangelo Fripello, Colin Fray and Roger Salmon.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benoit fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Sato has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Benoit throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Sato.
It looks like Katsuro Sato has been cut.
Benoit throws a nice inside leg kick.
Benoit tries to score with a low kick but Sato moves his leg out of the way.
Benoit fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Benoit shoots in looking for a takedown. Sato tries to sprawl out of it but Benoit keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Sato manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Sato finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Sato connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Benoit misses with a hook. Sato ducked under it nicely.
Sato fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Benoit checks it well.
Sato with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Sato scores with a sloppy right hand. Benoit should have avoided that one.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice body kick there by Sato.
Sato scores with a decent looking hook.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sato avoids the body shot from Benoit.
Excellent takedown into side control there by Benoit.
Sato is looking to reverse the position.
Benoit is looking to take a break and control but Sato is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Benoit lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Sato down.
Sato manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Benoit controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Benoit is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Sato jumps into side control!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benoit is trying to control Sato's posture but Sato avoids it.
Sato has control of an arm but Benoit manages to advance to Sato's back!
Benoit is punishing Sato with strikes - can he finish him?!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sato manages to escape to a better position under a series of strikes. Benoit is now in side control.
Benoit throwing shots but missing, from side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Benoit throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Benoit creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Sato sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Sato tries to improve position but can't.
Sato is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Benoit off and has taken his back!
Benoit turns into Sato and is now in his guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sato keeping moving, preventing Benoit from controlling successfully.
Sato 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.
Sato looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Benoit puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Benoit looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Benoit missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Benoit looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benoit wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sato keeps working.
Benoit might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Sato kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Sato wants to get back to full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Benoit not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Sato wants to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Matthieu Benoit dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Katsuro Sato's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Sato takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Benoit moves out of range of the body kick from Sato.
Benoit throws a shot to the body.
Benoit fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Benoit connects with a leg kick. Sato looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Benoit looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Sato is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Benoit trying to control but Sato is working from the bottom.
Benoit wants to pass the guard but Sato is keeping the position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Benoit wants to control from the top but Sato keeps moving.
Sato not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Benoit trying to control the position from guard on top but Sato is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref stands the fighters back up. Matthieu Benoit was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Sato takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Benoit has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Sato.
Benoit connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Good shot there by Sato.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Sato.
A bone on bone clash there as Benoit blocks the leg kick.
Benoit cracks a nice hook into Sato's ribs.
Sato swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sato jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sato tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Benoit swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sato takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Sato slaps away a takedown attempt from Benoit, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A low kick from Benoit misses
and Sato counters with a straight right hand.
Benoit moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Benoit gets the takedown into side control.
Sato is trying to control Benoit's posture but Benoit avoids it.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benoit content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Matthieu Benoit has got the better of the ground game so far.
Benoit is working Sato over with some ground and pound from side control.
Benoit grinds an elbow into Sato's temple.
Benoit wants to control but Sato is keeping him busy.
Benoit tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Benoit has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sato tries to improve position but can't.
Sato is working hard here to advance position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Benoit wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sato keeps working.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Benoit taking a break here but Sato is having none of it and regains half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Matthieu Benoit showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Katsuro Sato's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Sato misses with a low kick as Benoit jumps back.
Benoit defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Sato.
Benoit scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Benoit swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Benoit misses with a body shot.
Benoit pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Benoit changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Sato tries to avoid it but Benoit manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Sato to the ground. Sato escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A jab from Sato misses.
Benoit avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Sato throws a wild body kick that Benoit sees coming a mile off.
Matthieu Benoit seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sato scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Sato just misses with a punch to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sato lands with an uppercut that bounces Benoit off the cage and back into range.
Benoit slips under a jab.
Benoit is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Sato rather than just go for the knockout.
Sato takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Benoit misses with a head kick.
Benoit slips a jab from Sato.
Sato lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Benoit paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Sato displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Benoit.
Benoit throws a half hearted mid kick.
Benoit lands a body shot.
Sato throws a shot to the body.
Sato sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A low kick from Benoit is predictable there
enabling Sato to counter with a crisp jab.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benoit looking to score a takedown here. Sato is defending well but Benoit drives through and ends up in Sato's guard.
Benoit passes Sato's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Sato regains full guard. Nicely done.
Benoit wants to control from the top but Sato keeps moving.
Sato is trying to control the position but Benoit postures up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Benoit accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Benoit in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sato is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sato preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Benoit working some strikes from top position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Benoit's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Benoit trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Benoit throws an elbow that misses. Sato uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Benoit's guard. Nice move by Sato!
Sato wants to pass the guard but Benoit is keeping the position.
Benoit is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Sato looking to pass the guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benoit trying to keep a closed guard but Sato is proving a slippery customer.
Benoit is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Benoit is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Sato is aware though and is defending well.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Sato's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sato avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Sato got a little sloppy there for a moment and Benoit has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sato has managed to get both his arms back between Benoit's legs - danger averted.
Benoit takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sato trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Matthieu Benoit really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Katsuro Sato's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Sato paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Sato takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Sato shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Benoit as he avoids it easily.
Benoit misses with a double jab.
Benoit lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Benoit throws a jab when Sato was well out of range.
Sato lunges at Benoit with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Benoit's hand.
Sato keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Benoit misses with a wild body shot.
Benoit swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Sato connects with a good right hand that stumbles Benoit. Benoit circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Sato uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Benoit.
Benoit changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Benoit misses with a kick to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Both fighters circling a little - Sato finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Sato shoots for a takedown but Benoit saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Benoit throws a body punch but Sato moves out of range.
Sato stuffs the takedown.
Benoit takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Benoit rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sato moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Benoit is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Benoit looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Benoit gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sato.
Sato jabs Benoit right on the nose. Benoit blinks but takes it well.
A big right from Benoit misses.
Benoit is looking to score with low kicks.
Benoit chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Benoit tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sato was well out of range. Poor timing from Benoit.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benoit blocks the body kick.
Benoit just misses with a punch to the body.
Sato throws a leg kick but Benoit sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Sato takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Benoit checks a leg kick nicely.
Benoit looks to land a combination. Sato sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Sato moves out of range as Benoit strikes.
Benoit avoids a kick to the body.
Sato clobbers Benoit with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Sato takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Benoit throws a hook but Sato blocks it.
Benoit tries to land a leg kick but Sato saw it coming and moves away.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sato has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Benoit finds it's way round the side to connect with Sato's head.
Benoit on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Sato ducks under a wild hook from Benoit.
Sato scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Benoit.
Benoit misses with a lunging right hand
and Sato cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Benoit has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Sato.
Sato throws an overhand right that lands on Benoit's shoulder, as Benoit tries to avoid the shot.
Benoit bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Sato's head.
Sato throws a nice inside leg kick.
Benoit scores with a jab.
Sato dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Sato misses with a low kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benoit misses the jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice takedown defense from Sato. No joy for Benoit on that attempt.
Katsuro Sato has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matthieu Benoit.
A telegraphed right hand from Sato misses the target.
Nice defenses there by Benoit.
Sato throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Benoit throws a shot from downtown. Sato moves away and avoids it.
Benoit wants to land a leg kick but Sato is out of range.
Benoit shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Sato manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Benoit trying to control the position from guard on top but Sato is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close fourth round but Matthieu Benoit will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Katsuro Sato's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!
Sato scoring well with a low kick there.
Benoit chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Sato can pounce on him.
The fighters circle momentarily. Benoit darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Sato throws out a loose jab but Benoit uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sato misses with a straight right.
Sato with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Benoit to score with a decent uppercut.
Benoit uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sato.
Sato takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Benoit keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Sato swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sato misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Benoit.
Benoit moves out of range as Sato strikes.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sato throws a big shot that misses.
Sato looking to land some kicks to the body here.
A punch lands to the side of Benoit 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Benoit shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Sato is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Benoit is aware though and is defending well.
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.
Sato is looking for a triangle but Benoit pushes his legs off easily.
Benoit working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Sato's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Benoit throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Sato works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Benoit accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Benoit landing some decent shots from guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benoit has gone for a leg lock! Sato slips out almost immediately though and dives into Benoit's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Benoit has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Benoit is trying to keep Sato in close.
Benoit avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Benoit is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Sato pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Benoit is keeping the position for now.
Katsuro Sato has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benoit controls Sato momentarily but Sato frees himself.
Sato working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Benoit trying to control the position.
Sato throwing strikes from guard but Benoit blocks nicely.
Benoit is looking for a triangle but Sato pushes his legs off easily.
Sato postures up in Benoit's guard and throws a big left but Benoit blocks it.
Benoit can't keep his opponent in guard - Sato advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benoit tries to get to full guard but Sato has control of the leg.
Matthieu Benoit is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Benoit keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Sato 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.
Sato is looking for a kimura here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sato is looking for a kimura but Benoit is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Sato to get the leverage.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Matthieu Benoit.
Well Benoit has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 46:49
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 45:50
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight 45:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matthieu Benoit!
A very excited looking Matthieu Benoit rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
