PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Takanori Gomi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mayuri Tatsuki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gomi comes to the cage accompanied by Scary. Tatsuki has chosen Norther - Released as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Takanori Gomi could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Mayuri Tatsuki's chin.

Gomi
vs
Tatsuki

173 cm
26
168 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

170 cm
31
166 lbs
24 - 8 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Perkele!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Takanori Gomi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Mayuri Tatsuki!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, Bruno Lombardi and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gomi misses with a looping left.
Tatsuki throws a quick inside leg kick.
Tatsuki misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gomi.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gomi. Tatsuki does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tatsuki looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Tatsuki closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Tatsuki lands in his opponent's guard.
Gomi is controlling Tatsuki's posture.
Tatsuki slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Tatsuki stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gomi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gomi working a defensive guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatsuki wants to pass the guard but Gomi is keeping the position.
Tatsuki trying to control but Gomi is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Takanori Gomi wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Gomi slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Danga de danga de dang - Gomi scores with a four punch combination!
Gomi throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Tatsuki stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Tatsuki misses the jab.
Gomi connects with a nice looking jab.
Tatsuki swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Gomi.
Tatsuki rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Gomi moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Gomi lands with an uppercut that bounces Tatsuki off the cage and back into range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gomi lands with a straight right. Tatsuki didn't see that one coming.
Tatsuki throws a head kick but Gomi moves out of range.
Tatsuki looks to land a left hand but Gomi moved out of range nicely.
Gomi takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
A combination from Gomi does no damage.
Gomi ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Gomi throws a looping overhand right but Tatsuki ducks down to avoid it.
Tatsuki shoots in but no luck this time.
Tatsuki misses with a looping left.
Gomi checks the leg kick.
Gomi lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
A swing and a miss from Gomi.
Gomi avoids the head kick by Tatsuki.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tatsuki lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nice uppercut there from Tatsuki.
Takanori Gomi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Gomi takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Gomi scores with a jab to the head.
Gomi looks to land a combination but Tatsuki avoids it well.
Tatsuki lands a nice leg kick that just misses Gomi's sensitive parts.
Gomi misses with a right hand
and Tatsuki counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Tatsuki gets the takedown into side control.
Gomi is trying to control Tatsuki's posture but Tatsuki avoids it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gomi prevents Tatsuki from moving into mount.
Gomi is working to avoid the ground and pound but Tatsuki connects with a decent elbow.
Tatsuki tries to move into full mount but can't pass Gomi's legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The strikes coming from Tatsuki are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gomi tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Tatsuki tries to move to mount but Gomi blocks the move with his legs.
Tatsuki trying to control the action but Gomi is working from the bottom.
Gomi is looking to get back to his feet here but Tatsuki is keeping cool and he's managed to take Gomi's back.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Tatsuki is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Gomi. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mayuri Tatsuki will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Tatsuki needs to keep his hands up - Gomi had a free shot at his head there.
Gomi misses with a body shot.

Tatsuki scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Tatsuki is trying to control. Gomi wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Gomi tries to roll over but Tatsuki keeps him under control.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Tatsuki lands a nice short elbow.
Tatsuki seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Gomi does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Gomi looks like he's trying to stand up.
Gomi makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Gomi.
Tatsuki sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Tatsuki tries to free his leg and advance position but Gomi is retaining full guard.
Tatsuki has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomi 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.
Tatsuki passes Gomi's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Mayuri Tatsuki has got the better of the ground game so far.
Tatsuki wants to control but Gomi is keeping him busy.
Tatsuki not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Gomi wants to get back to his feet.
Tatsuki sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gomi defending well though.
Gomi is looking for a sweep. Tatsuki is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Gomi wants to control but Tatsuki is keeping busy.
Gomi blocking the ground and pound attempt from Tatsuki.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gomi works his way to full guard. Good work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tatsuki throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gomi works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Tatsuki trying to control the position from guard on top but Gomi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gomi 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.
Gomi keeping moving, preventing Tatsuki from controlling successfully.
Gomi is looking to stand up but Tatsuki isn't so interested in that idea.
Tatsuki postures up in Gomi's guard and throws a big left but Gomi blocks it.
Tatsuki trying to control but Gomi is working from the bottom.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tatsuki slips nicely into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Tatsuki connects with a nice short shot to Gomi's temple.
Tatsuki wants to take a breather but Gomi is having none of it.
Tatsuki is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Tatsuki wants to control but Gomi is keeping him busy.
Gomi looks like he's trying to stand up.
Tatsuki throwing shots but Gomi is blocking nicely.
Gomi tries to get to full guard but Tatsuki has control of the leg.
Tatsuki is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Gomi pushes Tatsuki off looking to stand but Tatsuki dives back in and keeps control.
The fighters are battling for position here. Gomi manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gomi wants to stand and escape but Tatsuki is having none of it.
Tatsuki advances position into side control!
Tatsuki tries to move to mount but Gomi blocks the move with his legs.
Gomi seems a little lost for a moment, as Tatsuki dominates the positioning.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tatsuki in side control lands a decent elbow.
Tatsuki remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Tatsuki landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tatsuki scores with punches from side control.
Gomi avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Tatsuki.
Gomi is looking to regain half guard here but Tatsuki keeps moving and retains side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mayuri Tatsuki showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Gomi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Gomi misses with the combination.

Tatsuki shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Gomi wants to control but Tatsuki is keeping busy.
Tatsuki content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Gomi wants to improve his position but Tatsuki is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatsuki missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Gomi keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Tatsuki is trying to control. Gomi wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Gomi pushes Tatsuki off and gets back to his feet.
Gomi stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Gomi throws a jab when Tatsuki was well out of range.
Tatsuki throws a sloppy head kick and Gomi moves out of range easily.
Gomi checks the leg kick.
Tatsuki turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Gomi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tatsuki wants to slow Gomi down by chopping away at his legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tatsuki uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gomi.
Tatsuki throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tatsuki takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A big right from Gomi misses.
Gomi will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Gomi looks to land a combination but Tatsuki avoids it well.
Tatsuki ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Tatsuki scores with a takedown into Gomi's guard.
Gomi keeping moving, preventing Tatsuki from controlling successfully.
Gomi is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Tatsuki with a flurry of punches that miss.
Tatsuki trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tatsuki lands a couple of digs.
Gomi keeping full guard, as Tatsuki tries to pass.
Gomi keeping moving, preventing Tatsuki from controlling successfully.
Tatsuki might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Gomi kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Tatsuki advances position into side control!
Gomi is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tatsuki content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Tatsuki is looking to take a break and control but Gomi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gomi tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mayuri Tatsuki really dominated that round.
That's time! Gomi's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Tatsuki throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tatsuki misses with a body punch
and Gomi counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Gomi's jab looks to have found its range, popping Tatsuki under the eye.
Gomi scores with a jab.
A thudding body kick lands there by Tatsuki!
Good work by Gomi as he checks the leg kick.
Gomi swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tatsuki counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Some bone on bone action there as Gomi checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Tatsuki scores with a decent looking hook.
Tatsuki keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Good exchange - Tatsuki coming out on top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tatsuki misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Gomi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tatsuki.
Tatsuki jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A jab from Tatsuki misses.
Tatsuki throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Gomi lands a jab.
Tatsuki staying out of range there.
A nice inside leg kick there by Tatsuki. That's going to slow Gomi down.
Tatsuki looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Tatsuki shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gomi as he avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tatsuki tries to bum rush Gomi with a series of wild strikes but Gomi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Tatsuki thows a body shot but no joy.
Tatsuki takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Gomi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tatsuki sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tatsuki misses with a body shot.
Gomi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Tatsuki.
Tatsuki lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Gomi at a distance.

Tatsuki shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Gomi napping and manages to drive through into side control!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Tatsuki is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Gomi has escaped the position, nice work there.
Tatsuki is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Gomi is not content to let Tatsuki control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes there by Tatsuki.
The strikes coming from Tatsuki are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Gomi is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Gomi prevents Tatsuki from improving position.
Gomi is trying to improve his position.
Tatsuki misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Tatsuki passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Gomi!
Tatsuki trying to control but Gomi is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tatsuki dominating with strikes here.
Tatsuki wants to control the pace but Gomi is squirming around nicely.
Tatsuki with the ground and pound from mount.
Tatsuki prevents Gomi from getting the reversal.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tatsuki landing strikes from the mount and Gomi is in trouble!
Tatsuki sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Gomi tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mayuri Tatsuki dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Gomi jabs at Tatsuki's body.
Gomi misses with an uppercut
and Tatsuki counters with an outside leg kick.
Tatsuki defending well as Gomi loads up on a big left hand.
Mayuri Tatsuki seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gomi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tatsuki.
Gomi fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Tatsuki looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Gomi thuds his right hand into Tatsuki's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Tatsuki throws a quick inside leg kick.
Gomi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Gomi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Tatsuki.
Gomi is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Tatsuki throws a nice inside leg kick.
Gomi punishes Tatsuki's body with a nice straight punch.
Tatsuki lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gomi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tatsuki moves away.
Gomi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tatsuki was well out of range. Poor timing from Gomi.
Tatsuki shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gomi sprawls well. Gomi wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Tatsuki gets slowly back to his feet.
A combination from Gomi does no damage.
Gomi throws a right hand that Tatsuki ducks under and follows up with a left that Tatsuki also avoids with ease.
Tatsuki connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Gomi just misses with a punch to the body.
Tatsuki swinging wildly here.
Gomi connects with a body shot that sends Tatsuki's belly button to the back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Tatsuki gets the takedown into side control.
Gomi is trying to control Tatsuki's posture but Tatsuki avoids it.
Gomi tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Gomi is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Tatsuki's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Tatsuki working Gomi over with strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tatsuki keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Tatsuki connects with a nice short shot to Gomi's temple.
Tatsuki blocks the strikes from Gomi.
Gomi is looking for a sweep. Tatsuki is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mayuri Tatsuki is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gomi is trying to stand up here but Tatsuki is controlling him 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.
Gomi wants to get back to full guard.
Gomi keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Tatsuki is controlling the pace.
Gomi wants to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tatsuki is looking to take a break and control but Gomi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Takanori Gomi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gomi trying to hold on to Tatsuki's head to control him but Tatsuki postures up.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Tatsuki doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Tatsuki works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Gomi swings for the body but Tatsuki moves out of range.
Tatsuki looks to throw the jab but Gomi is out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gomi throws a jab when Tatsuki was well out of range.
Gomi takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Gomi misses with a jab to the body
and Tatsuki counters with a nice uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Mayuri Tatsuki.
I've got Tatsuki winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Alyssa Summers scores the fight 45:50
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 45:50
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mayuri Tatsuki! Mayuri Tatsuki retains his lightweight title!
In his post fight interview, Mayuri Tatsuki started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.