PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Minoru Suzuki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kofi Kingston (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Suzuki kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Kaze ni Nare. Minoru Suzuki had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 171.3lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Kofi Kingston told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Suzuki
vs
Kingston

179 cm
23
187 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

185 cm
25
180 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Minoru Suzuki!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kofi Kingston!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kingston tries to score a power double leg takedown but Suzuki sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kingston somewhat.
Suzuki closes the distance and clinches up with Kingston, looking for a takedown. Suzuki pushes Kingston against the cage but Kingston circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Suzuki tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kingston smiles and moves away.
Minoru Suzuki seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kingston scores with a one two! Suzuki had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Suzuki looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kingston is fending him off so far but Suzuki persists. Nope, Kingston circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Minoru Suzuki. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Suzuki looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Suzuki passes Kingston's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Kingston wants to improve his position but Suzuki is controlling well.
Kingston really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Suzuki. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Suzuki prevents Kingston from standing back up.

Suzuki is trying to work for a kimura but Kingston is defending well.
Kingston is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Suzuki is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Kingston has managed to free his arm - good work.
Kingston punching from the bottom.
Kingston is trying to stand.

Suzuki seems to be looking for submissions.

Suzuki seems to be working for a kimura but Kingston defends the submission attempt.

Suzuki is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kingston is looking to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Suzuki seems to be working for a kimura but Kingston defends the submission attempt.

Suzuki is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Kingston wants to improve his position but Suzuki is controlling well.
Suzuki trying to control the action but Kingston is working from the bottom.
Suzuki wants to free his trapped foot but Kingston is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Suzuki is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kingston is trying to maintain the position but Suzuki is very close to passing his half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Suzuki trying to control the action but Kingston is working from the bottom.

Suzuki is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Suzuki wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kingston keeps working.

Suzuki is working for a submission of some sort.
Kingston wants to get back to full guard.
Kingston trying to control but Suzuki postures up.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Suzuki wants to pass to mount but Kingston is defending the position.

Suzuki in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Kingston tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Suzuki!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Minoru Suzuki!
Minoru Suzuki opened up his post fight interview with a scream to camera that he wants a title shot! Whether he deserves the shot will be up to the management of the organization, so I guess he'll have to wait and see.