PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Hiromitsu Tanaka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andry Andrianampoinimerina (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hiromitsu Tanaka has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Tanaka
vs
Andrianampoinimerina

185 cm
28
175 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

172 cm
21
170 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

[IMMA] DTK Designs (Laundry)

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 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hiromitsu Tanaka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Andry Andrianampoinimerina!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Fedor Mirinova and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Andrianampoinimerina shoots for a double leg takedown but Tanaka sprawls well. He's pushed Andrianampoinimerina's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Andrianampoinimerina shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Andrianampoinimerina was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Andrianampoinimerina throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Tanaka is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Andrianampoinimerina's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Andrianampoinimerina is keen to just control but Tanaka is a slippery customer.
Andrianampoinimerina with the ground and pound but Tanaka uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Andrianampoinimerina trying to control the position from guard on top but Tanaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Tanaka wriggles free and stands up.
Andrianampoinimerina misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Tanaka is looking to clinch.
Tanaka has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka scores with a three punch combo!
Andrianampoinimerina stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Andrianampoinimerina wants it to stay on the feet.
Tanaka is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Andrianampoinimerina.
Tanaka will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Tanaka throws a head kick that Andrianampoinimerina semi-blocks.

Tanaka gets a clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Andrianampoinimerina fails to land.
Tanaka looking to throw knees to the head but Andrianampoinimerina is blocking nicely.
Tanaka has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Andrianampoinimerina after a bit of a struggle.
Andrianampoinimerina goes for a takedown in the clinch but Tanaka prevents it.

Andrianampoinimerina has picked Tanaka up - he's going for a ride! Andrianampoinimerina dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Andrianampoinimerina is trying to control the action in half guard but Tanaka is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tanaka avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Andrianampoinimerina.
Tanaka wants to get back to his feet.
Tanaka regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Andrianampoinimerina.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andrianampoinimerina throws a big right hand that misses.
Andrianampoinimerina makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Andrianampoinimerina forces his way into half guard.
Andrianampoinimerina drops an elbow to the side of Tanaka's head.
Andrianampoinimerina is trying to control the action in half guard but Tanaka is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Andrianampoinimerina slips a nice elbow through Tanaka's hands, connecting with Tanaka's forehead.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Tanaka wants to get back to his feet.
Andrianampoinimerina thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Tanaka's head.
Andrianampoinimerina looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Andrianampoinimerina missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Tanaka is looking to control Andrianampoinimerina's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Tanaka avoid being mounted?
Tanaka blocking the ground and pound attempt from Andrianampoinimerina.
Tanaka tries to get to full guard but Andrianampoinimerina has control of the leg.
Andrianampoinimerina not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Tanaka wants to get back to full guard.
Andrianampoinimerina has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Andrianampoinimerina not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Tanaka avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Andrianampoinimerina.
Andrianampoinimerina thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Andrianampoinimerina thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Tanaka's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka taking some punishment here, with Andrianampoinimerina in his half guard.
Andrianampoinimerina landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Tanaka manages to get to full guard.
Andrianampoinimerina advances position into side control!
Andrianampoinimerina working away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Andrianampoinimerina wants to take a breather but Tanaka manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Andrianampoinimerina.
Tanaka wants to sweep here but Andrianampoinimerina controlling him for the moment.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Andrianampoinimerina wants to control from the top but Tanaka keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andry Andrianampoinimerina dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Andrianampoinimerina tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Tanaka swivels and escapes.
Tanaka misses with a takedown attempt - Andrianampoinimerina sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Tanaka has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Andrianampoinimerina finds it's way round the side to connect with Tanaka's head.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Tanaka.
Andrianampoinimerina is trying to get back to his feet.
Andrianampoinimerina struggling a bit here.
Andrianampoinimerina manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
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. Tanaka connects with a nice short shot to Andrianampoinimerina's temple.
Andrianampoinimerina trying to control here.
Tanaka is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Andrianampoinimerina!
Tanaka is in the full mount, landing strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tanaka putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Andrianampoinimerina taking shots to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka with shots to the head and body - Andrianampoinimerina looks very uncomfortable down there.
Andrianampoinimerina manages to regain half guard. Good work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tanaka trying to control the action but Andrianampoinimerina is working from the bottom.
Andrianampoinimerina tries to roll over but Tanaka keeps him under control.
Andrianampoinimerina gets full guard.
Andrianampoinimerina looking to hit a scissor sweep but Tanaka is one step ahead there.
Andrianampoinimerina utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Andrianampoinimerina throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Andrianampoinimerina not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Andrianampoinimerina lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Tanaka!
Tanaka is trying to escape the mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tanaka regains half guard.
Tanaka is looking to escape.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Andrianampoinimerina lands a nice short elbow.
Tanaka is trying to stand back up but Andrianampoinimerina is controlling him
Andrianampoinimerina passes into side control, despite Tanaka's attempt to control the position.
Andrianampoinimerina looks up at the clock and then as Tanaka takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Andrianampoinimerina smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Tanaka managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Andrianampoinimerina.
Andrianampoinimerina wants to control for a moment but Tanaka uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka has hold of Andrianampoinimerina's hands but Andrianampoinimerina slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Andrianampoinimerina wants to advance to full mount but Tanaka doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Tanaka is looking to stand up but Andrianampoinimerina isn't so interested in that idea.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing strikes from guard but Tanaka blocks nicely.
Andrianampoinimerina working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Tanaka working a defensive guard here.
Andrianampoinimerina trying to move into half guard but instead Tanaka has managed to sweep!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Andrianampoinimerina manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Andrianampoinimerina throws a big right hand that misses.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Andrianampoinimerina postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Andrianampoinimerina controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tanaka works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Andry Andrianampoinimerina has got the better of the ground game so far.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Andrianampoinimerina is looking to pass into half guard but Tanaka pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Tanaka is in guard.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Tanaka stopping the sweep attempt from Andrianampoinimerina.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Hiromitsu Tanaka will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Andrianampoinimerina cracks Tanaka with an open hand slap.
Andrianampoinimerina jabs Tanaka to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Tanaka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Tanaka clinches.
Andrianampoinimerina softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Andrianampoinimerina scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Tanaka pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Andrianampoinimerina scores with a jab. Tanaka acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Andrianampoinimerina tries to score a power double leg takedown but Tanaka sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Andrianampoinimerina somewhat.
Andrianampoinimerina shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Tanaka as he jumps to the side.
Tanaka fails in his attempt to clinch.

Andrianampoinimerina darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Andrianampoinimerina with the ground and pound but Tanaka uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Andrianampoinimerina wants to pass the guard but Tanaka is keeping the position.
Andrianampoinimerina makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Andrianampoinimerina scoring with some ground and pound.
Andrianampoinimerina stands up over Tanaka, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Tanaka working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Andrianampoinimerina.
Tanaka will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andrianampoinimerina with a flurry of punches that miss.
Andrianampoinimerina working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Andrianampoinimerina stands up over Tanaka, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Tanaka controls Andrianampoinimerina momentarily but Andrianampoinimerina frees himself.
Tanaka wants to sweep here but Andrianampoinimerina controlling him for the moment.
Andrianampoinimerina throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Andrianampoinimerina trying to control but Tanaka is working from the bottom.
Andrianampoinimerina postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Andrianampoinimerina working some strikes from top position.
Andrianampoinimerina throws a strike but Tanaka rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Andrianampoinimerina controls Tanaka momentarily but Tanaka frees himself.
Andrianampoinimerina seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Tanaka throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Andrianampoinimerina works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Andrianampoinimerina throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Tanaka chips away with some ground and pound.
Tanaka preventing the sweep.
Andrianampoinimerina is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Tanaka lands a couple of digs.
Andrianampoinimerina tries to strike from the bottom.
Andrianampoinimerina wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka wants to control from the top but Andrianampoinimerina keeps moving.
Andrianampoinimerina looking for a sweep. Not yet Andrianampoinimerina, not yet.
Andrianampoinimerina takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tanaka distracts Andrianampoinimerina with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Tanaka's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Tanaka stopping the sweep attempt from Andrianampoinimerina.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Andrianampoinimerina is on top in guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Andrianampoinimerina trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Tanaka is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Andry Andrianampoinimerina comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Andrianampoinimerina 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 Valeri Chadov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 28:29
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Andry Andrianampoinimerina!