PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yoko Gushiken (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Higashikuni
vs
Gushiken

162 cm
28
146 lbs
18 - 7 - 0

170 cm
28
135 lbs
20 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Perkele!
Brute

Namunamu Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Katsu Higashikuni!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 8 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Yoko Gushiken!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Marco Blurström and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gushiken throws the left hand but Higashikuni avoids the punch easily.
Higashikuni takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Gushiken connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Higashikuni momentarily.
Gushiken lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Gushiken.
Gushiken misses the body punch

and Higashikuni counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Higashikuni moves nicely into side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Higashikuni sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Gushiken is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Higashikuni is looking to take a break and control but Gushiken is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Higashikuni working the ground and pound but Gushiken is defending the strikes.
Higashikuni sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Gushiken is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Gushiken avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Higashikuni.
Higashikuni postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Higashikuni lands some shots froms side control.
Higashikuni sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Gushiken is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gushiken wants to get back to his feet.
Higashikuni has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Gushiken wants to control but Higashikuni postures up.

Higashikuni looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Gushiken is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Higashikuni is controlling him well.

Higashikuni goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Gushiken has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Higashikuni but great work by Gushiken.
Higashikuni gets back to half guard.
Higashikuni wants to improve his position but Gushiken is controlling well.
Gushiken is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Higashikuni is looking for a sweep. Gushiken is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni trying to control but Gushiken postures up.
Gushiken tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Gushiken is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Higashikuni tries to roll over but Gushiken keeps him under control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
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!
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Higashikuni gets back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gushiken tries to stand but Higashikuni is controlling from the bottom.
Gushiken must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Gushiken stands and steps away. Higashikuni gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gushiken checks a leg kick.

Gushiken closes the distance and pushes Higashikuni back into the cage.
Gushiken is trying to maintain a safe position but Higashikuni gets an underhook and turns Gushiken into the cage.
Gushiken struggles to land a body shot inside as Higashikuni controls his hands.
Gushiken lands a shot to the body.
Gushiken missing with knees to the body.
Higashikuni tries to pull guard but Gushiken won't allow it.
Higashikuni lands with a right to the head.
Gushiken working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Gushiken's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Gushiken misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A hook to the body from Gushiken.
Gushiken cracks Higashikuni with a nice body shot.
Higashikuni changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Gushiken fights it off and pushes away nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gushiken throws a poor cross that misses

and Higashikuni counters with a shoot takedown. Gushiken fights it but they end up in guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Gushiken manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Higashikuni shoots for a double leg takedown but Gushiken sprawls well. He's pushed Higashikuni's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katsu Higashikuni. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gushiken misses with an uppercut

and Higashikuni counters with a takedown into side control.
Gushiken tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Higashikuni wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Gushiken wants to get back to his feet.
Higashikuni wants to control but Gushiken is keeping him busy.
Gushiken is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Higashikuni is controlling him well.
Higashikuni trying to control the action but Gushiken is working from the bottom.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Gushiken managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni tries to advance to mount but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katsu Higashikuni dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Higashikuni gets a double leg takedown into Gushiken's guard.
Higashikuni loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Higashikuni stops Gushiken from standing up.
Higashikuni connects with a couple of short punches.
Gushiken working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Higashikuni.
Gushiken is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Higashikuni with a flurry of punches that miss.
Higashikuni postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Higashikuni stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gushiken swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gushiken keeping moving, preventing Higashikuni from controlling successfully.
Gushiken keeping full guard, as Higashikuni tries to pass.
Gushiken is pulling down on Higashikuni's head to control his posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni throwing strikes from guard but Gushiken blocks nicely.
Higashikuni scoring with punches to the head and body.
Higashikuni throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Gushiken wants to stand up but Higashikuni is controlling him.
Higashikuni content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Higashikuni passes into half guard.
Higashikuni looks to land a strike but Gushiken avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Higashikuni tries to free his leg and advance position but Gushiken is retaining full guard.
Higashikuni trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gushiken wants to get back to his feet but Higashikuni is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gushiken working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gushiken swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gushiken is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Higashikuni wants to control from the top but Gushiken keeps moving.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Higashikuni stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gushiken swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Higashikuni stops Gushiken from standing up.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Higashikuni tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Gushiken is able to avoid easily.
Higashikuni lands with a hook. Gushiken tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni misses with a takedown attempt - Gushiken sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Nice cross by Gushiken.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Higashikuni.
You can see the frustration on Gushiken's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Gushiken is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Katsu Higashikuni overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Higashikuni tries for a kimura but Gushiken is defending well.
Gushiken has one of Higashikuni's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.
Gushiken tries to bench press Higashikuni off him but Higashikuni keeps the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gushiken is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Higashikuni not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Higashikuni tries to pass the half guard into mount. Gushiken knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Higashikuni working the head and body with strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Higashikuni is trying to work for a kimura but Gushiken is defending well.
Gushiken pushes Higashikuni off looking to stand but Higashikuni dives back in and keeps control.
Higashikuni throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni wants to free his trapped foot but Gushiken is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Gushiken is refusing to be controlled, as Higashikuni sits in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katsu Higashikuni dominated that second 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.

Higashikuni slips a jab from Gushiken.
Higashikuni keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Gushiken.
A lazy left from Gushiken finds it's target.
Gushiken misses with a lunging right hand
and Higashikuni counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Nice shot by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni misses with a left hand
and Gushiken counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Gushiken misses with a straight right.
Higashikuni throws a leg kick that misses.
Gushiken might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
A jab from Gushiken misses.
Gushiken rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Higashikuni counters with a shoot takedown. Gushiken fights it but they end up in guard.
Higashikuni trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gushiken controls Higashikuni momentarily but Higashikuni frees himself.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gushiken wants to get back to his feet but Higashikuni is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni trying to control but Gushiken is working from the bottom.
Higashikuni is looking to work some ground and pound but Gushiken has wrist control.
Higashikuni keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Gushiken's head.
Higashikuni advances position into side control!
Gushiken tries to escape but Higashikuni is in control.
Gushiken managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

Gushiken has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Higashikuni misses with an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Gushiken missing with a left hand there. Higashikuni was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Some wild striking there from Gushiken.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gushiken cracks Higashikuni with a good jab.
Gushiken looks to throw the jab but Higashikuni is out of range.
Gushiken throws a right hand that Higashikuni ducks under and follows up with a left that Higashikuni also avoids with ease.
Gushiken takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A left lands for Gushiken.
Higashikuni throws the kick towards the body but Gushiken avoids it.
Nice straight punches there by Gushiken. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Gushiken.
Gushiken is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

Higashikuni scores with a takedown into Gushiken's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gushiken tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Higashikuni with a flurry of punches that miss.
Higashikuni postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Gushiken is trying to control the position but Higashikuni postures up.
Higashikuni postures up in Gushiken's guard and throws a big left but Gushiken blocks it.
Higashikuni wants to pass the guard but Gushiken is keeping the position.
Gushiken wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Higashikuni postures up and lands a big shot to Gushiken's brow.
Higashikuni working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Gushiken is looking to stand up but Higashikuni isn't so interested in that idea.
Gushiken has momentary wrist control but Higashikuni slips an elbow through the middle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni trying to control but Gushiken is working from the bottom.
Gushiken preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Higashikuni wants to pass the guard but Gushiken is keeping the position.
Gushiken is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Higashikuni is controlling him.
Gushiken keeping full guard, as Higashikuni tries to pass.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni throws a big right hand that misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gushiken keeping moving, preventing Higashikuni from controlling successfully.

Higashikuni has gone for a leg lock! Gushiken slips out almost immediately though and dives into Higashikuni's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katsu Higashikuni clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Higashikuni is defended easily by Gushiken.
Higashikuni lands a body shot.
Higashikuni with a jab.
Higashikuni misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gushiken.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gushiken sprawls well. Gushiken wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Higashikuni gets slowly back to his feet.
Gushiken tries to clinch up but Higashikuni circles away and keeps his distance.
Gushiken walks into a stiff left hand from Higashikuni.
Good shot there by Gushiken.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katsu Higashikuni. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Higashikuni connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Higashikuni ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Gushiken smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Higashikuni stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Gushiken swings widly with a right hand
and Higashikuni counters with a nice low kick that buckles Gushiken's knee momentarily.
Gushiken jabs Higashikuni to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Higashikuni throws a shot from downtown. Gushiken moves away and avoids it.
Gushiken checks a leg kick.
Gushiken throws a hook to the side of Higashikuni's head but Higashikuni sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Gushiken throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Higashikuni on the side of the head.
Higashikuni fails with a takedown attempt.
Gushiken connects with a nice looking jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
letting Gushiken counter with a right hand.
Gushiken smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Higashikuni moves out of range of the strikes.
Yoko Gushiken seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Gushiken thows a body shot but no joy.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Gushiken.

Higashikuni is rocked!
Gushiken throws an off balance right hand

and Higashikuni counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Oh Higashikuni is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Gushiken wants to get back to his feet.

Higashikuni is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Gushiken pushes Higashikuni off looking to stand but Higashikuni dives back in and keeps control.
Higashikuni seems to have got his legs back now.
Gushiken is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gushiken avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Higashikuni.
Gushiken is refusing to be controlled, as Higashikuni sits in half guard.

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

Higashikuni 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.
Higashikuni looks to land a strike but Gushiken avoids it nicely and regains full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni wants to control from the top but Gushiken keeps moving.
Gushiken trying to control the position.
Higashikuni pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Gushiken is keeping the position for now.
Gushiken pulls Higashikuni in to control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni looking to pass the guard.

Yoko Gushiken has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Higashikuni ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Higashikuni walks into a stiff left hand from Gushiken.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Yoko Gushiken will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Higashikuni looks to land a right hand but Gushiken moved out of range.
Gushiken thows a body shot but no joy.
Nice jab there from Higashikuni.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gushiken. Higashikuni does a little dance to reset his feet.
Higashikuni misses with a low kick as Gushiken jumps back.
Higashikuni takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Higashikuni 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.
Higashikuni defending well as Gushiken loads up on a big left hand.
Higashikuni ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Higashikuni takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Gushiken loads up on a big right hand but Higashikuni slips the punch.
Higashikuni shoots in but Gushiken avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Gushiken cracks Higashikuni with a right hand to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
No luck for Higashikuni with that takedown attempt.
Higashikuni takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Higashikuni misses with a low kick.
Gushiken misses with a looping right.
Higashikuni defending well as Gushiken loads up on a big left hand.
Gushiken leaves Higashikuni with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katsu Higashikuni. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gushiken swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Higashikuni throws a right hand that misses
and Gushiken counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A swing and a miss from Gushiken.
Gushiken defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Higashikuni.
Gushiken keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gushiken forces Higashikuni back against the cage and clinches.
Gushiken misses with a punch to the body.
Higashikuni is working for takedown but Gushiken is calmly controlling the position for now.
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.
A shot in the inside from Gushiken.
Higashikuni is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Gushiken is keeping busy.
Gushiken is working Higashikuni over against the cage.
Gushiken misses with a punch to the body.
Gushiken misses with a shot to the kidneys.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Higashikuni tries to pull guard but Gushiken holds him up against the cage and eventually Higashikuni drops back down to his feet.
Yoko Gushiken has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Katsu Higashikuni is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Gushiken is trying to stall.
Gushiken leaning against his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gushiken lands with a right to the head.
Gushiken fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Gushiken throws a punch but it's blocked by Higashikuni.
Gushiken tries a knee to the head but Higashikuni blocks it.
Gushiken is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gushiken tries a body shot but Higashikuni blocks it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Gushiken.
Gushiken is stalling here.
A short right from Gushiken.
Gushiken looking to stall.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A head punch on the inside from Gushiken fails to land.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Gushiken creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yoko Gushiken comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Higashikuni has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 48:47
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 49:46
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Katsu Higashikuni!
Katsu Higashikuni retains his bantamweight title!
A very excited looking Katsu Higashikuni made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.