PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dr Gonzo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dr Gonzo acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Higashikuni
vs
Gonzo

162 cm
28
146 lbs
20 - 8 - 0

167 cm
29
142 lbs
25 - 9 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

ADCC Champion
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Perkele!
Brute

Convicted Trap House
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Katsu Higashikuni!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 9 - 0, fighting out of London, Dr Gonzo!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gonzo fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Higashikuni looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Gonzo throws the left hand but Higashikuni avoids the punch easily.
Gonzo misses with a right hand

and Higashikuni counters with a single leg into guard. Gonzo didn't expect that.
Gonzo keeping moving, preventing Higashikuni from controlling successfully.
Higashikuni throwing strikes from guard but Gonzo blocks nicely.
Higashikuni pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Gonzo is keeping the position for now.
Gonzo is trying to keep Higashikuni in close.
Gonzo wants to sweep here but Higashikuni controlling him for the moment.
Higashikuni trying to control the position from guard on top but Gonzo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Higashikuni has gone for a leg lock! Gonzo slips out almost immediately though and dives into Higashikuni's guard.

Higashikuni working for a triangle but Gonzo defends it easily.
Higashikuni utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gonzo wants to control from the top but Higashikuni keeps moving.
Higashikuni working a defensive guard but Gonzo manages to pass into side control anyway.
Gonzo scoring with punches from side control.
You can see the frustration on Higashikuni's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Gonzo trying to control the position but Higashikuni is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo is trying to ground and pound but Higashikuni uses the momentary lack of control by Gonzo to regain half guard.
Higashikuni taking some punishment here, with Gonzo in his half guard.
Gonzo lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Higashikuni is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gonzo's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gonzo's back!
Higashikuni controlling from the back.
Gonzo is really stuck here.
Higashikuni wants to control but Gonzo is keeping busy.
Gonzo is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Higashikuni lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Gonzo.
Higashikuni keeps control of the position as Gonzo tries to break free.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo covering up well and avoiding damage.

Higashikuni has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Gonzo has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Higashikuni lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Higashikuni struggling to land strikes to the head as Gonzo covers up.
Higashikuni is not going to allow Gonzo to sit and survive in this position.
Higashikuni missing with strikes from the back.
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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gonzo trying to control but not successfully.
You can see the frustration on Gonzo's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Higashikuni trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Higashikuni throwing wild punches that miss their target.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Higashikuni looking for the RNC.
Gonzo avoids the strikes from Higashikuni.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katsu Higashikuni dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A big right from Higashikuni misses.
Nice shot lands for Gonzo.
Jab, jab by Higashikuni - just one landing.
Gonzo throws a nice inside leg kick.
Gonzo will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Higashikuni keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Higashikuni with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

Gonzo tries to keep at a distance but Higashikuni has taken the fight into the clinch.
A short right from Higashikuni on the inside.
A short right from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni scores with a shoulder strike.
Higashikuni tries a body shot but Gonzo blocks it.
A nice right hand lands inside from Higashikuni.
Gonzo takes a shot to the head.
Higashikuni throws a punch but it's blocked by Gonzo.
Higashikuni is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Gonzo fails to pull guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Still in the clinch, Higashikuni scores with a nice short uppercut.
Gonzo tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Katsu Higashikuni has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dr Gonzo.
Higashikuni gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Gonzo.
Higashikuni lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Gonzo has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Higashikuni avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Higashikuni breaks from the clinch.
Gonzo tries to score a power double leg takedown but Higashikuni sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gonzo somewhat.
Gonzo lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Higashikuni throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Higashikuni fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gonzo manages to avoid it.
Higashikuni throws a right hand that misses

and Gonzo counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Gonzo.
Higashikuni is looking to sweep but instead, Gonzo has passed into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Gonzo not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Gonzo is working for a submission of some sort.
Higashikuni has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gonzo is working away from the top position though.
Gonzo prevents Higashikuni from improving his position.
Higashikuni is trying to maintain the position but Gonzo is very close to passing his half guard.
Higashikuni moves into full guard.
Higashikuni looking to hit a scissor sweep but Gonzo is one step ahead there.
Katsu Higashikuni overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni keeping moving, preventing Gonzo from controlling successfully.
Gonzo is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Higashikuni controls Gonzo momentarily but Gonzo frees himself.
Higashikuni wants to sweep here but Gonzo controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gonzo passes Higashikuni's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Higashikuni is looking for a sweep. Gonzo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Gonzo seems to be working for a kimura but Higashikuni defends the submission attempt.
Gonzo is nestled in close to Higashikuni, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is not content to let Gonzo control the position.
Higashikuni wants to improve his position but Gonzo is controlling well.

Gonzo is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Higashikuni is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Higashikuni 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.
Gonzo sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Higashikuni defending well though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Dr Gonzo will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Gonzo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Higashikuni keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Gonzo lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Gonzo misses with a leg kick.
Higashikuni throws a hook but Gonzo avoids it easily.
Higashikuni uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Gonzo.
Higashikuni fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Gonzo checks it well.
Higashikuni connects with a solid leg kick.
Gonzo thumps Higashikuni with a low kick.
Higashikuni throws out a powerful jab.
Gonzo shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Higashikuni looks to land a right hand but Gonzo moved out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Higashikuni.
Gonzo lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Higashikuni throws a chopping leg kick but Gonzo manages to avoid taking any serious damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni with a lazy takedown attempt

and Gonzo counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Higashikuni has his foot on Gonzo's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gonzo works his way back into a safe position though.
Gonzo pushing down on Higashikuni's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Higashikuni is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Gonzo controlling the pace.
Higashikuni moves into full guard.
Higashikuni has momentary wrist control but Gonzo slips an elbow through the middle.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gonzo preventing the sweep.
Higashikuni wants to control but Gonzo passes easily into half guard.
Gonzo trying to control from half guard but Higashikuni is working away.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo is trying to control the action in half guard but Higashikuni is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Higashikuni tries to roll over but Gonzo keeps him under control.
Gonzo trying to control the action but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.

Higashikuni is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gonzo pulls his head out easily.
Higashikuni is pressing down on Gonzo's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Higashikuni working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Gonzo has passed into half guard!

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni tries to get to full guard but Gonzo has control of the leg.
Higashikuni avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gonzo.

Higashikuni is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gonzo pulls his head out easily.

Gonzo is working for a kimura but Higashikuni is defending it quite comfortably.
Gonzo working Higashikuni over with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gonzo is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Higashikuni is just riding it out for now. Gonzo eventually gives up the hold.
Higashikuni is looking for a sweep. Gonzo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Gonzo is trying to control the action in half guard but Higashikuni is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Higashikuni is trying to control but can't.
Higashikuni wants to improve his position but Gonzo is controlling well.
Gonzo lands with a punch from half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gonzo missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Higashikuni is not content to let Gonzo control the position.
Higashikuni trying to control here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dr Gonzo really dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Gonzo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Higashikuni.
Gonzo slips under a jab from Higashikuni.
A jab lands there for Higashikuni.
Gonzo wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Gonzo tries to score with a low kick but Higashikuni moves his leg out of the way.
Higashikuni looks to land a combination but Gonzo avoids it well.
Gonzo takes a swing at Higashikuni's ribcage but misses.
Gonzo lands with a slapping head kick.
Jab by Gonzo.
Higashikuni uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Gonzo.
Higashikuni shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Gonzo pinned against the cage. Gonzo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Higashikuni avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Gonzo connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Higashikuni throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Gonzo.
Higashikuni throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Gonzo sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Gonzo ducks right into an uppercut from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni shoots in for a double leg but Gonzo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Higashikuni tries to clinch but Gonzo moves away

and Gonzo decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Higashikuni's guard.

Higashikuni looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Gonzo passes into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gonzo in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Higashikuni tries to bench press Gonzo off him but Gonzo keeps the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gonzo just content to control the position.
Higashikuni manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Gonzo wants to control but Higashikuni is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Higashikuni is stalling here. Gonzo is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Higashikuni seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Gonzo has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Gonzo happy to just control the position for now.
Gonzo grinds an elbow into Higashikuni's temple.
Gonzo lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Higashikuni regains half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni wants to control but Gonzo is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Gonzo not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Gonzo works his way into full mount!
Higashikuni tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Gonzo lands a nice shot to the head.
Higashikuni tries to hold on but Gonzo postures up.
Gonzo prevents Higashikuni from getting the reversal.
Higashikuni manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Higashikuni wants to sweep but Gonzo has passed to side control!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is looking for a sweep.

Gonzo tries for a kimura but Higashikuni is defending well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gonzo works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Higashikuni is trying to get back to half guard.
Higashikuni is letting Gonzo control him for a moment.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Gonzo wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Higashikuni, who protects the arm well.
A bit of a lull in the action here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dr Gonzo dominated that fourth round.
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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Gonzo ducks under a wild hook from Higashikuni.
Gonzo throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Gonzo throws a right and a left that both miss.

Higashikuni throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Gonzo tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Higashikuni is in Gonzo's guard.
Higashikuni throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gonzo works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Gonzo looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Higashikuni throwing strikes from guard but Gonzo blocks nicely.
Gonzo is pulling down on Higashikuni's head to control his posture.
Gonzo is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Higashikuni throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gonzo works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni trying to move into half guard but instead Gonzo has managed to sweep!

Gonzo is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Gonzo trying to control but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.

Higashikuni escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gonzo gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Gonzo throws a strike but Higashikuni rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gonzo is on top in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni controls Gonzo momentarily but Gonzo frees himself.

Higashikuni is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Higashikuni working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gonzo doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gonzo manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Gonzo trying to control the position from guard on top but Higashikuni is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Katsu Higashikuni has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gonzo controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Higashikuni looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
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!

Gonzo sitting in guard doing not very much at all here. Higashikuni doesn't need a second invitation though! He's locked up a guillotine and he's squeezing tight! That is tiiiiiiiiight! Gonzo paying the price for stalling here - he's pushing hard on the arm trying to free himself but it's no use! He's tapped! WOW, quick submission from Higashikuni - great work!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Katsu Higashikuni!
Katsu Higashikuni is the new featherweight champion!
Our winner, Katsu Higashikuni, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.