PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ichi Ijima (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jorge Junior (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ijima comes to the cage accompanied by Alphabetical #1 - Karera Musication. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Ijima
vs
Junior

178 cm
25
202 lbs
14 - 8 - 0

177 cm
28
194 lbs
16 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ichi Ijima!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jorge Junior!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Thiago Cunha and Matheus Silva.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Junior throws a jab but it's blocked by Ijima.

Junior throws a head kick that lands with a deafening thwack! The crowd roars as Ijima stumbles backwards and falls to the mat. Junior follows into mount!

Ijima is rocked!

It looks like Ichi Ijima has been cut.
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!
Ijima bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Oh Ijima is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Ijima looking to sit in guard and control but Junior gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Junior forces his way into half guard.
Ijima seems to have got his legs back now.
Ijima trying to control but Junior postures up.
Ijima wants to get back to full guard.
Ijima is working hard here to advance position.
Ijima slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ijima keeping moving, preventing Junior from controlling successfully.
Ijima looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Junior slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Junior wants to control from the top but Ijima keeps moving.
Ijima 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.
Junior wants to control from the top but Ijima keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Jorge Junior.
Ijima shoots for a takedown but Junior saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ijima takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Ijima blocks a head kick by Junior.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Junior.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ijima is looking for a sweep.
The strikes coming from Junior are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Junior wants to control but Ijima is keeping him busy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Junior sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Ijima is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Ijima manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Junior has his hands clasped together around Ijima's back. He's all about the action.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ijima is looking to take a break and control but Junior is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Junior is holding on to half guard well.
Ijima prevents Junior from improving his position.
Junior is positioning himself well to prevent Ijima advancing to mount.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Ijima shoots in and bounces Junior off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Junior not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Junior seems keen to control Ijima's posture.
Junior looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ijima is one step ahead there.
Junior is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Ijima looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Junior is looking to advance position but Ijima won't allow it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Ijima is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jorge Junior dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ichi Ijima's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Junior fails with a takedown attempt.
Ijima shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Junior pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ijima looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Junior throws a sloppy head kick and Ijima moves out of range easily.
Ijima misses with a hook. Junior ducked under it nicely.
Junior misses with a looping left.
Junior leaves Ijima 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 Ichi Ijima. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ijima shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Junior counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ijima moves out of range as Junior throws a body kick.
Ijima avoids the body shot from Junior.
Junior scores with a nice strike.
Junior tries to land a front kick but Ijima steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ijima fails with a takedown attempt.
Ijima avoids the head kick by Junior.
Junior scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Junior tried to score with a low kick but Ijima checks it.
Junior attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Ijima fails with a takedown attempt.
Ijima misses with a takedown
and Junior counters with a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ijima shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Junior sprawls well. Junior wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ijima gets slowly back to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ijima fails to land the takedown.
Junior misses with a takedown attempt - Ijima sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A punch combination from Junior misses.
Junior throws a low kick, looking for Ijima's leg but Ijima calmly moves out of range.

Junior closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Ijima did well to prevent Junior getting side control.
Ijima trying to control here.
Junior seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Junior is trying to control. Ijima wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Ijima is trying to get back to full guard.
Junior is pressing down on Ijima's thigh, looking to free his foot. Ijima is holding on for now.
Ijima wants to control but Junior is keeping busy.
Ijima is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Jorge Junior has got the better of the ground game so far.
Junior is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Ijima looking for submissions off his back.
Ijima tries to roll over but Junior keeps him under control.
Ijima moves into full guard.
Junior stopping the sweep attempt from Ijima.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ijima is trying to keep Junior in close.
Ijima has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Junior has passed into side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jorge Junior showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ichi Ijima's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ijima ducks under a wild hook from Junior.
Junior throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ijima throws a big shot that misses.
Ijima throws a sloppy body shot
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Ijima misses with a takedown
and Junior counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Junior misses with an uppercut. Ijima saw that one coming.
Junior pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ijima shoots in looking for a takedown. Junior tries to sprawl out of it but Ijima keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Junior manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Junior throws a push kick but Ijima slaps the foot to one side.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ijima dives in and scores a takedown into Junior's guard.
Ijima throws a big right hand that misses.
Junior is controlling Ijima's posture.
Junior is trying to keep Ijima in close.
Junior pulls Ijima in to control the position.
Ijima throws a big elbow that misses.
Ijima in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ijima is looking to work some ground and pound but Junior has wrist control.
Ijima postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Junior pulls Ijima in close to prevent any damage.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Junior preventing the sweep.
Ijima looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Junior puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Junior winds up and cracks Ijima with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Ijima trying to control but Junior postures up.
Ijima has hold of Junior's hands but Junior slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

Ijima looking for submissions off his back.
Ijima is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Junior's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Junior's back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Junior trying to control the hands but Ijima won't let him.

Junior showing good submission defense here.
Ijima doesn't have the hooks in and Junior manages to turn into his guard.

Ijima working for a triangle but Junior defends it easily.
Ijima 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.
Junior working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ijima keeping moving, preventing Junior from controlling successfully.
Junior postures up.
Junior must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Junior wants to pass the guard but Ijima is keeping the position.
Junior trying to control the position from guard on top but Ijima is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Jorge Junior.
Ijima shoots for a takedown but Junior saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichi Ijima. That's going to take a lot out of him.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ijima misses with a takedown
and Junior counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Jorge Junior just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Ichi Ijima's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ijima shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Ijima showed some decent athleticism there.

Ijima 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.
The fighters are battling for position here. Junior manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Ijima is fighting to break Junior's control of his arms but Junior is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Junior is trying to control the position but Ijima postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ijima throws a big elbow that misses.
Ijima wants to pass the guard but Junior is keeping the position.
Junior not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Ijima loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ijima pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Junior is keeping the position for now.
Junior tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ijima postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Jorge Junior.
Ijima swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Junior.
Ijima closes the distance and clinches up with Junior, looking for a takedown. Ijima pushes Junior against the cage but Junior circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Ijima avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Ichi Ijima seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Junior looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Ijima throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ijima is looking to clinch but Junior is avoiding it.
A head kick misses from Junior.
Junior stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Junior wants it to stay on the feet.
Junior tries to land a leg kick but Ijima saw it coming and moves away.
Ijima works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Ijima uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Junior.
Junior misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ijima dives in and grabs Junior's left leg, looking for a takedown. Junior pushes down on Ijima's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichi Ijima. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ijima tries to score a power double leg takedown but Junior sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ijima somewhat.
Junior lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ijima blocks the body kick.
Junior misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ijima changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Junior tries to avoid it but Ijima manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Junior to the ground. Junior escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Junior fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ijima manages to avoid it.
Junior is looking to score with low kicks.
A leg kick checked by Ijima.
Ijima moves away from the strike by Junior.
Ijima moves out of range of the body kick from Junior.
Nice sprawl there from Junior as Ijima shoots in.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ijima throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Junior lands with a slapping head kick.

Junior shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Ijima napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Junior lands a few punches from side control.
Junior lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
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!
Ijima struggling a bit here.
Junior is looking to take a break and control but Ijima is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Junior is chipping away with strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ijima is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jorge Junior dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Ichi Ijima's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Junior throws out a powerful jab.
Ijima gets hit by the mother of all head kicks and drops to the canvas in a crumpled heap! Woooow, the Internet is going to be talking about this one for weeks!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:21 of round 5, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Jorge Junior!
Jorge Junior is the new middleweight champion!
A less than humble Jorge Junior misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.