PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Keiji Hashimoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Li Xiaolong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hashimoto comes into the arena with Holding Out For A Hero (Japanese Version) blaring out of the sound system. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Hashimoto
vs
Xiaolong

172 cm
36
154 lbs
34 - 14 - 4

173 cm
31
146 lbs
23 - 11 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Takeover
//buriedALIVE// Fight Gear

Steel Penn's All 160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 34 - 14 - 4, fighting out of Los Angeles, Keiji Hashimoto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Li Xiaolong!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Jack Bonds and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hashimoto misses the shot to the body.
Hashimoto tries to score with a low kick but Xiaolong moves his leg out of the way.
Xiaolong throws a wild body kick that Hashimoto sees coming a mile off.
Hashimoto lands with a shot to the body.
Hashimoto changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Xiaolong tries to avoid it but Hashimoto manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Xiaolong to the ground. Xiaolong escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
The fighters circling - Hashimoto throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A big left from Xiaolong misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hashimoto. Xiaolong does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hashimoto throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Hashimoto just misses with a punch to the body.
Hashimoto throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Xiaolong counters with a body kick.
Hashimoto staying out of range there.
Hashimoto thows a leg kick but Xiaolong checks it
and Xiaolong cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hashimoto jabs Xiaolong to the body, keeping him at a distance.
A slow jab from Hashimoto misses its intended target.
Hashimoto takes a swing at Xiaolong's ribcage but misses.
Hashimoto scores with a sloppy right hand. Xiaolong should have avoided that one.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A clash of legs there as Hashimoto blocks the low kick.
Hashimoto misses with a looping right.
Hashimoto fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Hashimoto connects with a body shot that sends Xiaolong's belly button to the back.
Hashimoto throws a jab when Xiaolong was well out of range.
Hashimoto thows a left - swing and a miss!
Xiaolong gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Hashimoto.
Hashimoto misses with a body shot
and Xiaolong connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hashimoto takes a swing at Xiaolong's ribcage but misses.
A solid leg kick lands there for Xiaolong.
Hashimoto connects with a single shot there.
Hashimoto misses with a looping left.
Hashimoto throws a wild body kick that Xiaolong sees coming a mile off.
Keiji Hashimoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Hashimoto.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong wants to land a leg kick but Hashimoto is out of range.
Hashimoto connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

Xiaolong gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Hashimoto to score an easy takedown into full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Hashimoto preventing the sweep.
Hashimoto loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Xiaolong wants to sweep here but Hashimoto controlling him for the moment.
Hashimoto missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Hashimoto postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Hashimoto throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaolong looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Hashimoto pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Xiaolong is keeping the position for now.

Hashimoto drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Xiaolong dives on top into guard.
Hashimoto keeping full guard, as Xiaolong tries to pass.
Hashimoto being controlled here, momentarily.
Hashimoto 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hashimoto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Xiaolong doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Xiaolong manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Hashimoto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Xiaolong can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Hashimoto looking to hit a scissor sweep but Xiaolong is one step ahead there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Xiaolong lands a nice shot that snaps Hashimoto's head back.
Xiaolong feints and then cracks Hashimoto's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Hashimoto down.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hashimoto. Xiaolong does a little dance to reset his feet.
Xiaolong misses with a looping right.
Keiji Hashimoto is winning the standup battle so far.
Hashimoto jabs Xiaolong to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Xiaolong misses with a kick to the body.
Hashimoto 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.
Hashimoto looks to score with a jab to the body but Xiaolong is just out of range.
Xiaolong ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hashimoto moves away.
Xiaolong has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Hashimoto.
Hashimoto throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hashimoto tries to land a front kick but Xiaolong steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Hashimoto misses with a hook to the body
and Xiaolong counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Xiaolong bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Xiaolong bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hashimoto fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Xiaolong manages to avoid it.
A leg kick checked by Xiaolong.
Xiaolong misses with a looping right.
Hashimoto lands a really nice looking cross but Xiaolong seems unphased.
Xiaolong throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Xiaolong looks to throw a body kick

and Hashimoto counters with a shoot takedown. Xiaolong fights it but they end up in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hashimoto wants to pass the guard but Xiaolong is keeping the position.
Hashimoto advances to half guard.
Hashimoto is keen to just control but Xiaolong is a slippery customer.

Hashimoto is trying to work for a kimura but Xiaolong is defending well.
Ground and pound from Hashimoto.

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!
Hashimoto is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Xiaolong trying to control but Hashimoto postures up.
Hashimoto throwing shots but Xiaolong is blocking nicely.
Xiaolong is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hashimoto's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hashimoto's back!
Hashimoto tries to break free.
Hashimoto is working hard here to advance position.
Xiaolong is riding his opponent, not letting Hashimoto buck him off.
Hashimoto is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto turns into Xiaolong and is now in his guard.
Hashimoto wants to pass the guard but Xiaolong is keeping the position.
Hashimoto postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hashimoto is looking to work some ground and pound but Xiaolong has wrist control.
Hashimoto loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hashimoto tries to free his leg and advance position but Xiaolong is retaining full guard.
Xiaolong is pulling down on Hashimoto's head. It's preventing any offense from Hashimoto, at least for the moment.
Hashimoto with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto throws a big right hand that misses.
Xiaolong is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Hashimoto throws an elbow that misses. Xiaolong uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Hashimoto's guard. Nice move by Xiaolong!

Hashimoto has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Xiaolong is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Hashimoto.
Hashimoto is trying to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keiji Hashimoto dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're 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.

Xiaolong lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Xiaolong swings for the body but Hashimoto moves out of range.
Hashimoto throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hashimoto fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Xiaolong looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Hashimoto throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hashimoto wants to slow Xiaolong down by chopping away at his legs.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hashimoto is defended easily by Xiaolong.
Hashimoto throws a body punch but Xiaolong moves out of range.
Hashimoto doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Xiaolong moves out of range as Hashimoto throws a body kick.
Xiaolong ducks under a wild hook from Hashimoto.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hashimoto throws a push kick but Xiaolong slaps the foot to one side.
Xiaolong cracks a nice hook into Hashimoto's ribs.
Xiaolong misses with a wild combination.
Good shot there by Hashimoto.
Li Xiaolong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hashimoto blocks a low kick nicely.
Xiaolong with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hashimoto to score with a decent uppercut.
Xiaolong walks forward, straight into a front kick from Hashimoto.
Hashimoto misses with a body punch
and Xiaolong counters with a good low kick that Hashimoto was not able to check.
Xiaolong slaps away a takedown attempt from Hashimoto, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Hashimoto throws a low kick but Xiaolong moves out of range easily.
Hashimoto throws a body punch but Xiaolong moves out of range.
Hashimoto tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Xiaolong was well out of range. Poor timing from Hashimoto.
Li Xiaolong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto throws a shot to the body.
Xiaolong looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Hashimoto looks to land a right hand but Xiaolong moved out of range.
Hashimoto thows a leg kick but Xiaolong checks it
and Xiaolong counters with a thumping low kick.
Xiaolong throws a hook but Hashimoto avoids it easily.
Hashimoto with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hashimoto throws a left and a right that both miss
and Xiaolong counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Hashimoto 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.
Hashimoto ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Xiaolong moves away.
A swing and a miss from Hashimoto.
Hashimoto throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Xiaolong scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Xiaolong cracks Hashimoto with a good jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Xiaolong displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hashimoto throws out the jab.
Xiaolong lands a nice leg kick that just misses Hashimoto's sensitive parts.
Hashimoto jabs Xiaolong to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Xiaolong's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Hashimoto connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Xiaolong scrambles back to his feet.
Xiaolong looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Xiaolong takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Xiaolong throws a leg kick

and Hashimoto counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hashimoto thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Hashimoto wants to free his trapped foot but Xiaolong is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Keiji Hashimoto is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hashimoto is pressing down on Xiaolong's thigh, looking to free his foot. Xiaolong is holding on for now.
Xiaolong is trying is best to control the position here.
Hashimoto thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Xiaolong is staying active underneath Hashimoto, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Xiaolong gets back to full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hashimoto wants to control from the top but Xiaolong keeps moving.
Hashimoto throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Xiaolong works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Keiji Hashimoto showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Hashimoto has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keiji Hashimoto!
Our winner, Keiji Hashimoto, 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.