PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Enrico Mazzarri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kuroda Atsushi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Mazzarri
vs
Atsushi

176 cm
28
158 lbs
16 - 2 - 1

170 cm
30
159 lbs
29 - 9 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

All 160
Tokyo United Fightwear ($9 shirts)

Reaper Combatwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Enrico Mazzarri!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Kuroda Atsushi!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, John Mangel and Ben Watson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Mazzarri.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Mazzarri.
Mazzarri swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Mazzarri throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Atsushi connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Mazzarri throws a jab but it's blocked by Atsushi.
Mazzarri misses with a hook. Atsushi ducked under it nicely.
Mazzarri avoids the head kick by Atsushi.
Atsushi throws the kick towards the body but Mazzarri avoids it.
A slapping leg kick lands for Atsushi.
Atsushi throws a right hand that Mazzarri ducks under and follows up with a left that Mazzarri also avoids with ease.
Mazzarri digs a good body shot into Atsushi's ribs.
Kuroda Atsushi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Atsushi scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Mazzarri has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Atsushi.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atsushi fakes the leg kick and cracks Mazzarri in the body.
Mazzarri is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Atsushi.
Mazzarri throws a jab but it's blocked by Atsushi.
Atsushi takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Atsushi throws a low kick but it's checked well by Mazzarri.
Mazzarri slips under a jab.

Atsushi closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Mazzarri did well to prevent Atsushi getting side control.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Atsushi sitting and controlling from the half guard.

Mazzarri is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Atsushi pulls his head out easily.
My spies in Masaru Fighting Systems inform me that Atsushi has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Mazzarri tries to roll over but Atsushi keeps him under control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri is working hard here to advance position.
Atsushi lands strikes from half guard.
Atsushi is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Atsushi is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Mazzarri!
Mazzarri is trying desperately to improve position.
Atsushi lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Mazzarri hang on?
Atsushi looking to control and managing it successfully.
Atsushi can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Mazzarri is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri tries to lock up and control but Atsushi gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Atsushi with good strikes from the mount here!
Atsushi can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Mazzarri is looking to escape.
Atsushi looking to finish Mazzarri with some ground and pound. This is bad for Mazzarri!
Atsushi lands a heavy elbow.
Mazzarri tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Atsushi breaks from Mazzarri's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Mazzarri is looking to improve his position but Atsushi isn't that keen on the idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Atsushi controlling his opponent.
Mazzarri gets back to half guard.
Atsushi is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Atsushi wants to free his trapped foot but Mazzarri is holding on for dear life with his legs.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mazzarri slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kuroda Atsushi dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Mazzarri gets the takedown into side control.
Mazzarri working away.
Atsushi is looking to reverse the position.
Atsushi wants to control but Mazzarri postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Atsushi tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Atsushi takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Mazzarri grinds an elbow into Atsushi's temple.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Atsushi manages to work his way to half guard, despite Mazzarri's best efforts.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Mazzarri 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.
Mazzarri is thwarting Atsushi's attempts to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mazzarri is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Atsushi is trying to get back to full guard.
Atsushi gets back to full guard.
Mazzarri sitting in guard here, content to control.
Atsushi is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Mazzarri looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Mazzarri wants to control but Atsushi is keeping busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Atsushi wants to control from the top but Mazzarri keeps moving.
Atsushi is looking to advance position but Mazzarri has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Atsushi is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Mazzarri with shots to the head and body - Atsushi looks very uncomfortable down there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mazzarri scoring with strikes but Atsushi is staying in there.
Atsushi is trying desperately to improve position.
Atsushi holds on for dear life.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Atsushi wants to control but Mazzarri is having none of it.
Atsushi manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Atsushi wants to improve his position but Mazzarri is controlling well.
Mazzarri throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Atsushi is looking to control Mazzarri's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Atsushi avoid being mounted?

Atsushi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Atsushi wants to control but Mazzarri is keeping busy.
Atsushi is looking for a sweep. Mazzarri is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Atsushi has hold of Mazzarri's hands but Mazzarri slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Atsushi is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Mazzarri seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Mazzarri trying to control from half guard but Atsushi is working away.
Atsushi wants to control but Mazzarri is keeping busy and won't allow it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mazzarri scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Atsushi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Mazzarri missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Atsushi is trying to get back to full guard.
Mazzarri missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Enrico Mazzarri dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Atsushi gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Mazzarri counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Atsushi misses with an uppercut. Mazzarri saw that one coming.
Atsushi fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Mazzarri.
Atsushi connects with an inside leg kick.
Mazzarri moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Atsushi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Mazzarri sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Mazzarri slaps away a takedown attempt from Atsushi, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Atsushi dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Atsushi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mazzarri moves away.
Mazzarri scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kuroda Atsushi seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Atsushi misses with a leg kick

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

Atsushi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Mazzarri can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mazzarri postures up in Atsushi's guard and throws a big left but Atsushi blocks it.
Kuroda Atsushi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Atsushi is trying to control the position but Mazzarri postures up.
Mazzarri postures up in Atsushi's guard and throws a big left but Atsushi blocks it.

Mazzarri avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Mazzarri postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Mazzarri loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Atsushi has his foot on Mazzarri's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Mazzarri works his way back into a safe position though.
Atsushi utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Atsushi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Mazzarri postures up.
Atsushi takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri passes Atsushi's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Atsushi has hold of Mazzarri's hands but Mazzarri slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Atsushi has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Mazzarri is working away from the top position though.
Mazzarri thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Atsushi's head.
Mazzarri throwing shots but Atsushi is blocking nicely.
Mazzarri lands strikes from half guard.
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!
Nice strikes from Mazzarri there.
Mazzarri lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Mazzarri landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Atsushi is trying to control but can't.

Mazzarri is looking for a kimura but Atsushi is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Mazzarri to get the leverage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Atsushi has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Mazzarri is working away from the top position though.

Mazzarri is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Atsushi doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Mazzarri.
Atsushi is looking for a sweep. Mazzarri is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Atsushi keeps trying to improve his position.

Atsushi is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Mazzarri pulls his head out easily.
Atsushi is looking for a sweep. Mazzarri is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mazzarri 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.
Atsushi trying to control but Mazzarri postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Atsushi trying to control from the bottom.
Mazzarri lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Atsushi is trying to maintain the position but Mazzarri is very close to passing his half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mazzarri thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Atsushi's head.
Mazzarri takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mazzarri moves into full mount! Atsushi won't be happy about that!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Enrico Mazzarri clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Mazzarri paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Mazzarri checks a leg kick.
Mazzarri closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Atsushi scoring well with a low kick there.
Atsushi takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Atsushi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Good work by Atsushi as he checks the leg kick.
Atsushi moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
A good leg kick by Atsushi.

Mazzarri shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Atsushi trying to control from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atsushi on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Atsushi is refusing to be controlled, as Mazzarri sits in half guard.
Mazzarri is really struggling to control Atsushi but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Atsushi is looking for a sweep. Mazzarri is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Atsushi wants to control but Mazzarri is keeping busy.
Mazzarri lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Atsushi keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Atsushi is looking to improve his position.
Atsushi is trying to control but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Atsushi!
Atsushi wants to control but Mazzarri is having none of it.
Atsushi is looking to improve his position but Mazzarri isn't that keen on the idea.
Atsushi takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mazzarri has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Atsushi's face.
Atsushi is trying desperately to improve position.
Mazzarri trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Mazzarri putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Atsushi is trying desperately to improve position.
Mazzarri breaks from Atsushi's wrist control and lands an elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Atsushi is bucking up trying to escape but Mazzarri cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Mazzarri landing strikes, looking to finish!
Atsushi tries to lock up and control but Mazzarri gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Atsushi in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.

Atsushi is rocked!
Mazzarri with the ground and pound from mount.
Atsushi is still in real trouble! Can Mazzarri finish him?
Atsushi bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Mazzarri looking for a sweep. Not yet Mazzarri, not yet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Mazzarri is looking for a triangle but Atsushi pushes his legs off easily.
Atsushi with a flurry of punches that miss.

Mazzarri has an active guard here but Atsushi has managed to pass into half guard.
Atsushi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Mazzarri keeps working.
Atsushi seems to have recovered his senses.
Atsushi trying to pass the guard but Mazzarri defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri wants to control but Atsushi is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Mazzarri is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Atsushi lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Mazzarri wants to improve his position but Atsushi is controlling well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Atsushi controlling the action here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Enrico Mazzarri had his way with Kuroda Atsushi in that 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. This is the final round!

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Mazzarri.
Mazzarri connects with a nice looking jab.
Atsushi walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Mazzarri checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.

Mazzarri drives through with a takedown into Atsushi's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Mazzarri landing with the ground and pound.
Atsushi controls Mazzarri momentarily but Mazzarri frees himself.

Atsushi working for a triangle but Mazzarri defends it easily.

Mazzarri avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Atsushi is trying to control the position but Mazzarri postures up.
Atsushi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Mazzarri trying to control the position from guard on top but Atsushi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Mazzarri accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Mazzarri chips away with some ground and pound.
Atsushi wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Mazzarri is now in half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Mazzarri lands a nice short elbow.
Atsushi wants to control but Mazzarri is keeping busy.
Kuroda Atsushi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri working the head and body with strikes.
Mazzarri looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Mazzarri not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Mazzarri looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Atsushi wants to get back to full guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Atsushi has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Mazzarri is working away from the top position though.
Atsushi tries to roll over but Mazzarri keeps him under control.
Mazzarri tries to pass to full mount but Atsushi defends it.
Atsushi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Mazzarri.

Atsushi is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Mazzarri pulls his head out easily.
Mazzarri working Atsushi over with strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri passes to side control.
Mazzarri wants to control but Atsushi is keeping him busy.

Mazzarri working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Mazzarri in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Atsushi is trying to control Mazzarri's posture but Mazzarri avoids it.
Atsushi managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Mazzarri.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mazzarri in side control lands a decent elbow.
Atsushi wants to control but Mazzarri postures up.
Mazzarri misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Atsushi is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Atsushi tries to control but Mazzarri manages to take his back.
Mazzarri not allowing Atsushi to control his hands.
Enrico Mazzarri is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Mazzarri trying to control momentarily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Atsushi tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The referee warns Atsushi that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Enrico Mazzarri showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Mazzarri 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 Donatello Bradman scores the fight 49:46
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 49:46
Judge Ben Watson scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Enrico Mazzarri!
Enrico Mazzarri retains his lightweight title!
Enrico Mazzarri took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, [WOT] GR Design - Top quality, from $10 to $150 ! for their support in the buildup to the fight.