PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Bariga Kodeinich (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ichi Takeshi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kodeinich's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, izraelskiy kodeinshik. Ichi Takeshi has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kodeinich
vs
Takeshi

167 cm
31
143 lbs
17 - 9 - 0

155 cm
27
138 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Bariga Kodeinich!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ichi Takeshi!
The judges for this bout are Damien Edna, Francis DeMontford and Darius Henderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kodeinich stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Takeshi looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kodeinich is fending him off so far but Takeshi persists. Nope, Kodeinich circles away and we're back to standing.
Takeshi throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kodeinich's waist but Kodeinich gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Takeshi off to one side.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Takeshi checks a leg kick.
A combination from Kodeinich does no damage.

Takeshi shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Takeshi seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Kodeinich does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Takeshi lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Takeshi has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Takeshi wants to pass to mount but Kodeinich is defending the position.
Kodeinich wants to get back to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kodeinich has a hand on Takeshi's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Takeshi takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Takeshi avoids the attempt from Kodeinich to control.
Takeshi prevents Kodeinich from getting the reversal.
Kodeinich is in a horrible position here. Takeshi smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
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!
Takeshi landing strikes from the mount and Kodeinich is in trouble!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kodeinich can't escape the position.

Takeshi looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Takeshi working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
Kodeinich working to try and regain half guard.
Kodeinich stops Takeshi from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.

Takeshi looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Kodeinich is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Kodeinich slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Takeshi looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Kodeinich with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Takeshi is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Takeshi seems to be looking for submissions.

Kodeinich looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Takeshi is thwarting Kodeinich's attempts to control the position.
Kodeinich wants to get back to full guard.
Takeshi misses with a head shot. Kodeinich uses the momentum to regain guard.
Takeshi throwing strikes from guard but Kodeinich blocks nicely.
Kodeinich keeping full guard, as Takeshi tries to pass.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takeshi stands up over Kodeinich, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

Kodeinich is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Takeshi defends well.
Takeshi is looking to advance position but Kodeinich has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Kodeinich putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Takeshi swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Takeshi is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Takeshi keeps trying to improve his position.
Takeshi is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takeshi manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Takeshi gets back to full guard.
Kodeinich tries to free his leg and advance position but Takeshi is retaining full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Takeshi is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kodeinich defends well.
Kodeinich trying to control the position from guard on top but Takeshi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kodeinich pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Takeshi is keeping the position for now.
Takeshi lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kodeinich!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kodeinich is looking to improve his position but Takeshi isn't that keen on the idea.
Kodeinich wants to control but Takeshi is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ichi Takeshi dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Takeshi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kodeinich lands with a straight right. Takeshi didn't see that one coming.

Takeshi moves into the clinch.
Kodeinich lands a hook that snaps the head of Takeshi backwards.
Takeshi lands a hook to the side of the head.
Takeshi with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Takeshi can't get the takedown.
Kodeinich stalling in the clinch but Takeshi improves position.
Kodeinich misses with a punch to the body.

Kodeinich's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Bariga Kodeinich is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Takeshi fails with a takedown attempt.
Takeshi throws a looping overhand right but Kodeinich ducks down to avoid it.
Takeshi shoots in looking for a takedown. Kodeinich tries to sprawl out of it but Takeshi keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kodeinich manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Bariga Kodeinich has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ichi Takeshi.
Kodeinich leaves Takeshi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Takeshi gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Kodeinich counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kodeinich cracks a nice hook into Takeshi's ribs.
Takeshi has a takedown stuffed.
Takeshi takes one to the side of the head.
Takeshi avoids the body shot from Kodeinich.
Sloppy strikes from Takeshi. Those never looked like landing.
Takeshi swats away the attempt to clinch by Kodeinich.
Kodeinich lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Takeshi circles away quickly and effectively.
Kodeinich looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Kodeinich throws a shot to the body.
A cross from Kodeinich lands.

Kodeinich gets caught napping as Takeshi dives in and scores a takedown. Kodeinich manages to retain guard.

Kodeinich throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Kodeinich keeping moving, preventing Takeshi from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kodeinich is trying to control the position but Takeshi postures up.
Takeshi slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kodeinich tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Takeshi tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Takeshi tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Takeshi has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Kodeinich manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takeshi is pressing down on Kodeinich's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Takeshi not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Kodeinich passes into half guard.
Kodeinich will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Takeshi tries to kick Kodeinich off but Kodeinich keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Takeshi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Kodeinich wants to take a breather but Takeshi is having none of it.
Kodeinich is pressing down on Takeshi's thigh, looking to free his foot. Takeshi is holding on for now.
Kodeinich is working hard here to advance position.
Takeshi is trying to maintain the position but Kodeinich is very close to passing his half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kodeinich frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Takeshi bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Kodeinich not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Takeshi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kodeinich swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Takeshi throws a strike but Kodeinich rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Kodeinich stands and throws Takeshi's legs to the side, diving into side control.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kodeinich is looking to take a break and control but Takeshi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Takeshi is trying to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Bariga Kodeinich will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Kodeinich throws a series of punches but Takeshi avoids them all with ease.
Kodeinich thows a body shot but no joy.
Takeshi looks for a takedown but Kodeinich sprawls well.
Takeshi misses with a wild combination.
Takeshi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kodeinich swivels and escapes.
Takeshi fails in his attempt to clinch.
Takeshi fails with a takedown attempt.
Bariga Kodeinich has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ichi Takeshi.
Kodeinich slips a jab and a cross from Takeshi.
Kodeinich is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Kodeinich lands with a hook. Takeshi tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Kodeinich keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Takeshi.
Kodeinich connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kodeinich takes the fight into the clinch.
Takeshi tries for a takedown but Kodeinich manages to get underhooks.
Takeshi takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Kodeinich pulls guard.
Kodeinich working a defensive guard here.
Takeshi wants to control from the top but Kodeinich keeps moving.
Kodeinich is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Takeshi passes Kodeinich's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Kodeinich is in trouble now - Takeshi has advanced to mount!
A nice elbow there by Takeshi.

Takeshi swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Kodeinich is now in Takeshi's guard. A big mistake from Takeshi there, giving up the dominant position!
Kodeinich postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kodeinich trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Takeshi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Kodeinich controls from within his opponent's guard.
Kodeinich is looking to work some ground and pound but Takeshi has wrist control.
Kodeinich wants to control from the top but Takeshi keeps moving.
Takeshi wants to stand up but Kodeinich is controlling him.
Kodeinich pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Takeshi is keeping the position for now.
Takeshi keeping moving, preventing Kodeinich from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Takeshi has an active guard here but Kodeinich has managed to pass into half guard.
Takeshi missing with punches from the bottom.
Takeshi is not content to let Kodeinich control the position.
Kodeinich tries to pass the half guard into mount. Takeshi knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Takeshi has one foot on Kodeinich's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Bariga Kodeinich seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Kodeinich gets a clinch.
Kodeinich blocks an uppercut.

Kodeinich manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Kodeinich looking for a guillotine here but Takeshi defends easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takeshi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kodeinich is keeping the position for now.
Takeshi postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kodeinich trying to keep a closed guard but Takeshi is proving a slippery customer.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kodeinich is on top in 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!

Takeshi is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kodeinich is aware though and is defending well.
Takeshi trying to control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Takeshi striking off his back but it's not causing Kodeinich any problems.
Kodeinich is in close to Takeshi's body, working some short punches and elbows.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Bariga Kodeinich.
I think Kodeinich 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 29:28
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight 29:28
Judge Darius Henderson scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bariga Kodeinich!