PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shikou Endou (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and George Gilbert (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Endou might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Killing in the name of - Rage Against The Machine. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Endou
vs
Gilbert

187 cm
27
202 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

190 cm
30
215 lbs
7 - 5 - 1

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Knox Energy

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shikou Endou!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, George Gilbert!
The judges for this bout are Francis DeMontford, Chris Dean and Topper Green.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gilbert manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Endou on his heels. He'll look to pass Endou's guard now, I'm sure.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Endou working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gilbert doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gilbert manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Endou is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Endou looking for a sweep. Not yet Endou, not yet.
Endou keeping moving, preventing Gilbert from controlling successfully.
Endou has a closed guard, preventing Gilbert from standing up.

Gilbert avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Gilbert told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet.
Gilbert must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Endou controls Gilbert momentarily but Gilbert frees himself.

Endou looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Endou is pulling down on Gilbert's head. It's preventing any offense from Gilbert, at least for the moment.
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!
Endou is trying to keep Gilbert in close.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gilbert passes Endou's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Endou won't allow Gilbert to pass to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gilbert prevents Endou from improving his position.
Endou is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Gilbert's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Gilbert's back!

Endou 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, Gilbert has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Gilbert turns into Endou and is now in his guard.

Gilbert drops back looking for a leg! Endou is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Endou manages to kick Gilbert off! Gilbert jumps back into Endou's guard.
Gilbert forces his way into half guard.
Endou is looking to improve his position.

Gilbert is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Endou is just riding it out for now. Gilbert eventually gives up the hold.
Endou regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gilbert trying to control the position from guard on top but Endou is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Endou working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gilbert doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Endou is tightening it up a little... Gilbert has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Gilbert reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Gilbert taps out! Nice BJJ there by Endou!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Shikou Endou!
An intense looking Shikou Endou took to the microphone post fight and gave a little speech: 'Next... Thanks to Team Goroshi - Tokyo United Fightwear - Knox Energy'.