PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kyo Kusanagi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Trevor Stone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Kusanagi
vs
Stone

200 cm
25
215 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

188 cm
25
200 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Can Moonwalk

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 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Kyo Kusanagi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Trevor Stone!
The judges for this bout are Jorge Garcia, Jonathan Paton and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.
Stone blocks a head kick by Kusanagi.

Stone closes the distance and clinches.
Stone wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kusanagi connects with a nasty looking knee right to Stone's face.

It looks like Trevor Stone has been cut.
Stone prevents Kusanagi from breaking the clinch.
Kusanagi looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Stone's coach down at Valhalla:NY GYM was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Stone's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Kusanagi blocks an elbow strike.
Kusanagi tries to break the clinch but Stone is controlling the position.
Kusanagi working hard to break the clinch.
Kusanagi is looking to break free of the clinch but Stone has double underhooks.
Kusanagi looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kusanagi tries to land a knee to the head but Stone blocks with his arms.
Kusanagi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Kusanagi is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Stone is defending well for now.
Kusanagi is trying to break free.
Stone creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Kusanagi is trying to break the clinch but Stone is controlling him.
Kusanagi is looking to break free of the clinch but Stone has double underhooks.
Kusanagi is trying to break the clinch but Stone has him pressed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kusanagi can't break the clinch.
Kusanagi looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kusanagi tries to break free but Stone pushes him back against the cage.
Kusanagi using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Stone has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kusanagi keeps control of Stone as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Kusanagi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stone won't allow it.
Kusanagi keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Stone's efforts to push away.
Kusanagi keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Stone's efforts to push away.
Kusanagi is trying to break free.
Stone has Kusanagi pressed against the cage, preventing Kusanagi from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Kusanagi looking to throw knees to the head but Stone is blocking nicely.
Kusanagi is trying to break free.
Stone has Kusanagi pressed against the cage, preventing Kusanagi from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A frustrated look appears on Stone's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Stone has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Stone wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Stone wants to get back to striking at distance but Kusanagi won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stone misses with an elbow strike.
Kusanagi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kusanagi keeps control of Stone as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Kusanagi with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kusanagi is trying to break free.
Kusanagi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kusanagi looking to throw knees to the head but Stone is blocking nicely.
Stone is trying to break the clinch but Kusanagi has him pressed against the cage.
Kusanagi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stone won't allow it.
Kusanagi throws a knee to the head but misses.
Stone lands with a light punch inside.

It looks like Kyo Kusanagi has been cut.
Kusanagi looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Stone decides to pull guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stone pulls Kusanagi in close to prevent any damage.
Kusanagi wants to stand but Stone is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Stone manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Kusanagi throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kusanagi tries a knee to the head but Stone blocks it.
Kusanagi tries to circle away but Stone has him pinned against the cage.
Kusanagi stops a takedown attempt from Stone.
Kusanagi throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Stone blocks it with crossed arms.
Kusanagi is breathing heavily.
Kusanagi misses with a knee to the head.
Stone keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kusanagi's efforts to push away.
Kusanagi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Stone breaks from the clinch.
Stone misses with a low kick.
Stone shoots in but Kusanagi avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.
Kyo Kusanagi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kusanagi throws a sloppy head kick and Stone moves out of range easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stone tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kusanagi sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Stone somewhat.
Kyo Kusanagi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Trevor Stone.

Stone closes the distance and pushes Kusanagi back into the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Stone.
Kusanagi is trying to force a seperation but Stone has the dominant position.
Kusanagi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Kusanagi is trying to break free.
Kusanagi wants to break free but Stone has control.

Stone ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Stone no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Stone pushes Kusanagi off and gets back to his feet.
Kusanagi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kusanagi throws a sloppy head kick and Stone moves out of range easily.
Stone looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Stone fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Kyo Kusanagi will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Stone tries a head kick but it misses.
Stone misses with a head kick.
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.
Stone avoids the head kick by Kusanagi.
Kusanagi stuffs the takedown attempt from Stone. Stone gets slowly back to his feet.
Kusanagi tries a head kick but it misses.
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.
Stone misses with an attempted mid kick.
Stone closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kusanagi circles away.
Kusanagi throws a head kick that misses.
Kusanagi throws a head kick but Stone moves out of range.
Kusanagi throws a sloppy head kick and Stone moves out of range easily.
Stone throws a sloppy head kick and Kusanagi moves out of range easily.
Kusanagi lands with a kick to the temple. Stone shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Stone throws a series of punches but Kusanagi moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kusanagi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kusanagi avoids the head kick by Stone.
Stone blocks a head kick by Kusanagi.
Stone shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kusanagi pinned against the cage. Kusanagi gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Kyo Kusanagi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Trevor Stone.
Stone blocks a head kick by Kusanagi.
Kusanagi has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Stone throws a head kick that misses.

Stone closes the distance and clinches.
Stone looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Stone keeps control of Kusanagi as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Kusanagi is trying to break the clinch but Stone has him pressed against the cage.
Stone keeps control of Kusanagi as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Kusanagi pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Stone blocks a head kick by Kusanagi.
Kusanagi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stone looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kusanagi is fending him off so far but Stone persists. Nope, Kusanagi circles away and we're back to standing.
Stone displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stone looks for a takedown but Kusanagi sprawls well.
Kusanagi misses with a head kick.
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.

Stone closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kusanagi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Kusanagi wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Stone has him pressed against the cage.
Kusanagi tries to break free but Stone pushes him back against the cage.
Stone stalling the fight.
Stone working hard to break the clinch.

Stone drags the fight down to the ground.
Kusanagi trying to stand up but can't free himself from Stone's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stone will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Stone pulls Kusanagi in close to prevent any damage.
Kusanagi has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Stone thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Stone tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Stone manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.
Stone misses with a knee strike.
Stone avoiding damage as Kusanagi throws knees to the body.
Kusanagi avoids the elbow strike from Stone, against the cage.
Kusanagi throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kusanagi keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Stone's efforts to push away.
Kusanagi is trying to break the clinch but Stone is controlling him.
Stone has Kusanagi pressed against the cage, preventing Kusanagi from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kusanagi using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Stone has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kusanagi working hard to break the clinch.
Kusanagi tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kusanagi wants to get back to striking at distance but Stone won't allow it.
Kusanagi avoids a wild elbow strike from Stone.
Kusanagi throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Stone blocks it with crossed arms.
Stone has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kusanagi avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kusanagi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Kyo Kusanagi has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Stone is trying to push Kusanagi away but Kusanagi has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kusanagi wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kusanagi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Stone lands with a light punch inside.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kusanagi can't break the clinch.
Kusanagi wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Stone is looking to break free of the clinch but Kusanagi has double underhooks.
Stone has had enough of the clinch but Kusanagi keeps him there for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Trevor Stone will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Kusanagi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Stone dives in and grabs Kusanagi's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kusanagi pushes down on Stone's head and hops out.
Kusanagi tries a head kick but it misses.
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.
Kusanagi throws a head kick that misses.
Kusanagi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Stone misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Stone is looking to land body kicks.
Stone shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kusanagi sprawls well. Kusanagi wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Stone gets slowly back to his feet.
Kyo Kusanagi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Trevor Stone.
Kusanagi lands a high kick!
Stone throws a sloppy head kick and Kusanagi moves out of range easily.
Kusanagi leaves Stone with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Kusanagi throws a sloppy head kick and Stone moves out of range easily.
Stone shoots in looking for a takedown but Kusanagi manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Stone's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stone tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kusanagi sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Stone somewhat.
Kusanagi throws a leg kick which misses Stone's front leg but catches the back leg as Stone tries to avoid it.
Kusanagi lands with a slapping head kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Stone looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kusanagi throws a head kick that misses.
Stone fails with a takedown attempt.
A jab from Stone does it's job there.
Kusanagi misses with a head kick.
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.
Stone shoots in looking for a takedown but Kusanagi manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Stone's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Stone blocks a head kick by Kusanagi.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stone looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kusanagi throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Stone.
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.
Stone misses with a wild combination.
Kusanagi lands with a kick to the temple. Stone shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Stone misses with a head kick.
Stone fails to land with a series of punches.
Kusanagi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kusanagi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Stone dives in and grabs Kusanagi's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kusanagi pushes down on Stone's head and hops out.
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!
Stone avoids the head kick by Kusanagi.
Stone dives in for a single leg takedown but Kusanagi sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Kusanagi prevents Stone from breaking the clinch.
Kusanagi with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kusanagi on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Stone jumps guard and drags Kusanagi to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Stone is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Kusanagi trying to stand up but can't free himself from Stone's guard.

Stone wriggles free and stands up.
Stone blocks a head kick by Kusanagi.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Stone.
A head kick from Kusanagi lands but Stone takes it in his stride.
Stone blocks a head kick by Kusanagi.
Stone looks to land a body kick but Kusanagi moved away.
Kusanagi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Kusanagi.

Stone shoots in and gets a takedown into Kusanagi's guard.
Kusanagi wants to stand but Stone is controlling 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!

Stone decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Kusanagi, up you get!
Kusanagi throws a head kick but Stone moves out of range.
Kusanagi misses with a head kick.
Stone shoots in for a double leg but Kusanagi sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kusanagi misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Stone blocks a head kick by Kusanagi.
Stone looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kusanagi plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Stone clinches up against the cage.
Kusanagi with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

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 Kyo Kusanagi.
I think Kusanagi 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 Jorge Garcia scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 29:28
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 29:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Kyo Kusanagi!