PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kristan Maruyama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lukas Ioannou (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lukas Ioannou is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Maruyama
vs
Ioannou

191 cm
25
218 lbs
11 - 8 - 0

188 cm
24
220 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Great elbows
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Good gas tank

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

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 11 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Kristan Maruyama!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Lukas Ioannou!
The judges for this bout are Alexandre Firmino, Edson Gomes and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maruyama is trying hard to land a takedown here. Ioannou sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Maruyama looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Maruyama is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice sprawl there from Ioannou as Maruyama shoots in.
Maruyama tries to clinch but Ioannou moves out of range.
A head kick misses from Maruyama.
Ioannou shoots in looking for a takedown. Maruyama tries to sprawl out of it but Ioannou keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Maruyama manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Maruyama throws a lazy uppercut
and Ioannou cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ioannou shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Maruyama sprawls well. Maruyama wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ioannou gets slowly back to his feet.
Maruyama tries to clinch up.
The fight stays on the outside here - Maruyama looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Maruyama tries to clinch but Ioannou is having none of it.
Ioannou looks for a takedown but Maruyama sprawls well.
Kristan Maruyama has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lukas Ioannou.
Maruyama doesn't manage to clinch there - Ioannou circles away.

Maruyama fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ioannou, pushing him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ioannou throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Ioannou tries to throw a body punch but Maruyama avoids it by throwing Ioannou back against the cage.
Ioannou throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Still in the clinch, Ioannou scores with a nice short uppercut.
Ioannou cracks Maruyama with a nice body shot.
Ioannou gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Maruyama.

Ioannou drags the fight down to the ground.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Maruyama thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Maruyama trying to control the position from guard on top but Ioannou is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Ioannou kicks Maruyama off and gets to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ioannou shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Ioannou was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Maruyama gets back to half guard.

Ioannou is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Maruyama doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Ioannou.

Maruyama is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ioannou pulls his head out easily.
Ioannou not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Maruyama looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Ioannou is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Maruyama is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Ioannou scores with a couple of nice shots.

Maruyama is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ioannou pulls his head out easily.
Maruyama is looking to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maruyama moves into full guard.
Ioannou cracks Maruyama with a solid left hand.

Ioannou avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Ioannou avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Maruyama is breathing heavily.
Ioannou postures up and lands a big shot to Maruyama's brow.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ioannou is in close to Maruyama's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Ioannou cracks Maruyama with a solid left hand.
Ioannou sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Maruyama's 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!
Ioannou lands with a punch from half guard.
Ioannou working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Maruyama is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Ioannou passes the guard and advances to mount!

Ioannou working for a submission but Maruyama is keeping him at bay.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ioannou looking for a guillotine from mount but Maruyama is having none of it.
Maruyama sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

Maruyama looking for submissions off his back.
Maruyama trying to control but Ioannou postures up.

Maruyama actively working from the bottom here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Ioannou looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Maruyama with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Maruyama looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Ioannou looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lukas Ioannou dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Ioannou fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Maruyama sprawls well initially but Ioannou persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Maruyama tries to get to full guard but Ioannou has control of the leg.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Maruyama looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Maruyama wants to improve his position but Ioannou is controlling well.
Ioannou scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Ioannou lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Maruyama trying to hold on to Ioannou's head to control him but Ioannou postures up.

Ioannou is looking for a kimura but Maruyama is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Ioannou to get the leverage.
Maruyama is not content to let Ioannou control the position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ioannou is nestled in close to Maruyama, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Maruyama works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ioannou working some strikes from top position.
Ioannou trying to control but Maruyama is working from the bottom.

Maruyama working for a triangle but Ioannou defends it easily.
Ioannou pushing down on Maruyama's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Ioannou seems to be working for a kimura but Maruyama defends the submission attempt.
Maruyama is refusing to be controlled, as Ioannou sits in half guard.

Maruyama is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ioannou pulls his head out easily.

Ioannou is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Maruyama is just riding it out for now. Ioannou eventually gives up the hold.
Ioannou lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

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!

Maruyama looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Ioannou seems to be looking for submissions.
Ioannou landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Maruyama moves into full guard.
Ioannou postures up and lands a big shot to Maruyama's brow.

Maruyama looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Maruyama is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Ioannou defends well.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ioannou lands a couple of digs.
Ioannou trying to control the position from guard on top but Maruyama is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ioannou gets to his feet. Maruyama looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Ioannou gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Ioannou is working Maruyama over against the cage.
Ioannou controlling the action here for a moment.
Maruyama throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
A right hand to the body from Ioannou.

Ioannou escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Ioannou manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Maruyama on his heels. He'll look to pass Maruyama's guard now, I'm sure.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ioannou distracts Maruyama with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Ioannou working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Maruyama is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ioannou is aware though and is defending well.
Ioannou is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ioannou working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Maruyama's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Maruyama working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ioannou doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ioannou manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Ioannou is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ioannou working some strikes from top position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Ioannou's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Maruyama had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Ioannou defends it easily.
Ioannou lands a couple of digs.

Ioannou is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Maruyama is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Ioannou drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Ioannou jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Ioannou wants to control from the top but Maruyama keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lukas Ioannou showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Maruyama gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Ioannou avoids a wild elbow strike from Maruyama.

Ioannou successfully pulls guard.
Ioannou is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Maruyama is controlling him.
Maruyama wants to control from the top but Ioannou keeps moving.
Maruyama pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ioannou is keeping the position for now.

Maruyama postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Ioannou is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Maruyama, into his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ioannou gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Maruyama misses with a straight right.
Maruyama tries to close the distance and clinch but Ioannou swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Maruyama gets tackled into the cage by Ioannou. Ioannou maintains the clinch.
Maruyama looking for a takedown.

Ioannou manages to pull guard.
Ioannou keeping moving, preventing Maruyama from controlling successfully.
Maruyama is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Ioannou is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ioannou keeping full guard, as Maruyama tries to pass.
Maruyama wants to control from the top but Ioannou keeps moving.

Ioannou kicks Maruyama off and gets to his feet.
Ioannou shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Maruyama as he jumps to the side.
Maruyama misses with an uppercut. Ioannou saw that one coming.

Ioannou rushes Maruyama and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Maruyama misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ioannou blocks a body shot from Maruyama.
Ioannou lands a left hand.
A short uppercut from Maruyama.
Maruyama lands an elbow just above Ioannou 's eye.

It looks like Lukas Ioannou has been cut.
Ioannou jumps guard but Maruyama turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Lukas Ioannou seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

Ioannou has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Maruyama uses from the top position.
Maruyama is looking to work some ground and pound but Ioannou has wrist control.
Ioannou keeping moving, preventing Maruyama from controlling successfully.
Kristan Maruyama has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Lukas Ioannou is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Maruyama drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Ioannou manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Maruyama has Ioannou in his guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ioannou trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Maruyama is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Maruyama throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Maruyama has his foot on Ioannou's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ioannou works his way back into a safe position though.

Ioannou gets to his feet - Maruyama follows without any prompting.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Ioannou gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Ioannou has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
The referee calls for Ioannou to work.

Ioannou breaks from the clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Ioannou clinches with his opponent.
Ioannou is trying to pull guard but Maruyama has him pressed against the cage.
Kristan Maruyama has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lukas Ioannou.
Ioannou lands with a light punch inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lukas Ioannou comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ioannou has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 27:30
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 27:30
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lukas Ioannou!
A victorious Lukas Ioannou thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.