PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Keiji Mutou (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Adolphson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Alexander Adolphson enters the cage!

Mutou
vs
Adolphson

188 cm
28
213 lbs
12 - 3 - 1

185 cm
34
215 lbs
26 - 7 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Steel Penn\'s Laundry 80% LAUNDRY IS AVAILABLE

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 3 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Keiji Mutou!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alexander Adolphson!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, James Ackerman and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Adolphson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Adolphson missing with a left hand there. Mutou was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Adolphson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Mutou.
Nice sprawl there from Adolphson as Mutou shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Mutou. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mutou fails with a takedown attempt.
Adolphson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A telegraphed right hand from Adolphson misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The fight stays on the outside here - Adolphson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Adolphson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Adolphson tries to clinch but Mutou moves away

and Mutou counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Adolphson!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Adolphson defending against the ground and pound.
Mutou wants to lay and pray for a moment but Adolphson keeps working.
Adolphson struggling a bit here.
Adolphson is pushing Mutou's head away, looking to escape. Mutou manages to hold on to the position though.
Check out the look on Mutou's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Mutou 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.
Mutou trying to control the position but Adolphson is working away.
Adolphson is looking to regain half guard here but Mutou keeps moving and retains side control.
Adolphson dodges the ground and pound from Mutou.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mutou working away.
Mutou misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Adolphson is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Mutou has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Mutou tries to score with some ground and pound. Adolphson controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Adolphson stops Mutou from passing to mount.
Mutou scoring with punches and elbows.
Adolphson gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Adolphson keeping hold of Mutou's head, controlling as best he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mutou takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Mutou looks to land a strike but Adolphson avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Mutou loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Mutou prevents Adolphson from getting back to his feet.
Mutou won't allow Adolphson to sweep him here.
Mutou stops Adolphson from standing up.
Mutou stopping the sweep attempt from Adolphson.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
A head kick misses from Adolphson.
Mutou checks a low kick from Adolphson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mutou checks a low kick from Adolphson.
Adolphson lands a really nice looking cross but Mutou seems unphased.
Adolphson fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Mutou is out of range.
Alexander Adolphson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Adolphson walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Mutou checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Adolphson misses with a leg kick.
Adolphson tries to clinch up but Mutou circles away and keeps his distance.
Mutou shoots in looking for a takedown but Adolphson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Mutou's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
A big right from Adolphson misses.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mutou shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Adolphson as he jumps to the side.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Mutou.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Alexander Adolphson will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Mutou circles away from the clinch attempt.
Adolphson throws out a leg kick but Mutou moves out of range and Adolphson only half commits.
Adolphson throws a right hand that misses

and Mutou counters with a single leg into guard. Adolphson didn't expect that.
Adolphson is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Adolphson trying to keep a closed guard but Mutou is proving a slippery customer.
Mutou loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Adolphson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Mutou manages to get himself to full guard.

Mutou is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mutou is really struggling to control Adolphson but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Adolphson preventing the sweep.
Adolphson seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Adolphson trying to control but Mutou is working from the bottom.
Adolphson stopping the sweep attempt from Mutou.
Mutou keeping moving, preventing Adolphson from controlling successfully.
Mutou controls Adolphson momentarily but Adolphson frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Mutou is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Mutou bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Adolphson's guard.

Adolphson is controlling Mutou's posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Adolphson keeping moving, preventing Mutou from controlling successfully.
Mutou stops Adolphson from standing up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Mutou tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Adolphson swivels and escapes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Adolphson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Mutou looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Adolphson has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Mutou is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Adolphson cracks Mutou with an open hand slap.
Adolphson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Nice sprawl there from Adolphson as Mutou shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Mutou. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mutou bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Adolphson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Adolphson throws the kick towards the body but Mutou avoids it.
Adolphson just misses with a punch to the body.
Adolphson throws a poor cross that misses

and Mutou counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Mutou.
Mutou 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mutou is fighting to break Adolphson's control of his arms but Adolphson is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Mutou trying to control the position from guard on top but Adolphson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Adolphson pushes Mutou off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mutou ducks under a wild hook from Adolphson.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Adolphson swinging wildly here.
Alexander Adolphson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Adolphson throws a front kick aimed at Mutou's knee but Mutou avoids it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Adolphson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Mutou ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Adolphson throws a wild body kick that Mutou sees coming a mile off.
Adolphson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Adolphson misses with a head kick.

Mutou shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Mutou showed some decent athleticism there.
Keiji Mutou overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Adolphson wants to get back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mutou throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Mutou scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Adolphson is trying to maintain the position but Mutou is very close to passing his half guard.
Mutou prevents Adolphson from standing back up.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Mutou in particular looking to stall.
Mutou is trying to control the action in half guard but Adolphson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Mutou trying to mount his opponent but Adolphson defends it.
Mutou is trying to control the action in half guard but Adolphson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Mutou throwing shots but Adolphson is blocking nicely.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Adolphson throws a hook to the side of Mutou's head but Mutou sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Mutou closes the distance and clinches up with Adolphson, looking for a takedown. Mutou pushes Adolphson against the cage but Adolphson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Adolphson misses with a body kick.
Adolphson slaps away a takedown attempt from Mutou, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Mutou. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Adolphson throws out a leg kick but Mutou moves out of range and Adolphson only half commits.
Adolphson goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Mutou changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Adolphson tries to avoid it but Mutou manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Adolphson to the ground. Adolphson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Mutou checks a low kick from Adolphson.
A big right from Adolphson misses.
Mutou shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Adolphson as he jumps to the side.
Adolphson throws a wild body kick that Mutou sees coming a mile off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Adolphson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Mutou moves away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Mutou.

Mutou closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Adolphson tries to buck Mutou off but Mutou is having none of it.
Mutou creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Adolphson sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Adolphson takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Adolphson prevents Mutou from improving position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mutou looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Adolphson is avoiding damage well.
Check out the look on Mutou's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
You can see the frustration on Adolphson's face as Mutou controls the position.
Mutou wants to lay and pray for a moment but Adolphson keeps working.
You can see the frustration on Adolphson's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Adolphson avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Mutou.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keiji Mutou clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Mutou shoots in looking for a takedown but Adolphson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Mutou's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Mutou checks a low kick from Adolphson.
Adolphson tried to score with a low kick but Mutou checks it.
Adolphson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Mutou misses with a takedown attempt - Adolphson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Mutou closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Adolphson is looking to improve his position.
Adolphson is trying to escape back to his feet but Mutou uses the scramble to pass into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Adolphson tries to buck Mutou off but Mutou is having none of it.
Adolphson is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Adolphson manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Mutou wants to take a breather but Adolphson is having none of it.
Mutou thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Adolphson's head.
Mutou thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Adolphson's head.
Adolphson is looking to improve his position.
Mutou wants to pass the guard but Adolphson is defending well.
Adolphson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Adolphson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mutou throws an elbow that misses. Adolphson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Mutou's guard. Nice move by Adolphson!

Mutou tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Adolphson must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Mutou throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Mutou looking for a sweep. Not yet Mutou, not yet.
Adolphson stays in close to Mutou's body and controls the position.
Mutou wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mutou working a defensive guard here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Mutou fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Adolphson avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Mutou. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Adolphson pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Adolphson misses the shot to the body.
Mutou tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Adolphson looks to throw a body kick

and Mutou counters with a takedown into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Adolphson regains half guard.
Adolphson trying to control but Mutou postures up.
Mutou missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Mutou trying to control from half guard but Adolphson is working away.
Mutou sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Adolphson defending well though.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nice strikes from Mutou there.
Adolphson manages to get to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keiji Mutou had his way with Alexander Adolphson in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Adolphson closes the distance and pushes Mutou back into the cage.
Adolphson prevents the takedown attempt.
Adolphson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mutou has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Adolphson dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Adolphson has a couple of punches blocked by Mutou.
Adolphson looking to slow down the pace here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Adolphson prevents the takedown attempt.
Adolphson is trying to stall.
Mutou taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Adolphson holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Adolphson scores with a shoulder strike.
Mutou tries for a takedown but Adolphson manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Mutou. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mutou is looking to take this one to the mat.
Adolphson with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Mutou's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Adolphson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Mutou blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Mutou takes a shot to the head.
Adolphson misses with some punches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Adolphson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Adolphson is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Mutou is keeping busy.
Adolphson tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Mutou prevents a body shot from Adolphson.
Adolphson swings wildly with an uppercut but Mutou uses good head movement to avoid it.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Adolphson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Mutou.
Mutou slows down the pace here.
Adolphson has a couple of punches blocked by Mutou.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Adolphson.
Adolphson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Mutou.
Adolphson tries a knee to the head but Mutou blocks it.

Adolphson breaks from the clinch.
Adolphson throws a sloppy head kick and Mutou moves out of range easily.

Mutou scores with a takedown into Adolphson's guard.
Adolphson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Mutou content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Mutou tries to free his leg and advance position but Adolphson is retaining full guard.
Adolphson pulls Mutou in close to prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mutou trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Mutou throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Adolphson wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Adolphson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Mutou.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Mutou shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Adolphson as he jumps to the side.
Adolphson turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Adolphson throws a shot from downtown. Mutou moves away and avoids it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexander Adolphson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Adolphson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 47:48
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 48:47
Judge James Glass scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Keiji Mutou retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!