PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Keisuke Takasugi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vic Vantrell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Takasugi
vs
Vantrell

177 cm
23
179 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

179 cm
34
180 lbs
8 - 11 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Good chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Keisuke Takasugi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Vic Vantrell!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Elvis Blanc and William Peck.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Takasugi gets tackled into the cage by Vantrell. Vantrell maintains the clinch.

Vantrell has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Takasugi regains guard immediately.
Takasugi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Vantrell is one step ahead there.
Vantrell throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Vantrell trying to control the position from guard on top but Takasugi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vantrell tries to free his leg and advance position but Takasugi is retaining full guard.
Vantrell trying to control but Takasugi is working from the bottom.
Vantrell must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Takasugi is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Vantrell is aware though and is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Takasugi escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Vantrell gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Vantrell pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Takasugi is keeping the position for now.
Vantrell trying to control the position from guard on top but Takasugi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vantrell is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

Takasugi had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Vantrell defends it easily.
Vantrell passes Takasugi's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Vantrell seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Vantrell scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Vantrell thows a huge punch but Takasugi dodges it nicely.
Takasugi trying to control from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Vantrell thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Takasugi's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vantrell is trying to control the action in half guard but Takasugi is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Takasugi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Nice strikes from Vantrell there.
Takasugi wants to get back to full guard.
Vantrell uses his free foot to push down on Takasugi's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Takasugi.
Takasugi regains half guard.
Takasugi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Vantrell.
Takasugi is trying to control but can't.
Takasugi is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Vantrell's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Vantrell's back!
Takasugi is trying to stick to Vantrell's back but Vantrell is turning into Takasugi. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Takasugi's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Vantrell.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Takasugi 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.
Vantrell scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Keisuke Takasugi!
After winning the bout, Keisuke Takasugi thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.