PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ichiro Kosugi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricky Ray (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.

Kosugi
vs
Ray

188 cm
31
210 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

186 cm
29
222 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ichiro Kosugi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ricky Ray!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Frank Antenori and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kosugi.
Some wild striking there from Kosugi.
Ray looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kosugi misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Ray! But no joy.
Kosugi scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Good work by Ray as he checks the leg kick.
Kosugi misses with a wild combination.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ray throws a body shot but no joy.
Kosugi misses with a hook. Ray ducked under it nicely.
Kosugi moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Kosugi fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichiro Kosugi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kosugi throws a leg kick that is checked
and Ray counters with a series of strikes. Kosugi will be more careful next time no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kosugi changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ray tries to avoid it but Kosugi manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ray to the ground. Ray escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Ray takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Ray looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kosugi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ray.
Ray keeps the fight on the outside.
Kosugi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ray leaves Kosugi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ray misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kosugi.
Kosugi drops down looking for a counter takedown but Ray sprawls and moves away.

Kosugi shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Kosugi was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Kosugi throwing strikes but Ray manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Ray controlling the position from side mount.
Kosugi is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at LOD: Gym of the Gods, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Kosugi tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kosugi trying to remain calm as Ray controls from the top position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kosugi regains half guard.
Ray throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kosugi trying to control from the bottom.
Kosugi regains full guard. Nicely done.
Ray trying to control the position from guard on top but Kosugi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ray 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.
Ray throwing strikes from guard but Kosugi blocks nicely.
Ray must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Ray wants to control from the top but Kosugi keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kosugi wants to sweep but no luck.
Ray trying to control the position from guard on top but Kosugi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kosugi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ray is one step ahead there.
Ray wants to control from the top but Kosugi keeps moving.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Kosugi has his hands on Ray's head, controlling the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Ray throws the left hand but Kosugi avoids the punch easily.

Ray gets caught napping as Kosugi dives in and scores a takedown. Ray manages to retain guard.
Kosugi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ray is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ray looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Kosugi puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Kosugi is pressing down on Ray's thigh, looking to free his foot. Ray is holding on for now.
Ray is positioning himself well to prevent Kosugi advancing to mount.
Kosugi wants to take a breather but Ray is having none of it.
Ray won't allow Kosugi to pass to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ichiro Kosugi dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kosugi shoots in looking for a takedown. Ray tries to sprawl out of it but Kosugi keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ray manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kosugi pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kosugi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ray can do to turn this around?
Kosugi blocks a jab.

Kosugi closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Ray prevents Kosugi from moving into mount.
Kosugi throws a strike aimed at the side of Ray's head but Ray avoids it well.
Ray is not content to let Kosugi control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kosugi swings around for an armbar but Ray sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Kosugi's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kosugi looking for a guillotine here but Ray defends easily.
Kosugi keeping moving, preventing Ray from controlling successfully.
Kosugi is trying to keep Ray in close.
Kosugi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ray lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Kosugi working a defensive guard here.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kosugi is on top in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ray is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Ray working a defensive guard here.
Ray keeping moving, preventing Kosugi from controlling successfully.
Kosugi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kosugi postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ray controlling the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kosugi slaps away a takedown attempt from Ray, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Ichiro Kosugi is winning the standup battle so far.
Kosugi closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ray circles away.
Kosugi tries for a takedown but Ray circles away easily
and Ray counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

It looks like Ichiro Kosugi has been cut.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichiro Kosugi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kosugi takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kosugi slips a jab and a cross from Ray.
Kosugi fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Ray checks it well.
Ray scores with a jab to the jaw.
Ray jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Kosugi tries to move into range but Ray moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

Kosugi gets a takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ray slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Ray looking to control.
Kosugi trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Ray manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Kosugi wants to sweep but no luck.
Kosugi avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ray preventing the sweep.

Kosugi has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Ray can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Ricky Ray will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Ichiro Kosugi's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kosugi throws an overhand right that lands on Ray's shoulder, as Ray tries to avoid the shot.
Ray paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

Kosugi closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Ray quickly recovers to half guard.
Kosugi is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Kosugi forces his way into half guard.
Ichiro Kosugi overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Kosugi is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kosugi is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Ray doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kosugi.
Kosugi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ray keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kosugi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Kosugi is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Ray has managed to free his arm - good work.
Ray trying to hold on to Kosugi's head to control him but Kosugi postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Kosugi misses with a head shot. Ray uses the momentum to regain guard.
Kosugi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ray swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kosugi trying to control the position from guard on top but Ray is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Kosugi drops back, looking for a kneebar! Ray looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Ray looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Ray!

Kosugi tries to bench press Ray off him but Ray keeps the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ray wants to control but Kosugi is keeping him busy.
Kosugi can't do much from the bottom here.
Ray is looking to take a break and control but Kosugi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Ray sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Kosugi is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Kosugi is looking for a sweep.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kosugi is working hard here to advance position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Ray scoring with punches from side control.
Kosugi tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Ray cracks Kosugi with an elbow. That is naaassty.
A lull in the action here.
Kosugi taking punishment in the form of punches.
Ray wants to take a breather but Kosugi manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Ray.
Ray lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Kosugi working for a triangle but Ray defends it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Ichiro Kosugi did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Ichiro Kosugi's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kosugi leaves Ray with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Kosugi just misses with a punch to the body.
Ray keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kosugi throws a head kick that misses.
Ray looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kosugi misses with a wild body shot.
Kosugi fails with a takedown attempt.
Kosugi throws a jab but it's blocked by Ray.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kosugi slips under a jab.
Kosugi misses with a takedown
and Kosugi takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ray misses with a body shot.
Kosugi appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ray gets caught flat footed, as Kosugi shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Kosugi stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ray swivels though and keeps the full guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kosugi trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Kosugi is fighting to break Ray's control of his arms but Ray is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Ray 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kosugi looking to pass the guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Ray controls Kosugi momentarily but Kosugi frees himself.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Kosugi darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Kosugi lands a nice shot that snaps Ray's head back.
Kosugi changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Ray tries to avoid it but Kosugi manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Ray to the ground. Ray escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichiro Kosugi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ray smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Ray showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kosugi.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kosugi slips a jab from Ray.
Ray connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Kosugi lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Ray circles away quickly and effectively.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Ray! But no joy.
Ichiro Kosugi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Ray!

Kosugi closes the distance and pushes Ray back into the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Ray - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Kosugi tries to score a body lock takedown but Ray shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Kosugi blocks a body shot from Ray.
Ray is looking for a takedown.
Kosugi blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ray drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ray tries to score a body lock takedown but Kosugi shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ray breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ray stuffs the takedown attempt from Kosugi. Kosugi gets slowly back to his feet.
Kosugi shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Ray counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ray lands with an overhand left.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ray misses with a body shot.
Ray lands with a hook. Kosugi tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Kosugi fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ray appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Ray paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kosugi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Ray swivels and escapes.
Kosugi throws a shot from downtown. Ray moves away and avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Ricky Ray will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Ichiro Kosugi's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Nice uppercut lands for Ray. That snapped Kosugi's head back.
Kosugi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ray. Kosugi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Good exchange - Ray coming out on top.
Kosugi shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Ray as he avoids it easily.
It seemed like Ray was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Kosugi defending well as Ray loads up on a big left hand.
Kosugi rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ray moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ray appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Kosugi looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ray throws a lazy right hand but Kosugi sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kosugi appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kosugi closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ray circles away.
A nice side step and Ray releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Kosugi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Horrible takedown attempt by Ray or perhaps it was just good defense by Kosugi, which made it look bad.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kosugi avoids the body shot from Ray.
Nice shot lands for Ray.
A bone on bone clash there as Ray blocks the leg kick.
Kosugi is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kosugi darts in looking for a takedown but Ray gets double underhooks and turns Kosugi into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichiro Kosugi. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Kosugi closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Kosugi lands in his opponent's guard.
Ray is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Still in half guard, Ray seems content to control.
Ray is nestled in close to Kosugi, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kosugi is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Ray scores with a couple of nice shots.
Ray trying to control the action but Kosugi is working from the bottom.

Kosugi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The fighters are battling for position here. Kosugi manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Ray preventing the sweep.

Kosugi looking for a guillotine here but Ray defends easily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ray stays in close to Kosugi's body and controls the position.
Ray trying to control but Kosugi is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kosugi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kosugi trying to control the position.

Ray avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kosugi is on top in guard.

Kosugi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ray looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kosugi is one step ahead there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kosugi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ray is keeping the position for now.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Ray is on top in guard.

The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kosugi is on top in guard.

Kosugi is looking to work some ground and pound but Ray has wrist control.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ricky Ray.
I think Ray 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 Don Winkell scores the fight for Ricky Ray!
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight as a draw!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Ichiro Kosugi!

The fight ends as a draw!