PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between James DeGale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Keisuke Takasugi (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.

DeGale
vs
Takasugi

185 cm
20
186 lbs
1 - 0 - 1

177 cm
24
179 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

GREEN!160

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 1 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, James DeGale!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Keisuke Takasugi!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Wesley Smith and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takasugi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from DeGale.
Takasugi staying out of range there.
James DeGale seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
DeGale ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takasugi moves away.
DeGale throws out a loose jab but Takasugi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Takasugi takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Takasugi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from DeGale.
Takasugi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
DeGale lands with a right hand.
DeGale smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for DeGale.
Takasugi tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but DeGale defends well and Takasugi ends up having to push DeGale into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
DeGale is looking to counter punch.
Takasugi swings for the body but DeGale moves out of range.
DeGale swings widly with a right hand

and Takasugi counters with a nice double leg into side control. DeGale won't be happy with that.

Takasugi is working to tighten his grip on DeGale's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. DeGale has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Takasugi is really squeezing tight and eventually DeGale passes out! Takasugi breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:48 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Keisuke Takasugi!
Keisuke Takasugi thanked the fans post fight for their support.