PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kurokawa Kenji (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yakubu Okoroji (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yakubu Okoroji acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Kenji
vs
Okoroji

175 cm
39
203 lbs
44 - 22 - 0

190 cm
28
198 lbs
13 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 44 - 22 - 0, fighting out of London, Kurokawa Kenji!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 10 - 0, fighting out of London, Yakubu Okoroji!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Daniel Bishop and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kenji gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Okoroji looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kurokawa Kenji seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kenji fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Okoroji pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kenji ducks right into an uppercut from Okoroji.
Kenji tries a head kick but it misses.
Okoroji checks a leg kick.
A head kick misses from Kenji.
Kenji does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Kenji ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Okoroji moves away.
Okoroji takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kenji misses with a leg kick
and Okoroji counters with a left and a right that stings Kenji.
Kenji stuns Okoroji with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kenji misses with a body shot.
Okoroji walks into a left hand.
Kenji throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Okoroji misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kenji.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kenji on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Okoroji stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kenji.

Okoroji decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Kenji is staying active underneath Okoroji, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Okoroji controlling the pace.
Kenji gets back to full guard.
Okoroji postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Okoroji has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Okoroji throws a big right hand that misses.
Okoroji pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kenji is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji postures up in Kenji's guard and throws a big left but Kenji blocks it.
Okoroji is looking to work some ground and pound but Kenji has wrist control.
Okoroji works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Okoroji is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Kenji is just riding it out for now. Okoroji eventually gives up the hold.
Kenji wants to control but Okoroji is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Okoroji missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Okoroji moves nicely into side control.
Okoroji creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Kenji sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Okoroji scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Kenji to see if he's OK.
Kenji might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Okoroji laying and praying for a moment but Kenji takes advantage and regains half guard.
Okoroji thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kenji's head.
Kenji trying to control from the bottom.
Kenji is refusing to be controlled, as Okoroji sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji is just content to waste time from the top position. Kenji takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Kenji holds on and takes a little breather.
Kenji keeping moving, preventing Okoroji from controlling successfully.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
A low kick from Kenji misses

and Okoroji counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Okoroji thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Okoroji tries to free his leg and advance position but Kenji is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kenji rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Okoroji counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Okoroji takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Kenji throws a low kick, looking for Okoroji's leg but Okoroji calmly moves out of range.
Kenji misses with a low kick.
Okoroji takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kenji throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Okoroji keeps Kenji at a distance using the push kick.
Okoroji has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kenji lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

It looks like Yakubu Okoroji has been cut.
Nice defenses there by Okoroji.
Kenji thumps Okoroji with a low kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kenji.
Yakubu Okoroji is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nice sprawl there from Kenji as Okoroji shoots in.
Okoroji defending well as Kenji loads up on a big left hand.
Kenji looks to land a left hand but Okoroji moved out of range nicely.
Kenji sets himself, and Okoroji steps forward looking for the clinch! Kenji avoids it this time.
Kurokawa Kenji is winning the standup battle so far.
Okoroji misses with a two punch combination.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Okoroji is defended easily by Kenji.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kenji misses with a hook. Okoroji ducked under it nicely.
Okoroji stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kenji.
Kenji cracks Okoroji with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Okoroji slips a jab from Kenji.
Okoroji slips a jab from Kenji.
Kenji scores with a nice body kick.
Kenji dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Decent striking displayed by Okoroji there.
Kenji loads up on a big right hand but Okoroji slips the punch.
Okoroji wants to counter the offense by Kenji and move into the clinch position.

Okoroji closes the distance and pushes Kenji back into the cage.

Kenji breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kenji swings widly with a right hand
and Okoroji counters with a solid body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji blocks a leg kick.
Kenji throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kenji just misses with a punch to the body.
Okoroji checks a low kick from Kenji.
Kenji misses with a hook to the body
and Okoroji counters with a straight right hand.
Okoroji throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kenji is looking to chop away at Okoroji's legs.
Kenji misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kenji misses with a hook
and Okoroji counters with a right hand to the body.
Okoroji stuns Kenji with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kenji tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kenji misses with a leg kick
and Okoroji counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Okoroji fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kenji to the ground. Okoroji is now in Kenji's guard.
Okoroji with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Okoroji stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kenji swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kenji is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Yakubu Okoroji has got the better of the ground game so far.
Okoroji throws a big right hand that misses.
Okoroji trying to control but Kenji is working from the bottom.
Okoroji might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Kenji haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's four 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.
Kenji is trying to control the position but Okoroji postures up.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Kenji throws a sloppy head kick and Okoroji moves out of range easily.
Kenji misses with a head kick.
Kenji motions for Okoroji to come forward. Kenji throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Okoroji has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kenji.
Okoroji doesn't manage to clinch there - Kenji circles away.
Kenji throws a leg kick that is checked
and Okoroji counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Kenji takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Kenji rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Okoroji counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kenji avoids a kick to the body.
Kenji misses with a body shot.
Kenji stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kenji wants it to stay on the feet.
Kurokawa Kenji has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yakubu Okoroji.
Kenji gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Yakubu Okoroji will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Yakubu Okoroji's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Kenji throws a jab but it's blocked by Okoroji.
Okoroji ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A bone on bone clash there as Okoroji blocks the leg kick.
Okoroji looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kenji wants to land a leg kick but Okoroji is out of range.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Okoroji.
Kenji fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Okoroji manages to avoid it.
Okoroji appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Okoroji is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kenji throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kenji throws a low kick but Okoroji moves out of range easily.
Okoroji throws a counter combo.
Okoroji tries to clinch up but Kenji circles away and keeps his distance.
Okoroji keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Okoroji throws a fast counter high kick but Kenji manages to duck under it in time.
Okoroji will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Kenji is looking to counter the offense by Okoroji and move into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kenji connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Kenji finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Okoroji tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Kenji waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Okoroji.
Kenji ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Okoroji moves away.
Okoroji throws out a counter right but Kenji avoids it with no problem.
Kenji fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Okoroji looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Okoroji throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kenji lands with a nice body punch.
Okoroji goes for a double leg but Kenji avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Kenji continues to drive forward.
Kurokawa Kenji has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yakubu Okoroji.
Okoroji moves out of range of the strikes.
Okoroji now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Kenji attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Kenji cracks a nice hook into Okoroji's ribs.
Okoroji is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Kenji swings for the body but Okoroji moves out of range.
Kenji scores with the left hand. Okoroji knows he should have avoided that one.
Kenji avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kenji avoids the head kick by Okoroji.
Okoroji uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kenji.
Kenji lands a nice hook to Okoroji's body. Okoroji takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
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!
Kenji misses with a two punch combination.
Kenji shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Okoroji's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A head kick misses from Okoroji.
Kenji getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Okoroji lands an overhand right.

Okoroji moves into the clinch.
Okoroji blocks an uppercut.
Kenji letting Okoroji take a breather here.

Kenji breaks the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Kenji.
Okoroji moves out of range as Kenji strikes.

Okoroji is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Kenji's half guard.
Kenji moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Okoroji is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Okoroji's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Kenji is trying to control the position but Okoroji postures up.
Okoroji throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Okoroji looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Yakubu Okoroji is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kenji scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Okoroji moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Kenji finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Kenji takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kurokawa Kenji has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kenji throws a head kick that misses

and Okoroji decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Kenji's guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kurokawa Kenji showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Okoroji 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 29:29
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 28:29
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 29:28

The fight is ruled a draw!