PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Epi Fongua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Don Machete (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Fongua
vs
Machete

190 cm
24
241 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

192 cm
22
240 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Insanely flexible

Good takedowns
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

GREEN!160
KAISER Nutrition (160!/220$)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Epi Fongua!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Don Machete!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Ren Mimura and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machete misses with a wild combination.
Machete misses with a hook. Fongua ducked under it nicely.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
Nice shot lands for Machete.
Machete swinging wildly here.
Fongua half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Machete throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Fongua half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fongua takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

It looks like Epi Fongua has been cut.
Machete looks to land a right hand but Fongua moved out of range.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
Machete misses with an uppercut.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Fongua defending well as Machete loads up on a big left hand.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machete lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Machete.
Fongua has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Ultimate MMA Training Center in the buildup to the fight.
Machete misses with a few strikes there.
Machete misses with a wild body shot.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
Fongua uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Machete.
Fongua ducks under a wild hook from Machete.
The fighters circling - Machete throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fongua appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Don Machete seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Machete lands a right hook to the body.
Machete looks to land a combination. Fongua sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Machete misses with a left hand

so Fongua counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Machete is working an open guard so Fongua takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Machete misses with a jab, cross combination.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
A slow jab from Machete misses its intended target.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Machete throws a lazy right hand but Fongua sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
Machete misses with an uppercut

and Fongua counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Fongua decides to stand and escape the position.
Machete throws a hook but Fongua blocks it.
Fongua appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Machete takes a swing at Fongua's ribcage but misses.
Machete throws a shot from downtown. Fongua moves away and avoids it.
Machete looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Machete wants to clinch up but Fongua keeps it at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machete is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Fongua.
Fongua appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
A big right from Machete misses.
Nice defenses there by Fongua.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Machete throws a combination that misses

and Fongua counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Machete 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.

Machete is working an open guard so Fongua takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
A swing and a miss from Machete.
Machete swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Fongua.
Machete looks to score with a jab to the body but Fongua is just out of range.
Machete jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
A slow jab from Machete misses its intended target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machete tries to clinch but Fongua moves out of range.
Sloppy strikes from Machete. Those never looked like landing.
Fongua slips a jab and a cross from Machete.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Machete fails to land with a series of punches.
Fongua changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Machete throws an off balance right hand

and Fongua counters with a takedown into side control.

Fongua stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Machete is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Fongua.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Machete throws an overhand right that lands on Fongua's shoulder, as Fongua tries to avoid the shot.
Machete swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Fongua decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Machete's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Don Machete dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Epi Fongua's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

A big right from Machete misses.
Machete throws a hook but Fongua avoids it easily.
Fongua attempts a counter takedown but Machete avoids it well and moves away.
Machete throws a hook but Fongua avoids it easily.
Machete looks to land a combination but Fongua avoids it well.
Machete throws a right and a left that both miss.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Machete throws a lazy right hand but Fongua sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
Machete has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Machete waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Fongua.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machete looks to throw the jab but Fongua is out of range.
Machete misses with a jab, cross combination.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Machete misses with a double jab.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machete throws a shot from downtown. Fongua moves away and avoids it.
Machete throws a series of punches but Fongua moves out of range.
Fongua slips under a jab.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Machete takes a swing at Fongua's ribcage but misses.
Fongua feinted with a counter takedown.
Machete throws a poor cross that misses

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

Fongua stands up.
Machete misses with a body shot

and Fongua counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Fongua gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Machete misses with a combination

and Fongua counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Machete!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Fongua decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Machete will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Fongua attempts a counter takedown but Machete avoids it well and moves away.
Machete throws a nice looking combination but Fongua bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Machete fails to land with a series of punches.
Fongua changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Fongua has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Fongua there as he acknowledges the shot.
Fongua takes one to the side of the head.
Machete scores with a nice strike.
Fongua slips a jab and a cross from Machete.
Don Machete is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Machete throws a combination that misses

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fongua stands up and waves to Machete to follow him.
Fongua walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Machete just misses with a punch to the body.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
Machete misses with a straight left.
Machete throws a hook but Fongua blocks it.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Fongua slips under a jab from Machete.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
A swing and a miss from Machete.
Machete throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Epi Fongua is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machete with a jab.
Machete throws a right hand that misses

and Fongua counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Fongua.
Machete looking to hit a scissor sweep but Fongua is one step ahead there.

Fongua stands up and waves to Machete to follow him.
A swing and a miss from Machete.
Fongua changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Machete throws a looping overhand right but Fongua ducks down to avoid it.
Fongua attempts a counter takedown but Machete avoids it well and moves away.
Machete throws a jab but it's blocked by Fongua.
Fongua half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Machete throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Don Machete will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Epi Fongua's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Fongua ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Machete misses with a lunging right hand

and Fongua decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Machete's guard.
Epi Fongua overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Fongua gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Machete misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Fongua.
Fongua half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Machete thows a left - swing and a miss!
Fongua attempts a counter takedown but Machete avoids it well and moves away.
Machete paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Machete might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Machete misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machete misses with the combination.
A left lands for Machete.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machete misses with a left hand

and Fongua counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Fongua gets to his feet. Machete looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Machete looks to score with a jab to the body but Fongua is just out of range.
Fongua appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Fongua moves out of range of the strikes.
Machete misses with a right hand

and Fongua counters with a shoot takedown. Machete fights it but they end up in guard.

Machete is working an open guard so Fongua takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Machete rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Fongua counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Fongua.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Fongua decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Machete, up you get!
Fongua gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fongua moves away from the strike by Machete.
Fongua half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Fongua dodges the punch combination from Machete.
Machete throws an overhand right that lands on Fongua's shoulder, as Fongua tries to avoid the shot.
Fongua half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Machete looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Fongua appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Machete waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Fongua.
Fongua appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Fongua moves out of range as Machete strikes.
Machete looks to throw the jab but Fongua is out of range.
Nice defenses there by Fongua.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
Fongua blocks a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Machete throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Machete throws a looping overhand right but Fongua ducks down to avoid it.
Machete fails to land with a series of punches.
Fongua feinted with a counter takedown.
Nice defenses there by Fongua.
Machete takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Fongua uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Machete.
Fongua half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Machete throws a jab but it's blocked by Fongua.
Machete throws a right and a left that Fongua avoids nicely.
Fongua appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Machete takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Fongua moves out of range as Machete strikes.
Fongua appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machete stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A swing and a miss from Machete.
Fongua uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Machete.
Machete throws a hook to the side of Fongua's head but Fongua sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Fongua half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Machete swings for the body but Fongua moves out of range.
Fongua drops down looking for a counter takedown but Machete sprawls and moves away.
Machete tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Fongua was well out of range. Poor timing from Machete.
Fongua tries to counter with a takedown but Machete is quick to defend against it.
Epi Fongua has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fongua slips under a jab from Machete.
Machete lands with a nice combination. Fongua backs away looking to recover.
Don Machete is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Machete throws a hook but Fongua avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Don Machete comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Machete winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Don Machete!
During a confident post fight interview, Don Machete thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.