PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sparky Anderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Keisuke Takasugi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Anderson's entrance music is Lamb of God - Walk With Me In Hell. A fine choice. 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.

Anderson
vs
Takasugi

179 cm
33
177 lbs
23 - 19 - 0

177 cm
25
179 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

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 23 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Sparky Anderson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Keisuke Takasugi!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Gregory Folan and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takasugi gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Anderson.
Takasugi tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Takasugi blocks the body kick.
Takasugi goes for a double leg but Anderson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Anderson continues to drive forward.
Takasugi fails with the takedown

and Anderson counters with a shoot takedown. Takasugi fights it but they end up in guard.
Anderson trying to control but Takasugi is working from the bottom.
Anderson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Takasugi is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takasugi looking for a sweep. Not yet Takasugi, not yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Anderson advances to half guard.
Anderson is keen to just control but Takasugi is a slippery customer.

Takasugi looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Takasugi is refusing to be controlled, as Anderson sits in half guard.
Anderson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Takasugi keeping control of the position.
Anderson with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

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.

Anderson is looking for a kimura but Takasugi is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Anderson to get the leverage.

Anderson is working for a kimura but Takasugi is defending it quite comfortably.
Anderson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Takasugi does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Takasugi gets full guard.

Takasugi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Takasugi is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Anderson is aware though and is defending well.
Anderson throws a big right hand that misses.
Anderson wants to control from the top but Takasugi keeps moving.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Anderson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Anderson wants it to stay on the feet.
Sparky Anderson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keisuke Takasugi.
Takasugi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Anderson stuffs the takedown.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
No luck for Takasugi with that takedown attempt.
Anderson tries to counter with a takedown but Takasugi is quick to defend against it.
A jab lands there for Anderson.
Anderson takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Anderson throws the left hand but Takasugi avoids the punch easily.
Takasugi changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takasugi misses with a series of wild punches.

Takasugi gets a double leg takedown into Anderson's guard.
Anderson has Takasugi pulled in close to control his posture.

Anderson is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Takasugi rolls with it to try and escape but Anderson cranks on the arm and Takasugi is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Sparky Anderson!
A victorious Sparky Anderson thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.