PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kenta Yuudai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Faaloua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kenta Yuudai has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Yuudai
vs
Faaloua

195 cm
33
275 lbs
21 - 7 - 0

195 cm
29
265 lbs
9 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

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 21 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Kenta Yuudai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, James Faaloua!
The judges for this bout are Ben Watson, Chris Dean and Ben Hemmingworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Faaloua throws a lazy body kick
and Yuudai counters with a three punch combo that has Faaloua backing up. Faaloua nods at Yuudai to acknowledge the strikes.
Yuudai looks for a takedown but Faaloua sprawls well.
Yuudai dives in for a single leg takedown but Faaloua sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Faaloua appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Faaloua throws a head kick that misses.
Nice sprawl there from Faaloua as Yuudai shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kenta Yuudai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Faaloua misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Faaloua scores with a kick to the midsection.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Faaloua misses with an elbow over the top.
Faaloua throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Faaloua looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Yuudai goes for a takedown attempt but Faaloua pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Faaloua rushes Yuudai and presses him up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yuudai is trying to push Faaloua away but Faaloua has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Faaloua pushes off an throws an elbow but Yuudai leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Faaloua throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Yuudai blocks an elbow strike from Faaloua.
Faaloua misses with an elbow strike.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Faaloua misses with an elbow strike.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Faaloua.
The referee calls for Faaloua to work.
Faaloua pushes off an throws an elbow but Yuudai leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Faaloua slowing the pace effectively.
Our sources have told us that Yuudai has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Faaloua will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Yuudai up against the cage.
Faaloua throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Faaloua just misses with a elbow thrown towards Yuudai's brow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yuudai dodges an elbow strike from Faaloua.
Yuudai blocks an elbow strike.
Faaloua creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Faaloua gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

It looks like Kenta Yuudai has been cut.
Yuudai is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Faaloua pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Yuudai has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Faaloua is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Faaloua just misses with a elbow thrown towards Yuudai's brow.
Faaloua creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Faaloua's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Yuudai blocks an elbow strike.
Yuudai has Faaloua pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Faaloua manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Faaloua throws an elbow that misses.
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!
Yuudai fails to pull guard.
Yuudai is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Yuudai takes an elbow to the forehead.
Yuudai drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Faaloua gets the underhooks and prevents it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yuudai is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Faaloua is defending well.
Faaloua throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Nice elbow from Faaloua.
Yuudai avoids the elbow strike from Faaloua, against the cage.
Faaloua is pressed up against the cage. Yuudai has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Faaloua down to the mat. Faaloua avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Faaloua instigates a clinch.
With the fighters up against the cage, Faaloua throws an elbow but misses.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Faaloua stops a takedown attempt from Yuudai.
Yuudai is looking to take this one to the mat.
Yuudai blocks an elbow strike.
Yuudai avoids the elbow strike from Faaloua, against the cage.
Yuudai drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Faaloua gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Faaloua lands an elbow inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Yuudai has picked Faaloua up - he's going for a ride! Yuudai dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Yuudai tries to pass to full mount but Faaloua defends it.

Yuudai is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Yuudai is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Yuudai is just content to waste time from the top position. Faaloua takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Faaloua wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

Faaloua is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Yuudai presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Faaloua dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kenta Yuudai's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Faaloua clinches up with Yuudai and pushes him back against the cage.
Yuudai avoids the elbow strike from Faaloua, against the cage.
Faaloua pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Faaloua is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Faaloua has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Faaloua gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
With the fighters up against the cage, Faaloua throws an elbow but misses.
Faaloua lands an elbow inside that Yuudai shrugs off.
Yuudai is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Yuudai fails to pull guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kenta Yuudai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Yuudai drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Faaloua gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Yuudai manages to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Faaloua leaves Yuudai with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Yuudai fails with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yuudai looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Faaloua closes the distance and clinches.
Yuudai drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Faaloua gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Faaloua has Yuudai pressed against the cage.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it misses.

Yuudai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Faaloua tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Yuudai moves into the clinch.
Yuudai is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Faaloua is defending well.
Faaloua is trying to maintain a safe position but Yuudai gets an underhook and turns Faaloua into the cage.
Yuudai tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Faaloua smiles and moves away.
Faaloua tries to clinch up but Yuudai circles away and keeps his distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Faaloua is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice sprawl there from Faaloua as Yuudai shoots in.
Faaloua throws a head kick that misses.
Yuudai was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Yuudai avoids a kick to the body.
It looked like Yuudai wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Yuudai shoots in looking for a takedown but Faaloua manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Yuudai's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Faaloua turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Yuudai avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Faaloua gets a clinch.
Faaloua looks to throw an elbow but misses.

Yuudai successfully pulls guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Yuudai is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Faaloua defends well.
Yuudai looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Yuudai is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Faaloua defends well.
Yuudai wants to sweep but no luck.
Yuudai looking to control.
Yuudai trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

Yuudai had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Faaloua defends it easily.

Yuudai is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

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.
Yuudai with a poor takedown
and Faaloua counters with a good, hard body kick but Yuudai shrugs it off.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Yuudai misses with a takedown attempt
and Faaloua counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
James Faaloua seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Faaloua has Yuudai up against the cage in a clinch.
Faaloua misses with an elbow strike.
Faaloua gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Yuudai.
Faaloua looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Faaloua creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Yuudai's defenses.

Kenta Yuudai's cut is getting worse.
Come on Faaloua - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Yuudai has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Faaloua avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Yuudai dodges an elbow strike from Faaloua.
Faaloua looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Faaloua creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Yuudai avoids a wild elbow strike from Faaloua.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Faaloua showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Kenta Yuudai's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Faaloua scores with a push kick.

Faaloua instigates a clinch.
Faaloua misses with an elbow over the top.
Faaloua is looking to control Yuudai's arms but Yuudai gets an underhook and turns him. Now Faaloua has his back to the cage.
Faaloua creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Faaloua misses with an elbow strike.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Yuudai working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Yuudai drops down looking for an ankle pick but Faaloua pulls his leg out and moves away.
Faaloua is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Faaloua misses with an attempted mid kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Faaloua misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Yuudai fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Yuudai has a takedown stuffed.
Faaloua is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kenta Yuudai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yuudai has a takedown stuffed.

Faaloua fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Yuudai, pushing him back against the cage.
Yuudai avoids the elbow strike from Faaloua, against the cage.
Faaloua is struggling to control the position.
Faaloua pushes off an throws an elbow but Yuudai leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it misses.
Yuudai avoids a wild elbow strike from Faaloua.
Faaloua throws an elbow that misses.
Faaloua is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Yuudai working hard to break the clinch.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Yuudai is looking for a takedown.
Faaloua gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yuudai is looking to take this one to the mat.
Faaloua effectively controlling the action here.
Faaloua creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Yuudai blocks an elbow strike.
Yuudai wants a takedown but no success here.
James Faaloua seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Yuudai avoids a wild elbow strike from Faaloua.
Faaloua misses with an elbow over the top.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Faaloua.
Faaloua lands an elbow inside that Yuudai shrugs off.
Faaloua misses with an elbow over the top.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Yuudai goes for a takedown attempt but Faaloua pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Faaloua closes the distance and pushes Yuudai back into the cage.
Faaloua stalling in the clinch.
Faaloua stops a takedown attempt from Yuudai.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Faaloua pushes off an throws an elbow but Yuudai leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Faaloua has Yuudai pressed against the cage.
Faaloua gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Faaloua lands an elbow inside that Yuudai shrugs off.
Kenta Yuudai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Kenta Yuudai's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Faaloua throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Faaloua misses with an elbow over the top.
Faaloua lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Faaloua is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Yuudai blocks an elbow strike from Faaloua.
Faaloua comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

Jeez, Kenta Yuudai's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Faaloua is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Faaloua just misses with a elbow thrown towards Yuudai's brow.
Yuudai drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Faaloua gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Yuudai is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Faaloua is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Faaloua misses with an elbow strike.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Faaloua just misses with a elbow thrown towards Yuudai's brow.
Faaloua prevents a takedown attempt there.
Faaloua prevents the takedown attempt.
Yuudai avoids the elbow strike from Faaloua, against the cage.
Yuudai blocks the elbow strike.
Faaloua lands an elbow inside.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Kenta Yuudai's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:43 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). James Faaloua!
James Faaloua seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.