PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nickolai Ketchum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Manny Machado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ketchum kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is XXX by Danny Brown. 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.

Ketchum
vs
Machado

180 cm
36
167 lbs
28 - 18 - 0

175 cm
30
164 lbs
17 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Sun-Tzu

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Nickolai Ketchum!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Manny Machado!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Sosuke Kotani and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ketchum defending well as Machado loads up on a big left hand.
Machado throws a shot to the body.

Machado closes the distance and pushes Ketchum back into the cage.
Ketchum working hard to break the clinch.
Machado goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Machado tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ketchum's elbow.
Machado tries to work over Ketchum's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Ketchum is trying to push Machado away but Machado has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Machado throws a head punch that misses.
Nice body punch from Machado.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machado tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Machado scores with a shoulder strike.
Machado working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Machado lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A short body shot lands from Machado as the two fighters clinch.
Machado tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Ketchum blocks an uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Machado.
Machado tries to work over Ketchum's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Machado lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Machado misses with a short punch on the inside.
Machado swings wildly with an uppercut but Ketchum uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ketchum blocks a body shot from Machado.
Machado fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Machado lands a hook that snaps the head of Ketchum backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machado lands a body shot.
Ketchum blocking some punches.
Machado lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Machado lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Machado tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ketchum's elbow.
Machado misses with some punches.
Machado tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Machado misses with some punches.
Ketchum tries to break the clinch but Machado is controlling the position.
Machado misses with a hook from the clinch.
Machado can't find room to land a body shot as Ketchum controls the action.
Ketchum wants to get back to striking at distance but Machado won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado tries a body shot but Ketchum blocks it.
Machado throws a head punch that misses.
Machado misses with a body punch.
Machado doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Ketchum prevents a body shot from Machado.
Machado misses with the head strike.
Ketchum has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Machado can't find room to land a body shot as Ketchum controls the action.
Machado is looking to control Ketchum's arms but Ketchum gets an underhook and turns him. Now Machado has his back to the cage.
Ketchum is looking to break free of the clinch but Machado has double underhooks.
Machado utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Machado tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ketchum's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machado throws an elbow that misses.
Ketchum prevents a body shot from Machado.
Ketchum is trying to force a seperation but Machado has the dominant position.
Machado misses with a punch to the body.
Machado tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Machado throws a head punch that misses.
Ketchum lands a right hand.
Ketchum gets underhooks to prevent Machado's takedown attempt.
Machado misses with a shot to the kidneys.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Machado tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Machado misses with the head strike.
Machado lands a body shot in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manny Machado dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Ketchum misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Machado.
A shot to the liver by Machado. Beautiful body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Machado. Ketchum does a little dance to reset his feet.
Machado throws a hook to the side of Ketchum's head but Ketchum sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Machado avoids the body shot from Ketchum.
Machado moves into range and connects with a jab.
Machado is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ketchum has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Machado.
Ketchum throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Machado is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Ketchum swings for the body but Machado moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machado cracks Ketchum with a right hand to the side of the head.
Machado throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
A looping hook to the body misses from Machado. Ketchum does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ketchum stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Machado.
Machado avoids the body shot from Ketchum.
Machado motions for Ketchum to come forward. Machado throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machado uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ketchum.
Ketchum moves out of range as Machado strikes.
Ketchum throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Machado is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Ketchum scores with a punch to the head.
Nickolai Ketchum is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ketchum avoids the body shot from Machado.
Machado throws a chopping leg kick but Ketchum manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
It looked like Ketchum was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Machado.
Ketchum scores with a jab to the body.
Ketchum is looking to wear down Machado with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Ketchum takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ketchum paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ketchum swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Machado lands a body shot.
Machado moves into range and connects with a jab.
Ketchum throws an overhand right that lands on Machado's shoulder, as Machado tries to avoid the shot.
Ketchum just misses with a punch to the body.
Ketchum steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Machado.
It looked like Ketchum wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Machado thumps Ketchum with a low kick.
Machado ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ketchum moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Machado has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Machado there as he acknowledges the shot.
Machado throws a body shot but no joy.
Ketchum ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Machado moves away.
Ketchum lands with an uppercut that bounces Machado off the cage and back into range.

Machado takes the fight into the clinch.

Ketchum's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Ketchum walks into a left hand.
Machado takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Machado uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ketchum.
Machado sizes up Ketchum with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Machado scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Machado throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Machado lands a jab to Ketchum's midsection.
Good leg kick by Machado there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Ketchum takes a shot to the body in his stride.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ketchum lands with a cross.
Ketchum thows a left - swing and a miss!
Machado let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Ketchum scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Machado connects with a body shot.
Machado wants to clinch.
Ketchum lands with a shot to the body.
Machado tries to clinch but Ketchum is having none of it.
Machado fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Ketchum checks it well.
Machado throws a lazy right hand but Ketchum sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Machado has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Machado scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Machado tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ketchum was well out of range. Poor timing from Machado.
Machado comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ketchum ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Machado moves away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Machado misses with a straight right.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ketchum. Machado does a little dance to reset his feet.
Machado misses the shot to the body.
Ketchum wants to land a leg kick but Machado is out of range.
Machado throws a good cross that connects.
Ketchum just misses with a punch to the body.
Ketchum throws a body shot but no joy.
Machado takes a swing at Ketchum's ribcage but misses.
Ketchum on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Ketchum takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Ketchum chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Machado can pounce on him.
Ketchum just misses with a punch to the body.
Machado swings for the body but Ketchum moves out of range.
Machado misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ketchum.
Ketchum throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Machado tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ketchum paws at him with a jab and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manny Machado showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Machado scores with a body shot.
Ketchum avoids the body shot from Machado.
Machado pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Machado motions for Ketchum to come forward. Machado throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ketchum swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Machado ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Ketchum sets himself, and Machado steps forward looking for the clinch! Ketchum avoids it this time.
Nice uppercut lands for Ketchum. That snapped Machado's head back.
Ketchum paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Machado missing with a left hand there. Ketchum was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Machado lands a really nice looking cross but Ketchum seems unphased.
Ketchum ducks right into an uppercut from Machado.
Machado connects with a body shot that sends Ketchum's belly button to the back.
Ketchum misses the shot to the body.
Some wild striking there from Ketchum.
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!
Machado lands a head shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machado misses the shot to the body.
Machado throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Machado throws a body punch but Ketchum moves out of range.
Ketchum tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Machado was well out of range. Poor timing from Ketchum.
Ketchum takes a swing at Machado's ribcage but misses.
Ketchum digs a good body shot into Machado's ribs.
Ketchum throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Machado misses with a wild body shot.
Machado fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ketchum manages to avoid it.
Manny Machado seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ketchum. Machado does a little dance to reset his feet.
Machado ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Ketchum scores with a jab.
A jab from Machado does it's job there.
Machado missing with a left hand there. Ketchum was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Nice straight punches there by Machado. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Machado.
Machado misses the jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ketchum looks to score with a jab to the body but Machado is just out of range.
Machado ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ketchum moves away.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Machado looks to score with a jab to the body but Ketchum is just out of range.
Ketchum was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Ketchum throws a right and a left that both miss.
Ketchum throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ketchum misses with a low kick.
Ketchum throws a body punch but Machado moves out of range.
Machado fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Ketchum looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ketchum misses with a jab to the body
and Machado counters with a stiff right hand.
Machado scores with a jab to the body.
Ketchum uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Machado.
Nice cross by Machado.
Ketchum misses with a jab, cross combination.
Machado scores with a nice right hand.
Ketchum takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Machado throws a hook but Ketchum blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ketchum walks into a stiff left hand from Machado.
Machado lands a leg kick that knocks Ketchum off balance momentarily.
Machado swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ketchum takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Machado just misses with a punch to the body.
An inside leg kick lands from Machado.
Ketchum throws a series of punches but Machado moves out of range.
Machado scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ketchum with a hook.
Ketchum misses with an uppercut.

Machado clinches up against the cage.
Machado tries to work over Ketchum's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Machado tries a body shot but Ketchum blocks it.
Nickolai Ketchum has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Manny Machado is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machado misses with a hook from the clinch.
Machado tries a body shot but Ketchum blocks it.
Machado has a couple of punches blocked by Ketchum.
Ketchum is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Machado has Ketchum pressed against the cage, preventing Ketchum from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Machado misses with a body punch.
Manny Machado seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A short right hand to the side of the head by Ketchum.
Ketchum throws a punch but it's blocked by Machado.
Ketchum goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

And that's the end of the fight!
Manny Machado comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Machado has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 26:30
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 26:30
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Manny Machado!
Manny Machado was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.