PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ryo Takajiri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yolo Yolovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Ryo Takajiri has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Ryo Takajiri seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Takajiri
vs
Yolovski

171 cm
21
163 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

150 cm
30
145 lbs
11 - 6 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Great low kicks
Very quick

Good wrestler
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ryo Takajiri!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Yolo Yolovski!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Shigeki Sano and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takajiri plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

It looks like Yolo Yolovski has been cut.
Takajiri lands a leg kick that knocks Yolovski off balance momentarily.

Yolovski has managed to clinch.
Yolovski drops down looking for an ankle pick but Takajiri pulls his leg out and moves away.
Yolovski is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Takajiri lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Yolovski takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Takajiri keeps the fight on the outside.
Yolovski takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

Yolovski moves into the clinch.

Yolovski has picked Takajiri up - he's going for a ride! Yolovski dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Yolovski is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Takajiri defends it well.

Yolovski is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Takajiri doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Yolovski.
Takajiri keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Takajiri is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Yolovski pulls his head out easily.

Yolovski looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Yolovski is looking for a kimura here.

Yolovski is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Takajiri sees it coming and defends easily.
Takajiri wants to control but Yolovski is keeping busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Takajiri tries to get to full guard but Yolovski has control of the leg.

Yolovski looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Takajiri makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Takajiri.

Takajiri is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Yolovski is aware though and is defending well.

Yolovski thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Yolovski pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Takajiri is keeping the position for now.
Takajiri is trying to keep Yolovski in close.

Takajiri looking for a guillotine here but Yolovski defends easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yolovski passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Yolovski goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Takajiri has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Yolovski but great work by Takajiri.
Yolovski is trying to work for a sweep but Takajiri has mounted him!
Yolovski is wriggling around here but as he tries to escape, Takajiri has taken his back.

Yolovski showing good submission defense here.
Yolovski is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

Takajiri working for a choke but Yolovski is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yolovski is really stuck here.
Takajiri just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Takajiri looking for the RNC.

Takajiri looking for the RNC.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Takajiri looking to break Yolovski's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Yolovski remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Takajiri will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
You can see the frustration on Yolovski's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

Takajiri has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

Takajiri working for the choke.

Takajiri working for a choke but Yolovski is defending well.
I really don't envy Yolovski right now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryo Takajiri dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Yolo Yolovski's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Yolovski tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Takajiri manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Takajiri tries to counter with a takedown but Yolovski is quick to defend against it.

Yolovski gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Yolovski drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Takajiri gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Takajiri is pressed up against the cage. Yolovski has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Takajiri down to the mat. Takajiri avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Yolovski takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

Yolovski forces Takajiri back against the cage and clinches.
Takajiri goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Yolovski tries to score a body lock takedown but Takajiri shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Ryo Takajiri has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yolo Yolovski.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yolovski is looking for a takedown.
Yolovski drops down looking for an ankle pick but Takajiri pulls his leg out and moves away.
Takajiri avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Takajiri lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Takajiri dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takajiri scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Good leg kick by Takajiri there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
The fight stays on the outside here - Yolovski looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A cross from Takajiri lands.
Takajiri lands a body shot.
Yolovski tries to clinch but Takajiri is having none of it.
Takajiri looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Ryo Takajiri is winning the standup battle so far.
Takajiri circles away from the clinch attempt.
Takajiri throws a good cross that connects.
Takajiri circles away from the clinch attempt.

Yolovski gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
I was talking to Takajiri's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Takajiri prevents the takedown attempt.
Takajiri is pressed up against the cage. Yolovski has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Takajiri down to the mat. Takajiri avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Takajiri, right into the meat.
Takajiri feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Yolovski's calf.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Yolovski fails in his attempt to clinch.
Takajiri lands a nice looking body shot.
Takajiri scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Yolovski tries to clinch there but Takajiri circles away.
Takajiri lands with a thumping leg kick.
Yolovski tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Takajiri manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Takajiri half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Takajiri is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Yolovski drops his hands momentarily and Takajiri takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Yolovski wants to clinch.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Takajiri.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Takajiri tenderised Yolovski's leg. Yolovski is trying to keep his angry face on.
Takajiri scores with a jab to the body.
Yolovski tries to close the distance and clinch but Takajiri swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Takajiri drops down looking for a counter takedown but Yolovski sprawls and moves away.
Takajiri is looking to slow Yolovski down with leg kicks.
Yolovski tries to close the distance and clinch but Takajiri swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Takajiri cracks a nice hook into Yolovski's ribs.
Takajiri scoring well with a low kick there.
Yolovski tries to clinch there but Takajiri circles away.
Yolo Yolovski is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Yolovski tries to clinch but Takajiri moves away

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

Yolovski is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Takajiri defends well.
Takajiri is pushing down on Yolovski's leg trying to pass to half guard. Yolovski is fighting to maintain full guard but Takajiri has managed to sneak the leg through.

Takajiri is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Takajiri is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takajiri trying to control from half guard but Yolovski is working away.

Yolovski looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Takajiri is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Takajiri works his foot free and advances to mount.
Yolovski is looking to improve his position but Takajiri isn't that keen on the idea.
Yolovski is squirming around, avoiding Takajiri's attempts to control the action.
Takajiri takes Yolovski's back. Could be looking for a rear naked choke here - either way, Yolovski is in trouble.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryo Takajiri dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Yolo Yolovski's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Yolovski closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Takajiri.
Takajiri is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Yolovski is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Takajiri is defending well.
Takajiri tries a body shot but Yolovski blocks it.
Yolovski blocks a body shot from Takajiri.

Yolovski has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Takajiri regains guard immediately.

Takajiri is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Takajiri working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Yolovski doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Yolovski manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Takajiri is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Yolovski can do to turn this around?

Takajiri had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Yolovski defends it easily.
Yolovski stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Takajiri swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Takajiri is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Yolovski defends well.

Takajiri looking for a guillotine here but Yolovski defends easily.
Yolovski pushes down on Takajiri's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Yolovski seems to be working for a kimura but Takajiri defends the submission attempt.
Takajiri works his way to full guard. Good work.

Takajiri is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Yolovski drops back looking for a leg! Takajiri is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Takajiri manages to kick Yolovski off! Yolovski jumps back into Takajiri's guard.

Yolovski drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Yolovski jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Takajiri throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Yolovski forces his way into half guard.
Takajiri trying to control here.

Yolovski wants to work for an arm triangle but Takajiri is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Yolovski is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Takajiri is looking to control Yolovski's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Takajiri avoid being mounted?
Ryo Takajiri overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Takajiri makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Takajiri.
Yolovski stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Takajiri swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Takajiri is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Yolovski avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Yolovski passes Takajiri's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Ryo Takajiri is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Yolovski is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Takajiri is just riding it out for now. Yolovski eventually gives up the hold.

Yolovski is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Takajiri sees it coming and defends easily.
Yolovski takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Takajiri is controlling Yolovski's position as best he can from this difficult position.

Takajiri looking for submissions off his back.
Takajiri works his way to full guard. Good work.
Yolovski must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Yolovski tries to free his leg and advance position but Takajiri is retaining full guard.
Yolo Yolovski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Takajiri throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Yolo Yolovski.
I think Takajiri has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 29:28
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 29:28
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ryo Takajiri!
Ryo Takajiri retains his lightweight title!