PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Keiichi Yamada (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alfredo Leija (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Leija has chosen Original Nuttah as his entrance music. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Yamada
vs
Leija

170 cm
29
205 lbs
15 - 13 - 0

190 cm
30
215 lbs
15 - 11 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

KAISER Nutrition - Q160/$250

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 13 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Keiichi Yamada!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Alfredo Leija !
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from Leija misses.
Leija misses with a wild body shot.
Yamada bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Leija throws a body shot but no joy.
Yamada thinks about countering with a body kick.
Leija lands a head shot.
Leija takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Leija misses with a straight left.
Yamada keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Leija .
Yamada throws a leg kick but Leija sees it coming and moves out of range.
Leija lands a right hook to the body.
Yamada moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Leija scoring well with a low kick there.
Yamada misses with a low kick.
Yamada throws the left hand but Leija avoids the punch easily.
Leija looks to land a left hand but Yamada moved out of range nicely.
Yamada blocks a low kick nicely.
Yamada fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Leija checks it well.
Leija has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Leija finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A nice inside leg kick there by Leija . That's going to slow Yamada down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leija throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Yamada uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Leija .
Yamada ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Leija moves away.
Yamada swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Leija takes a swing at Yamada's ribcage but misses.
Yamada is looking to slow Leija down with leg kicks.
Yamada looks to throw a body kick
and Leija counters with a stiff right hand.
Leija lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Yamada throws a push kick but Leija slaps the foot to one side.
Leija throws a shot from downtown. Yamada moves away and avoids it.
Leija throws a jab but it's blocked by Yamada.
Yamada turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Yamada pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A lazy left from Yamada finds it's target.
Yamada lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A lazy body kick from Yamada
and Leija counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Leija checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good exchange - Yamada coming out on top.
A shot to the body from Yamada misses
and Leija counters with a straight right hand.
Yamada throws a low kick, looking for Leija 's leg but Leija calmly moves out of range.
Yamada lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Leija connects with a nice looking jab.
Leija works over Yamada's head and body with a nice combination.
Leija takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Leija dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Yamada. That did some damage!
Yamada turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Leija lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Leija is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Yamada thows a left - swing and a miss!
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Yamada lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Leija has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Leija and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Yamada bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Yamada throws a leg kick but Leija sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Leija takes one on the button.
Yamada jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Good work by Yamada as he checks the leg kick.
Yamada throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Leija connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leija misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Yamada.
Leija does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Leija moves out of range of the body kick.
Yamada throws a chopping leg kick but Leija manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Leija defending well as Yamada loads up on a big left hand.
Keiichi Yamada seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Leija tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Yamada appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Leija fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Yamada is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Yamada looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Yamada loads up on a big right hand but Leija slips the punch.
Leija looks to throw the jab but Yamada is out of range.
Leija pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Leija displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Yamada.
Yamada throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Yamada takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The fighters circling - Leija throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Yamada fires out a quick counter leg kick but Leija just manages to avoid it.
A slapping leg kick lands for Leija .

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yamada moves into range and connects with a jab.
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!
Yamada motions for Leija to come forward. Yamada throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Alfredo Leija is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Leija swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Leija misses with a body shot.
Leija ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Yamada moves away.
Yamada thuds his shin into the meat of Leija 's side.
Yamada lands a nice leg kick that just misses Leija 's sensitive parts.
Yamada connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Leija momentarily.
Leija throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Leija checks the leg kick nicely there.
Yamada throws a body punch but Leija moves out of range.
Leija uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Yamada.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A head kick misses from Leija .
Yamada misses with a body kick.
Yamada misses with an uppercut.
Leija is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Yamada had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Yamada thows a leg kick but Leija checks it
and Leija counters with a nice uppercut.
Yamada has been working on his balance at World Combat Sports Academy, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Leija .
Leija defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Yamada.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alfredo Leija dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Leija loads up on a big right hand but Yamada slips the punch.
Yamada tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Leija is able to avoid easily.

Yamada feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Leija has momentary wrist control but Yamada slips an elbow through the middle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Leija managing to control the position.
Leija wants to sweep but no luck.
Leija working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Yamada.
Yamada with a flurry of punches that miss.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yamada is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Yamada wants to control from the top but Leija keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yamada working some strikes from top position.
Leija is trying to keep Yamada in close.
Yamada slips nicely into half guard.
Leija is trying is best to control the position here.
Yamada wants to pass to mount but Leija is defending the position.
Yamada wants to control but Leija is keeping him busy.

Yamada seems to be working for a kimura but Leija defends the submission attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Leija trying to control from the bottom.
Yamada perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Yamada wants to free his trapped foot but Leija is holding on for dear life with his legs.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
A bone on bone clash there as Yamada blocks the leg kick.
Yamada lands with an overhand left.
Leija throws a low kick but Yamada moves out of range easily.
Leija is looking to slow Yamada down with leg kicks.
Leija ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Yamada moves away.
Leija lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Leija .
Leija throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Leija turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Yamada throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Leija on the side of the head.
Yamada throws a body shot but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head kick from Leija lands but Yamada takes it in his stride.
Leija ducks under a wild hook from Yamada.
Yamada on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Leija looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Leija moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Yamada dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Leija . That did some damage!
Good work by Yamada as he checks the leg kick.
Leija pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Yamada slips a jab from Leija .
Yamada throws a leg kick but Leija sees it coming and moves out of range.
Leija moves away from the strike by Yamada.
Yamada scores with a punch to the head.
Leija walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Yamada moves out of range as Leija strikes.
Yamada shoots in looking for a takedown but Leija manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Yamada's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
A telegraphed right hand from Yamada misses the target.
Leija only half commits to the counter leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leija walks into a jab.
Yamada throws a hook to the side of Leija 's head but Leija sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Yamada shoots and misses
and Leija counters with a stiff right hand.
Yamada tried to score with a low kick but Leija checks it.
Yamada checks a leg kick nicely.
No luck for Yamada with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiichi Yamada. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Leija throws a body punch but Yamada moves out of range.
Leija walks into a jab.
Alfredo Leija seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Leija blocks the body kick.
Yamada on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Yamada tries a low kick but Leija avoids it.
Leija appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Yamada is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Yamada thumps Leija with a low kick.
Yamada will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Leija let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
A jab from Leija finds it's way through Yamada's defenses.
Yamada rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Leija counters with a nice body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alfredo Leija will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Leija gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Leija is trying to control the position but Yamada postures up.
Yamada pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Leija is keeping the position for now.
Leija tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Yamada not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Yamada wants to control from the top but Leija keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yamada is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Leija is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Yamada trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yamada is stalling in the full guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Leija misses with a hook.
A head kick from Leija lands but Yamada takes it in his stride.
Leija misses with a series of wild punches.

Yamada throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Leija tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Yamada is in Leija 's guard.
Leija is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Leija keeping moving, preventing Yamada from controlling successfully.
Leija managing to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yamada pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Leija is keeping the position for now.
Yamada advances position into side control!
Yamada landing strikes.
Yamada taking a break here but Leija is having none of it and regains half guard.
Yamada perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leija is looking for a sweep. Yamada is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

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

Yamada is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Yamada trying to control from Leija 's half guard. Leija has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Yamada might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's four 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.
Leija trying to control the position here.
Yamada trying to control but Leija is working from the bottom.
Keiichi Yamada has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yamada tries to free his leg and advance position but Leija is retaining full guard.
Keiichi Yamada overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Leija is trying to control the position but Yamada postures up.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Yamada wants to control from the top but Leija keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Yamada works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Leija throws the left hand but Yamada avoids the punch easily.
Yamada has a takedown stuffed.

And that's the end of the fight!
Keiichi Yamada showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Leija has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alfredo Leija !
An out of breath and clearly excited Alfredo Leija thanked KAISER Nutrition - Q160/$250 for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).