PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rico Cole (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hotaka Yoshida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yoshida has chosen Arsone as his entrance music. 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.

Cole
vs
Yoshida

182 cm
20
155 lbs
5 - 3 - 1

167 cm
20
156 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Determined

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 5 - 3 - 1, fighting out of London, Rico Cole!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hotaka Yoshida!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Fedor Mirinova and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yoshida tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Yoshida throws an off balance right hand
and Cole counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Cole tries to land a leg kick but Yoshida saw it coming and moves away.
Yoshida tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Cole throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Yoshida sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Yoshida throws a shot from downtown. Cole moves away and avoids it.
Cole keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Cole is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Yoshida throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cole's waist but Cole gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Yoshida off to one side.
Yoshida shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Yoshida misses with a looping left.
Cole has been working on his boxing with his coaches at ~T~ Troid - Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Yoshida pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Yoshida takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Cole uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Yoshida.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yoshida ducks under a wild hook from Cole.
Cole scores with a hook to the body. Yoshida takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Cole missing with a left hand there. Yoshida was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cole moves out of range of the body kick from Yoshida.
Cole was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Cole bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Yoshida's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yoshida connects with an inside leg kick.
Cole is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Yoshida scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Cole tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Yoshida is able to avoid easily.
Yoshida drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Cole defends it well.
Yoshida throws a push kick but Cole slaps the foot to one side.
Cole swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Cole defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Yoshida.
Cole avoids the body shot from Yoshida.
Hotaka Yoshida seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Yoshida lands a jab to the head.
Cole scores with a spinning back kick!
Yoshida misses with a low kick.
A good leg kick by Yoshida.
Yoshida misses with a low kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cole. Yoshida does a little dance to reset his feet.
Yoshida throws a sloppy head kick and Cole moves out of range easily.
Cole jabs Yoshida to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Yoshida throws a sloppy head kick and Cole moves out of range easily.
Yoshida moves away from the strike by Cole.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cole swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Cole stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cole misses the shot to the body.
Yoshida steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cole.
Yoshida thuds his right hand into Cole's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

Yoshida shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Cole trying to hold on to Yoshida's head to control him but Yoshida postures up.
Cole is looking to improve his position.
Cole won't allow Yoshida to pass to mount.
Cole is looking to control Yoshida's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cole avoid being mounted?

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Yoshida is trying to work for a kimura but Cole is defending well.
Yoshida is controlling the pace.
Cole makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Cole.
Cole lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Cole wants to stand but Yoshida is controlling his posture from full guard.

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.
Yoshida is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Yoshida wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

Cole stands up and waves to Yoshida to follow him.
Cole listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Rico Cole will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Cole stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Yoshida.
Yoshida turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Yoshida.
Cole throws a sloppy head kick and Yoshida moves out of range easily.
Good work by Yoshida as he checks the leg kick.
Yoshida takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Cole takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Cole lands with an uppercut that bounces Yoshida off the cage and back into range.
Cole has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Yoshida.
Cole cracks the inside of Yoshida's front leg.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yoshida throws a low kick but Cole avoids it.
Yoshida uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cole.
Cole blocks a head kick by Yoshida.
Cole lands a body shot.
Yoshida thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cole avoids the head kick by Yoshida.
Cole takes a swing at Yoshida's ribcage but misses.
Yoshida rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cole moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Cole moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cole fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Yoshida looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Cole walks into a left hand.
Yoshida takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Yoshida scores with a jab to the jaw.
Cole throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Yoshida sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Yoshida throws a lazy right hand but Cole sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Cole digs a good body shot into Yoshida's ribs.
Yoshida takes one on the button.
Yoshida throws the kick towards the body but Cole avoids it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cole takes a jab right on the kisser.
Cole pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cole misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Yoshida.
Cole throws a leg kick but Yoshida moved away.
Yoshida with the counter takedown but Cole avoids it easily.
Yoshida checks a low kick from Cole.
Yoshida fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Cole.
Nice sprawl there from Cole as Yoshida shoots in.
Cole throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rico Cole is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A looping hook to the body misses from Cole. Yoshida does a little dance to reset his feet.
Yoshida looks to throw a body kick
and Cole counters with a nice body shot.
Cole misses with an uppercut. Yoshida saw that one coming.
Yoshida scores with a nice right hand.
Cole throws a series of punches but Yoshida avoids them all with ease.
Cole misses with a wild combination.
Cole fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Yoshida manages to avoid it.
Rico Cole is winning the standup battle so far.
Cole throws a body shot but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yoshida throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Cole lands a head kick!
Cole checks the leg kick nicely there.
Cole throws a big shot that misses.
Yoshida is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Cole throws a body shot but no joy.
Cole is looking to slow Yoshida down with leg kicks.
Cole throws a head kick that half lands.
Yoshida darts in looking for a takedown but Cole gets double underhooks and turns Yoshida into the cage.
Rico Cole has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hotaka Yoshida.
Cole fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Yoshida manages to avoid it.
Yoshida tries for a takedown but Cole circles away easily
and Cole counters with a straight right hand.
Cole pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nice shot lands for Yoshida.
Yoshida shoots in and drives through. Cole sprawls well.
Yoshida has his takedown stuffed
and Cole counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cole throws a body shot but no joy.
Yoshida is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Yoshida throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Yoshida tries a head kick but it misses.
Cole checks the leg kick nicely there.
Cole swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Yoshida uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cole.
Yoshida misses with a leg kick
and Cole counters with a thumping low kick.
Yoshida tries for a takedown but Cole sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Yoshida takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Cole is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Yoshida can do to turn this around?
A low kick from Yoshida is predictable there
and Cole counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Yoshida on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Cole. Cole obviously looking to wear him down.
Yoshida tries a head kick but it misses.
Cole misses with a wild body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rico Cole dominated that second round.
That's time! Cole's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Cole leaves Yoshida with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Cole ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Yoshida moves away.
Cole throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cole misses with a body shot.
Yoshida chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Cole scores with a jab to the body.
Cole cracks Yoshida with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Yoshida throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cole's waist but Cole gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Yoshida off to one side.
Yoshida tries for a takedown but Cole circles away easily
and Cole counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rico Cole has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hotaka Yoshida.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cole tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Yoshida was well out of range. Poor timing from Cole.
Cole moves out of range of the body kick.
Cole misses with a two punch combination.
Yoshida feints the counter takedown.
Cole is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Cole swings for the body but Yoshida moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yoshida tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cole misses with a jab, cross combination.
Yoshida misses with a straight right.
Yoshida tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cole was well out of range. Poor timing from Yoshida.
A low kick from Yoshida is predictable there
and Cole counters with a nice uppercut.
Cole is looking to wear down Yoshida with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Cole looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Yoshida misses with a few strikes there.
Cole looks to land a right hand but Yoshida moved out of range.
Yoshida throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Cole makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Cole misses with the combination.
Yoshida throws a nice inside leg kick.
Cole looks to throw the jab but Yoshida is out of range.
Yoshida throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Yoshida decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Yoshida wants to control but Cole is keeping him busy.
Cole is looking for a sweep. Yoshida is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Yoshida looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Cole manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Yoshida keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Cole misses with a punch to the body.
Cole throws a head punch that misses.
Cole lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Yoshida.
Cole misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Yoshida's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Cole scores with a body shot.
Yoshida avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cole thuds a left hand into Yoshida's body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yoshida fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Cole avoids it really well and circles away.
Cole misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Yoshida.
Cole throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Cole bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Yoshida's head backwards.
Cole throws a body shot but no joy.
Yoshida checks the leg kick.
Yoshida tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Cole connects with a right hand. Yoshida shakes it off.
Yoshida swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Yoshida fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Cole is out of range.
Yoshida's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Cole connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Yoshida scrambles back to his feet.
Cole misses with a body shot.
Cole tries to work over Yoshida's front leg with a kick but Yoshida checks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cole throws a hook to the side of Yoshida's head but Yoshida sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Cole misses with a jab, cross combination.
Yoshida turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Yoshida will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cole throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cole checks a leg kick.
Hotaka Yoshida has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yoshida slips under a jab.
Yoshida with the counter takedown but Cole avoids it easily.
Yoshida jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Yoshida looks to score with a jab to the body but Cole is just out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cole checks the leg kick nicely there.
Yoshida scores with a nice right hand.
Yoshida scores with a nice body kick.
Yoshida scoring well with a low kick there.
Cole is looking to chop away at Yoshida's legs.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rico Cole showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Cole has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:27
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rico Cole!