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. Rico Cole has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Cole
vs
Yoshida

182 cm
21
160 lbs
7 - 3 - 1

167 cm
21
156 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Humanoid Nutrition (160Q for 160$)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 1, fighting out of London, Rico Cole!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hotaka Yoshida!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Vladimir Khabensky and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cole throws an overhand right that lands on Yoshida's shoulder, as Yoshida tries to avoid the shot.
Yoshida looks to throw the jab but Cole is out of range.
Hotaka Yoshida seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice body punch from Yoshida.
We've been informed that Yoshida has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Cole throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cole misses with an uppercut. Yoshida saw that one coming.
A chopping leg kick lands by Yoshida.
Cole connects with a crisp jab.
Cole has been working on his boxing with his coaches at ~T~ Troid - Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Yoshida thuds his right hand into Cole's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Cole throws out a loose jab but Yoshida uses good head movement to avoid it.
Yoshida throws a leg kick
and Cole counters with a straight right hand.
Cole throws a low kick but Yoshida moves out of range easily.
Yoshida rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cole counters with a two punch combo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cole feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Yoshidas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Cole throws out a leg kick but Yoshida moves out of range and Cole only half commits.
Yoshida gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Cole makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yoshida throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Yoshida tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Cole is able to avoid easily.
Yoshida misses with a low kick.
It looked like Cole was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Yoshida.
Yoshida throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Yoshida throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Cole checks the leg kick.
Cole misses the shot to the body.
Cole defending well as Yoshida loads up on a big left hand.
Yoshida throws a lazy head kick
and Cole counters with a nice body shot.
A head kick misses from Yoshida.
Yoshida throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Cole's head.
Yoshida takes one to the chin there.
Cole is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Yoshida takes one on the button.
Yoshida misses with a leg kick.
Cole walks into a stiff left hand from Yoshida.
Cole ducks under a wild hook from Yoshida.
Cole is looking to counter punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yoshida throws a low kick but it's checked well by Cole.
Yoshida throws a half hearted mid kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Yoshida throws a head kick that misses.
Cole moves out of range of the strikes.

Yoshida shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Cole is trying to defend but Yoshida finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Cole is positioning himself well to prevent Yoshida advancing to mount.
Cole regains full guard. Nicely done.

Yoshida drops back looking for a leg! Cole is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Cole manages to kick Yoshida off! Yoshida jumps back into Cole's guard.
Cole controls Yoshida momentarily but Yoshida frees himself.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yoshida seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Yoshida tries to free his leg and advance position but Cole is retaining full guard.
Yoshida engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Yoshida is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Yoshida is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Cole will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Cole trying to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Cole keeping moving, preventing Yoshida from controlling successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Cole is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
A head kick misses from Yoshida.
Cole attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Yoshida misses with a leg kick
and Yoshida takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cole takes a swing at Yoshida's ribcage but misses.
Nice sprawl there from Cole as Yoshida shoots in.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Cole walks into a straight right hand from Yoshida.
Cole swings for the body but Yoshida moves out of range.
Yoshida shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rico Cole has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hotaka Yoshida.
Yoshida jabbing away but nothing is landing.
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.
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.

Nice defenses there by Cole.
Cole scores with a decent looking hook.
Yoshida uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cole.
Cole lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Yoshida misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A little feinted left hand from Cole on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Yoshida lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cole's sensitive parts.
Yoshida darts in looking for a takedown but Cole gets double underhooks and turns Yoshida into the cage.

Yoshida 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.
Yoshida is stalling in the full guard.
Yoshida won't allow Cole to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yoshida trying to control but Cole is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yoshida advances to half guard.
Cole is not content to let Yoshida control the position.
Cole won't allow Yoshida to pass to mount.
Yoshida is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Cole reverses the position - he's now on top in Yoshida's guard.
Cole controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cole working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Cole content to stall in guard here.
Cole loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Cole trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Yoshida is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Yoshida pulls Cole in close to his closed guard and prevents Cole from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cole postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Cole tries to stand but Yoshida is controlling from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A leg kick checked by Cole.
Cole misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Yoshida.
Yoshida pushes Cole away with a front kick.
Cole pivots, looking for a leg kick but Yoshida is out of range and Cole settles back down.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Yoshida, right into the meat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yoshida fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cole manages to avoid it.
Cole keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Cole checks a leg kick.
Cole misses with a body shot.
Yoshida misses with a hook
and Cole counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cole misses with a body shot.
Yoshida takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Some bone on bone action there as Cole checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Cole looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Decent striking displayed by Cole there.
Cole swings for the body but Yoshida moves out of range.
Cole scores with a nice head shot.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cole misses with a body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Yoshida tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Cole is able to avoid easily.
Yoshida scores with a leg kick.
Yoshida misses with a low kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rico Cole dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A leg kick checked by Cole.
Cole tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Yoshida was well out of range. Poor timing from Cole.
A bone on bone clash there as Cole blocks the leg kick.
Cole throwing a counter right hand but Yoshida manages to avoid it.

Yoshida shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Yoshida showed some decent athleticism there.

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

Yoshida seems to be looking for submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cole keeping hold of Yoshida's head, controlling as best he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Well, if Yoshida is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Cole wants to improve his position but Yoshida is controlling well.
Yoshida is looking to take a break and control but Cole is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Yoshida is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Cole defends it well.
Yoshida trying to control from half guard but Cole is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Cole wants to improve his position but Yoshida is controlling well.
Yoshida uses his free foot to push down on Cole's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Cole.
Cole is squirming around, avoiding Yoshida's attempts to control the action.
Yoshida tries to push Cole's head away but Cole is holding on tight.

Yoshida has hold of Cole's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Cole manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Yoshida avoids the attempt from Cole to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cole has given up his back.
I really don't envy Cole right now.
Yoshida not allowing Cole to control his hands.

Yoshida is looking for the choke from the back position but Cole is controlling his hands well.

Yoshida is persistently looking for the submission but Cole is defending it well.

Yoshida looking for the choke but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cole tries to escape the position.

Yoshida working for the choke.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cole wants to control his opponent's hands but Yoshida gets his hands free.

Yoshida looking for the choke from the back.
Cole trying to control but not successfully.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Yoshida patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Cole preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Yoshida.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hotaka Yoshida really dominated that round.
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.

Yoshida throws a one two combo.
Cole connects with a solid leg kick.
Cole changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Yoshida throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cole sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cole connects with a crisp jab.
Cole throws a combination. Yoshida tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Yoshida tried to score with a low kick but Cole checks it.
Yoshida looks for the body kick but Cole saw that one coming.
Yoshida is looking to chop away at Cole's legs.
Yoshida throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
A leg kick checked by Cole.
A counter left hand to the body from Cole misses its target.
Yoshida rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Cole to counter with a crisp jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Yoshida looks for a takedown but Cole sprawls well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A left lands for Cole.
Nice takedown defense from Cole. No joy for Yoshida on that attempt.
Yoshida digs a good hook to Cole's body.
Cole just misses with a punch to the body.
Yoshida is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Yoshida rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Cole counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Cole cracks Yoshida with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Cole misses with a wild body shot.
Cole missing with a left hand there. Yoshida was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Yoshida lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Yoshida dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Cole. That did some damage!
Cole moves into range and connects with a jab.
Cole misses with a hook. Yoshida ducked under it nicely.
A cross from Yoshida lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Yoshida throws a right and a left that Cole avoids nicely.
Cole uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Yoshida.
Donk. Cole catches Yoshida right on the button with a cross.
Cole displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Yoshida.
Rico Cole has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hotaka Yoshida.
Yoshida takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Cole dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Yoshida looks to land a body kick but Cole moved away.
Cole is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Yoshida.
Cole lands with a hook. Yoshida tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

Yoshida closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Yoshida lands in his opponent's guard.
Hotaka Yoshida has got the better of the ground game so far.
Yoshida looking to sit in guard and control but Cole gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cole wants to control from the top but Yoshida keeps moving.
Yoshida seems keen to control Cole's posture.
Yoshida working a defensive guard here.
Cole wanted to stand there but Yoshida had control of the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Yoshida controlling Cole's posture.
Yoshida has a closed guard, preventing Cole from standing up.
Yoshida not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Cole wants to pass the guard but Yoshida is keeping the position.
Cole would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rico Cole had his way with Hotaka Yoshida in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Yoshida manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Cole on his heels. He'll look to pass Cole's guard now, I'm sure.

Yoshida has gone for a leg lock! Cole slips out almost immediately though and dives into Yoshida's guard.

Yoshida is trying to keep Cole in close.
Yoshida controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yoshida controls Cole momentarily but Cole frees himself.
Yoshida controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yoshida has a closed guard, preventing Cole from standing up.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Yoshida holds on and takes a little breather.
Cole wants to stand but Yoshida has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Yoshida trying to control the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
A swing and a miss from Yoshida.
Yoshida takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Cole throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Yoshida slips under a jab from Cole.

Yoshida throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Cole was covering up waiting for the punch and Yoshida finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Cole looking for a guillotine here but Yoshida defends easily.
Cole 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.
Cole is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yoshida pushes down on Cole's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Yoshida seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cole does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Yoshida is pressing down on Cole's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cole is holding on for now.
Yoshida is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Cole trying to control from the bottom.
Yoshida with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Cole won't allow Yoshida to pass to mount.
Cole wants to improve his position but Yoshida is controlling well.
Yoshida wants to take a breather but Cole is having none of it.
Cole is looking to control Yoshida's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cole avoid being mounted?

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Yoshida shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Cole as he avoids it easily.
Yoshida misses with a head kick.
Rico Cole is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Yoshida pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Cole connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Yoshida closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Cole throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Rico Cole.
I think Cole 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight for Rico Cole!
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight for Rico Cole!
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight for Rico Cole!

Rico Cole wins by unanimous decision!
Rico Cole retains his lightweight title!