PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Shunsui Kyoraku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Baraka Simengwa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Simengwa has chosen Afande Sele feat Ditto - Darubini kali as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kyoraku
vs
Simengwa

190 cm
37
186 lbs
28 - 23 - 0

185 cm
37
195 lbs
25 - 26 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Red Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Arcticus University: London

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 23 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shunsui Kyoraku!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 26 - 0, fighting out of London, Baraka Simengwa!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Robert Douchet and Elvis Blanc.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Simengwa takes a kick to the side of the head.

It looks like Baraka Simengwa has been cut.
Simengwa misses with a hook. Kyoraku ducked under it nicely.
Kyoraku throws a sloppy head kick and Simengwa moves out of range easily.
Simengwa looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Simengwa slips a jab from Kyoraku.
Simengwa fails to land the takedown.
Kyoraku looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Simengwa checks a leg kick.
Simengwa takes one to the chin there.
Kyoraku works Simengwa's body with a nice hook.
Kyoraku misses with a straight right.
A lazy left from Simengwa finds it's target.
Kyoraku swings for the body but Simengwa moves out of range.
Kyoraku misses with a straight right.
Kyoraku misses with an uppercut.
Kyoraku tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Simengwa was well out of range. Poor timing from Kyoraku.
Simengwa throws the left hand but Kyoraku avoids the punch easily.
A good leg kick by Kyoraku.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simengwa takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Simengwa lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Kyoraku swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Simengwa takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kyoraku throws a leg kick that is checked

and Simengwa counters with a nice double leg into side control. Kyoraku won't be happy with that.
Simengwa trying to control the position but Kyoraku is working away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kyoraku sneaks back into half guard.

Simengwa is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Simengwa is looking to advance position but Kyoraku won't allow it.
Kyoraku manages to get to full guard.
Kyoraku manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Simengwa manages to get himself to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Simengwa looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Simengwa bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kyoraku's guard.

Kyoraku 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.
Simengwa trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Simengwa passes Kyoraku's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
My spies in Arm Breakers/BJJ inform me that Simengwa has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Kyoraku wants to control but Simengwa is keeping busy.

Simengwa is working for a kimura but Kyoraku is defending it quite comfortably.

Simengwa is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Kyoraku doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Simengwa.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simengwa wants to free his trapped foot but Kyoraku is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kyoraku makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Kyoraku.
Kyoraku wants to sweep here but Simengwa controlling him for the moment.
Simengwa is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Simengwa trying to control but Kyoraku is working from the bottom.

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.
Simengwa wants to pass the guard but Kyoraku is keeping the position.
Simengwa loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kyoraku 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.
Simengwa looking to sit in guard and control but Kyoraku gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Simengwa is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Simengwa is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Simengwa working a defensive guard but Kyoraku manages to pass into side control anyway.
Simengwa regains half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shunsui Kyoraku dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Baraka Simengwa's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Simengwa throws a looping overhand right but Kyoraku ducks down to avoid it.
Shunsui Kyoraku seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Simengwa misses with a body shot.
Shunsui Kyoraku is winning the standup battle so far.

Kyoraku closes the distance and clinches.
Simengwa tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kyoraku swings wildly with an uppercut but Simengwa uses good head movement to avoid it.
A short right from Kyoraku.
Kyoraku is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Simengwa can do to turn this around?
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Simengwa.
Simengwa taking a breather.
Kyoraku softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Simengwa misses with the head strike.
Simengwa scores with a nice hook to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kyoraku.
Kyoraku misses with a hook to the ribs.
Simengwa is struggling to control the position.
Kyoraku prevents a body shot from Simengwa.
Simengwa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Simengwa tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kyoraku's elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kyoraku lands with a light punch inside.
Simengwa is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Simengwa blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Simengwa looking to slow down the pace here.
Kyoraku digs a right hand underneath Simengwa's ribcage. Simengwa let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Simengwa changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kyoraku fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Simengwa throws out a loose jab but Kyoraku uses good head movement to avoid it.

Kyoraku moves into the clinch.
Kyoraku pressing his opponent against the cage.
Kyoraku stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kyoraku lands a hook to the side of the head.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Shunsui Kyoraku has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kyoraku misses with some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kyoraku stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Simengwa scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kyoraku is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Kyoraku misses with a punch on the inside.
Simengwa looking to stall.
Simengwa tries for a takedown. No joy.
Shunsui Kyoraku has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Baraka Simengwa.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kyoraku creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Simengwa misses with a short punch on the inside.
Simengwa slowing the pace effectively.
Kyoraku swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Simengwa is struggling to control the position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kyoraku swings wildly with an uppercut but Simengwa uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kyoraku throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kyoraku is pressed up against the cage. Simengwa has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kyoraku down to the mat. Kyoraku avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Kyoraku swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Simengwa.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simengwa ducks under a wild hook from Kyoraku.
A decent looking cross lands there for Simengwa.
Simengwa is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kyoraku.
Simengwa thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kyoraku walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Simengwa waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kyoraku.
Kyoraku moves out of range of the strikes.
Kyoraku appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Kyoraku takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kyoraku misses with a straight left.
Simengwa connects with the punch.
Kyoraku throws a quick inside leg kick.
Simengwa tries to clinch but Kyoraku is having none of it.
Kyoraku thuds his shin into the meat of Simengwa's side.
Simengwa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kyoraku sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simengwa connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kyoraku throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kyoraku throws a head kick but Simengwa moves out of range.
Shunsui Kyoraku is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Simengwa misses with a straight left.

Kyoraku clinches with his opponent.
Simengwa dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Simengwa looking to stall.
A short uppercut from Kyoraku.
Kyoraku lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Simengwa.
Simengwa has Kyoraku pressed against the cage.
Kyoraku goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kyoraku misses with a hook from the clinch.
Simengwa fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Simengwa trying to stall but Kyoraku improves his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shunsui Kyoraku dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Baraka Simengwa's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. 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.

Good exchange - Simengwa coming out on top.
Kyoraku throws a wild body kick that Simengwa sees coming a mile off.
Simengwa misses with a straight left.
Kyoraku misses with a body shot.

Simengwa closes the distance and clinches.
The referee is keeping an eye on Simengwa - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Simengwa is trying to maintain a safe position but Kyoraku gets an underhook and turns Simengwa into the cage.
Simengwa is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Kyoraku fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Simengwa blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kyoraku lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Kyoraku tries to throw a body punch but Simengwa avoids it by throwing Kyoraku back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Simengwa fails to land.
Simengwa just leaning against Kyoraku, taking a breather.
Simengwa goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kyoraku swings wildly with an uppercut but Simengwa uses good head movement to avoid it.
Simengwa blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kyoraku misses with a hook to the ribs.
Simengwa is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Simengwa is trying to stall.
Simengwa has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kyoraku avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kyoraku softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Simengwa tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Simengwa misses with the head strike.
Simengwa taking a breather.
Kyoraku misses with a body punch.
Simengwa working aggressively here.
Kyoraku gets underhooks to prevent Simengwa's takedown attempt.
Kyoraku misses with a punch to the body.
Simengwa is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kyoraku is keeping busy.
Kyoraku struggles to land a body shot inside as Simengwa controls his hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simengwa blocking some punches.
Kyoraku scores with a nice hook to the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kyoraku.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kyoraku swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Simengwa is looking to control Kyoraku's arms but Kyoraku gets an underhook and turns him. Now Simengwa has his back to the cage.
Kyoraku is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Shunsui Kyoraku has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Baraka Simengwa.
Simengwa misses with a short punch on the inside.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Baraka Simengwa.
Simengwa misses with an uppercut.
Kyoraku takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Kyoraku with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

Kyoraku has taken the fight to the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Simengwa drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kyoraku pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kyoraku swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Simengwa throws an overhand right that lands on Kyoraku's shoulder, as Kyoraku tries to avoid the shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kyoraku. Simengwa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kyoraku moves into range and connects with a jab.
Kyoraku lands with a right hand.
Kyoraku fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Simengwa on the side of the head.
Simengwa on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

Simengwa is rocked!
Kyoraku throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Simengwa is still on wobbly legs! Can Kyoraku finish him?

Kyoraku closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Simengwa seems to have recovered his senses.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Kyoraku as Simengwa tries to tie him up.
Simengwa blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kyoraku lands a left hand that snaps the head of Simengwa backwards.
Kyoraku lands a left hand.
A shot in the inside from Kyoraku.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kyoraku lands a right hand.
Kyoraku pushes Simengwa against the cage. Kyoraku is working some dirty boxing. Kyoraku pushes off with a quick right hook! Simengwa goes down! Simengwa tries to stand but stumbles back to his kness! Kyoraku moves in to finish and the ref steps in to prevent any more damage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Shunsui Kyoraku!
After winning the bout, Shunsui Kyoraku thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.