PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kumo LaRusso (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ryota Murata (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). LaRusso comes into the arena with The crystal method-coming back blaring out of the sound system. 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.

LaRusso
vs
Murata

180 cm
26
168 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

182 cm
18
182 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

RAGS of a RONIN

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kumo LaRusso!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ryota Murata!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Shigeki Fujiwara and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Murata uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from LaRusso.
Murata let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Murata dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
LaRusso pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Murata's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Murata duly obliges.
LaRusso keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A big right from Murata misses.
LaRusso was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
LaRusso uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Murata.
Murata takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Murata ducks down and throws a hook to the body but LaRusso moves away.
A looping hook to the body misses from LaRusso. Murata does a little dance to reset his feet.
The fighters circling - LaRusso throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaRusso misses with a jab, cross combination.
A big left from LaRusso misses.
LaRusso looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
LaRusso takes a jab right on the kisser.
LaRusso sizes up Murata with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice straight punches there by Murata. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Murata.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murata moves out of range as LaRusso strikes.
Murata digs a good body shot into LaRusso's ribs.
Murata fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Murata ducks under a wild hook from LaRusso.
LaRusso staying out of range there.
Murata throws a looping overhand right but LaRusso ducks down to avoid it.

LaRusso moves into the clinch.
LaRusso misses with the head strike.
Murata blocking some punches.
LaRusso fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Murata misses with a hook to the ribs.
LaRusso effectively controlling the action here.
LaRusso misses with the head strike.
LaRusso lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Murata wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, LaRusso creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murata is trying to break the clinch but LaRusso has him pressed against the cage.
LaRusso gets through Murata's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Murata tries to work over LaRusso's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
LaRusso scores with a shoulder strike.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A quick uppercut on the inside from LaRusso.
LaRusso keeps control of Murata as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
LaRusso misses with a short punch on the inside.
LaRusso misses with a hook from the clinch.
LaRusso tries a body shot but Murata blocks it.
LaRusso blocks an uppercut.
Murata blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Murata is looking to break free of the clinch but LaRusso has double underhooks.
Murata misses with a shot to the kidneys.
LaRusso pushes Murata back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
LaRusso lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Murata or not.
Murata takes a shot to the head.
LaRusso throws a head punch that misses.
LaRusso is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Murata.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murata misses with the head strike.
LaRusso lands a left hand that snaps the head of Murata backwards.
LaRusso fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
LaRusso lands with a short punch from the clinch.
LaRusso softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Murata avoids a wild elbow strike from LaRusso.
A short left from LaRusso.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, LaRusso creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
LaRusso keeps control of Murata as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
A short right from LaRusso on the inside.
LaRusso throws a punch but it's blocked by Murata.
Murata wants to break free but LaRusso has control.
LaRusso keeps control of Murata as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
LaRusso just leaning against Murata, taking a breather.
Murata is trying to force a seperation but LaRusso has the dominant position.
Murata looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
LaRusso gets through Murata's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
LaRusso swings away with an uppercut that misses.
LaRusso misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for LaRusso.
LaRusso misses with a hook from the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
LaRusso lands a right hand that snaps the head of Murata backwards.
A nice right hand lands inside from LaRusso.
LaRusso misses with a hook from the clinch.
LaRusso misses with some punches.
Murata swings wildly with an uppercut but LaRusso uses good head movement to avoid it.
LaRusso lands with a short head shot on the inside.
LaRusso swings wildly with an uppercut but Murata uses good head movement to avoid it.
LaRusso misses with a punch on the inside.
LaRusso lands a right hand.
Murata is trying to break free.
Murata fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Murata.
LaRusso misses with a short punch on the inside.
LaRusso's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
LaRusso lands a body punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kumo LaRusso dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Murata staying out of range there.
LaRusso is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Murata can do to turn this around?
LaRusso connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Murata misses with a straight right.
LaRusso throws a looping overhand right but Murata ducks down to avoid it.
Murata is looking for the big counter here.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Murata tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but LaRusso was well out of range. Poor timing from Murata.
LaRusso throws a body punch but Murata moves out of range.
Murata connects with a body shot that sends LaRusso's belly button to the back.
A slow jab from LaRusso misses its intended target.
Murata throws a predictable looking body shot
and Murata takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by LaRusso.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaRusso takes a swing at Murata's ribcage but misses.
LaRusso takes a swing at Murata's ribcage but misses.
LaRusso throws a jab when Murata was well out of range.
Murata throws the left hand but LaRusso avoids the punch easily.
LaRusso swings and misses with a shot to the body
enabling Murata to counter with a crisp jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaRusso throws a lazy right hand but Murata sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Murata doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Murata ducks down and throws a hook to the body but LaRusso moves away.
Murata falls off balance throwing a combination
and LaRusso counters with a nice uppercut.
Murata displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as LaRusso throws out the jab.
Murata throws a body punch but LaRusso moves out of range.
LaRusso stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Murata moves away from the strike by LaRusso.
LaRusso swings and misses with a hook to the body.
LaRusso takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
LaRusso scores with a jab.
Murata staying out of range there.
Murata dips to his left and cracks LaRusso with an uppercut!
Murata is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down LaRusso rather than just go for the knockout.
Murata defending well as LaRusso loads up on a big left hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LaRusso looks to land a left hand but Murata moved out of range nicely.
Murata misses with a two punch combination.
LaRusso looks to score with a jab to the body but Murata is just out of range.
Murata connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Murata throws a right hand that misses
and LaRusso counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
LaRusso waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Murata.
LaRusso stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Murata takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
LaRusso connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Murata scores with a jab. LaRusso acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Murata changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Murata throws a combination that misses
letting LaRusso counter with a right hand.

LaRusso closes the distance and clinches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for LaRusso.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for LaRusso.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Murata's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Murata being controlled against the cage.
Murata wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but LaRusso has him pressed against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by LaRusso.
LaRusso misses with a hook from the clinch.
Murata wants to break the clinch but can't.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Murata.
LaRusso keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Murata's efforts to push away.
A short right from LaRusso on the inside.
Murata blocks a punch to the side of the head.
LaRusso is stalling here.
LaRusso fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Murata lands a right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murata looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
LaRusso misses with an elbow strike.
Murata is trying to break the clinch but LaRusso is controlling him.
Murata swings wildly with an uppercut but LaRusso uses good head movement to avoid it.
LaRusso lands a shoulder strike.
LaRusso blocks a body shot from Murata.
LaRusso manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
LaRusso scores with a hook to the body.
LaRusso lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Murata tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Murata tries to circle away but LaRusso has him pinned against the cage.
LaRusso scores with a shot to the side of Murata's head.
LaRusso lands with a right to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
LaRusso scores with a shot to the side of Murata's head.
LaRusso keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Murata's efforts to push away.
Murata tried to land a shot to the body but connects with LaRusso's elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kumo LaRusso dominated that second 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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Murata's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Murata duly obliges.
LaRusso scores with a decent looking hook.
Murata slips a straight right by LaRusso.
Murata appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Murata steps to the side to avoid the strikes from LaRusso.
Murata lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but LaRusso circles away quickly and effectively.
Murata throws a body shot but no joy.
LaRusso loads up on a big right hand but Murata slips the punch.
Murata lands a jab-cross combination.
LaRusso uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Murata.
Murata throws an uppercut from half a mile away. LaRusso sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nice cross by LaRusso.
Murata misses with a looping right.
Murata throws a right hand that LaRusso ducks under and follows up with a left that LaRusso also avoids with ease.
LaRusso swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Murata with a jab.
LaRusso lands a two punch combo.
Kumo LaRusso is winning the standup battle so far.
Murata takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murata throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Murata looks to land a combination. LaRusso sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
LaRusso tries to close the distance and clinch up but Murata swats him away and circles back towards the center.
LaRusso lands a body shot.
Murata steps to the side to avoid the strikes from LaRusso.
LaRusso uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Murata.
No joy there for Murata, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
LaRusso throwing a counter right hand but Murata manages to avoid it.
LaRusso paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
LaRusso misses with a hook. Murata ducked under it nicely.
LaRusso fails to land with a series of punches.
Murata ducks right into an uppercut from LaRusso.
Murata misses the shot to the body.
Murata swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
enabling LaRusso to counter with a crisp jab.
Murata throws a poor cross that misses
enabling LaRusso to counter with a crisp jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Murata tries to keep at a distance but LaRusso has taken the fight into the clinch.
LaRusso leaning his opponent against the cage.
A shot in the inside from LaRusso.
LaRusso presses Murata against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Murata blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
LaRusso pushes off an throws an elbow but Murata leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Murata goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A nice left hand lands by LaRusso.
LaRusso lands with a light punch inside.
LaRusso swings away with an uppercut that misses.
LaRusso misses with a punch on the inside.
LaRusso has a couple of punches blocked by Murata.
LaRusso working some nice short punches in the clinch.
LaRusso misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murata tries to break free but LaRusso pushes him back against the cage.
Kumo LaRusso has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Murata blocks a punch to the side of the head.
LaRusso lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Murata backwards.
LaRusso lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Murata backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Murata fails to land.
Murata fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Murata.
LaRusso scores with a nice hook to the head.
LaRusso prevents Murata from breaking the clinch.
LaRusso pushes Murata back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Murata.
Murata tries to break the clinch but LaRusso is controlling the position.
LaRusso lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Murata backwards.
Murata is trying to push LaRusso away but LaRusso has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Murata takes a shot to the head.
Murata throws a punch but it's blocked by LaRusso.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Murata.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LaRusso working aggressively here.
LaRusso swings away with an uppercut that misses.
LaRusso misses with some punches.
LaRusso misses with an elbow strike.
LaRusso misses with the head strike.
A hook to the body from LaRusso.
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!
A nice right hand lands inside from LaRusso.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
LaRusso lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
LaRusso lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ryota Murata has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
LaRusso blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Murata misses with the head strike.
LaRusso misses with a short punch on the inside.
Murata wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Murata lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Murata lands a body punch in the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kumo LaRusso showed his dominance in that final round.
Well LaRusso 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 Shirou Masuda scores the fight for Kumo LaRusso!
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight for Kumo LaRusso!
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight for Kumo LaRusso!

Kumo LaRusso wins by unanimous decision!
In his post fight interview, Kumo LaRusso gave a big smile as he said 'Grownstone KO'd you and now I beat you senseless...I think it's time to hang up the gloves ya bum'.