PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Sascha Koniezko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shinsuke Kobayashi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Koniezko comes to the cage accompanied by Imperial March (L.O.D. Rage Mix). Shinsuke Kobayashi acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Koniezko
vs
Kobayashi

185 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

182 cm
25
180 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sascha Koniezko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shinsuke Kobayashi!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Sosuke Kotani and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Koniezko throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kobayashi.
Koniezko seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Koniezko tries to bum rush Kobayashi with a series of wild strikes but Kobayashi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Sascha Koniezko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Koniezko clinches.

Kobayashi pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Kobayashi gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Koniezko to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Kobayashi has his feet on Koniezko's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Koniezko forces Kobayashi back against the cage and clinches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kobayashi's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kobayashi is trying to break free.
Kobayashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Kobayashi is defending well against a takedown attempt.

Kobayashi breaks from the clinch.
Jab by Kobayashi.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kobayashi. Koniezko does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kobayashi swinging wildly here.
Horrible takedown attempt by Koniezko or perhaps it was just good defense by Kobayashi, which made it look bad.
Kobayashi is looking for the big counter here.
Kobayashi swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Koniezko.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Koniezko is defended easily by Kobayashi.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sascha Koniezko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Koniezko walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Koniezko forces Kobayashi back against the cage and clinches.

Kobayashi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kobayashi tries a head kick but it misses.
Koniezko is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Kobayashi.
Koniezko misses with a takedown attempt - Kobayashi sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Koniezko tries for a takedown but Kobayashi sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kobayashi is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.

Koniezko clinches.
Koniezko gets through Kobayashi's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Kobayashi's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kobayashi has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Koniezko is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Koniezko clinches with his opponent.
Kobayashi tries to break the clinch but Koniezko is controlling the position.
Kobayashi prevents a takedown attempt there.
Koniezko is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Koniezko's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kobayashi wants to break the clinch but can't.

Kobayashi breaks from the clinch.
Kobayashi displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Koniezko.
Koniezko takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kobayashi misses with a few strikes there.
Koniezko throws a quick counter kick to the body but Kobayashi avoids it.
Koniezko shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kobayashi sprawls well. Kobayashi wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Koniezko gets slowly back to his feet.
Kobayashi scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kobayashi throws a head kick that misses.
Kobayashi misses with a double jab.
Koniezko shoots for a takedown but Kobayashi saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Koniezko fails with the takedown
and Kobayashi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Koniezko tries for a takedown but Kobayashi sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Koniezko clinches.
Kobayashi is trying to break the clinch but Koniezko has him pressed against the cage.
Koniezko tries to pull guard but Kobayashi won't allow it.
Kobayashi looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kobayashi wants to break free but Koniezko has control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shinsuke Kobayashi dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Koniezko shoots in and gets a takedown into Kobayashi's guard.

Koniezko gets to his feet - Kobayashi follows without any prompting.

Koniezko clinches up with Kobayashi and pushes him back against the cage.

Kobayashi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Koniezko has managed to clinch.

Kobayashi breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Koniezko gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Kobayashi breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Koniezko dives in and grabs Kobayashi's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kobayashi pushes down on Koniezko's head and hops out.
Kobayashi has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kobayashi throws a right and a left that Koniezko avoids nicely.
Koniezko throws a big counter combination but Kobayashi scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Koniezko throws the left hand but Kobayashi avoids the punch easily.
Nice shot by Kobayashi.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Koniezko avoids a punch combination nicely.
Sascha Koniezko is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Koniezko moves into the clinch successfully.

Kobayashi escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Koniezko closes the distance and pushes Kobayashi back into the cage.
Kobayashi is trying to push Koniezko away but Koniezko has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kobayashi working hard to break the clinch.
Sascha Koniezko has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Kobayashi breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A nice combination there by Kobayashi.

Koniezko moves into the clinch.
Koniezko tries to pull guard but Kobayashi forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Koniezko keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kobayashi's efforts to push away.
Kobayashi has had enough of the clinch but Koniezko keeps him there for the moment.

Kobayashi's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kobayashi throws a series of punches but Koniezko avoids them all with ease.
Shinsuke Kobayashi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kobayashi will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kobayashi lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Kobayashi.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Koniezko tries for a takedown but Kobayashi sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sascha Koniezko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kobayashi misses with a double jab.

Koniezko moves into the clinch.
Kobayashi is trying to push Koniezko away but Koniezko has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Kobayashi breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Koniezko closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Kobayashi manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kobayashi lands a two punch combo.
Kobayashi with a jab.
Kobayashi misses with the combination.
Kobayashi defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Koniezko.
Koniezko scores with a hook.
Koniezko takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kobayashi takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Koniezko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kobayashi manages to avoid it.
Kobayashi misses with a double jab

and Koniezko moves into the clinch.

Kobayashi manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Koniezko rushes Kobayashi and presses him up against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Kobayashi breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kobayashi thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kobayashi will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Koniezko closes the distance and clinches.
A frustrated look appears on Kobayashi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kobayashi wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Koniezko goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kobayashi is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Koniezko pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kobayashi misses with the combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shinsuke Kobayashi showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Koniezko throws a right and a left that Kobayashi avoids nicely.
Koniezko fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kobayashi is looking for the big counter here.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Koniezko is defended easily by Kobayashi.

Koniezko looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kobayashi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kobayashi looking for a guillotine here but Koniezko defends easily.
Kobayashi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Koniezko stands and steps away. Kobayashi gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Koniezko scores with a takedown into Kobayashi's guard.

Koniezko decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
No joy there for Koniezko, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kobayashi swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Koniezko shoots for a double leg takedown but Kobayashi sprawls well. He's pushed Koniezko's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sascha Koniezko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kobayashi throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Koniezko feints and as Kobayashi raises his hands in defense, Koniezko changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Kobayashi is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Koniezko presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kobayashi is trying to force a seperation but Koniezko has the dominant position.
Koniezko is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Koniezko lands with a short shot to the head.

Koniezko pulls guard successfully.
Koniezko working a defensive guard here.
Kobayashi stands up over Koniezko, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Kobayashi trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Koniezko keeping full guard, as Kobayashi tries to pass.
Sascha Koniezko overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Koniezko is trying to control the position but Kobayashi postures up.
Kobayashi tries to free his leg and advance position but Koniezko is retaining full guard.
Kobayashi has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Koniezko managing to control the position.
Kobayashi wants to get up but he can't break Koniezko's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kobayashi gets to his feet - Koniezko follows without any prompting.

Koniezko closes the distance and pushes Kobayashi back into the cage.
Kobayashi is trying to break the clinch but Koniezko has him pressed against the cage.
Kobayashi can't break the clinch.
Kobayashi tries to break the clinch but Koniezko is controlling the position.
A frustrated look appears on Kobayashi's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Koniezko wants a takedown.
Kobayashi working hard to break the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Koniezko.

Koniezko pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kobayashi misses the shot to the body.
An attempted straight right counter from Koniezko misses the target.
Kobayashi changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kobayashi. Koniezko does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Koniezko closes the distance and clinches up with Kobayashi, looking for a takedown. Koniezko pushes Kobayashi against the cage but Kobayashi circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kobayashi throws a counter combo.

Koniezko closes the distance and clinches.

Kobayashi pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kobayashi throws a left and a right that both miss

and Koniezko holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Koniezko tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Koniezko has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Kobayashi uses from the top position.
Kobayashi throws an elbow that misses. Koniezko uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kobayashi's guard. Nice move by Koniezko!

Sascha Koniezko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
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!
Kobayashi 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.

Kobayashi is looking for a triangle but Koniezko pushes his legs off easily.
Koniezko connects with a couple of short punches.
Shinsuke Kobayashi is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Koniezko keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kobayashi's head.

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 Sascha Koniezko.
I think Kobayashi 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 Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 28:29
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shinsuke Kobayashi!
In his post fight interview, Shinsuke Kobayashi started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.
Sascha Koniezko spoke after the fight, saying 'He cheated! Check his gloves, they've got chloroform on them!'.