PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Grin Ribber (ranked 154 p4p, 15 weight class) and Hiroshimo Sakamoto (ranked 373 p4p, 47 weight class). Ribber comes to the cage accompanied by Ay Ay Ay. 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.

Ribber
vs
Sakamoto

178 cm
33
148 lbs
26 - 11 - 0

168 cm
31
152 lbs
28 - 14 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed

Zenith Nutrition (160q/225$)
Bullet Proof System

Project Mayhem

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Grin Ribber!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hiroshimo Sakamoto!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Robert Douchet and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ribber moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Ribber misses with a series of wild punches.
Ribber is looking to chop away at Sakamoto's legs.
A little jabbing left from Sakamoto on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Ribber chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ribber swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Sakamoto.
Hiroshimo Sakamoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sakamoto throws a body punch but Ribber moves out of range.
Sakamoto catches Ribber with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A jab from Ribber misses.
Sakamoto is looking to chop away at Ribber's legs.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Sakamoto tries to move into range but Ribber moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Sakamoto checks a leg kick.
Sakamoto lands a slapping body shot.
Sakamoto uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ribber.
Sakamoto thuds his shin into the meat of Ribber's side.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sakamoto digs a good body shot into Ribber's ribs.
Sakamoto fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Ribber looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Ribber tests Sakamoto's chin there with a solid looking shot.
A leg kick checked by Ribber.
A telegraphed right hand from Ribber misses the target.
Ribber checks a low kick from Sakamoto.
Ribber looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Ribber lunges at Sakamoto with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sakamoto's hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakamoto throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ribber.
Ribber tried to counter with a leg kick but Sakamoto avoided it.
Ribber throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakamoto sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakamoto has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Sakamoto displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ribber throws out the jab.
Sakamoto feints and then cracks Ribber's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ribber down.
Sakamoto misses with a low kick.
Ribber checks a leg kick.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Ribber on the side of the head.
A bone on bone clash there as Sakamoto blocks the leg kick.
Ribber checks a low kick from Sakamoto.
A jab from Ribber does it's job there.
Ribber fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Sakamoto.
Sakamoto throws out a loose jab but Ribber uses good head movement to avoid it.
A good leg kick by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto misses the jab.
That kick from Sakamoto tenderised Ribber's leg. Ribber is trying to keep his angry face on.
Ribber tries to land a leg kick but Sakamoto saw it coming and moves away.
Ribber stuns Sakamoto with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Ribber throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Sakamoto tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Ribber is in Sakamoto's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Ribber 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Sakamoto throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Ribber escapes and throws Sakamoto's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Ribber is looking to take a break and control but Sakamoto is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Ribber working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribber trying to control the action but Sakamoto is working from the bottom.
Sakamoto is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Ribber in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Ribber cracks Sakamoto with a big elbow.
Sakamoto is trying to get back to half guard.
Sakamoto can't do much from the bottom here.
Sakamoto is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribber landing strikes.
Ribber trying to control the action but Sakamoto is working from the bottom.
Sakamoto is looking for a sweep.
Sakamoto is not content to let Ribber control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Ribber thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Ribber scores with punches from side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Grin Ribber dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Ribber shoots in but no luck this time.
Ribber lands a nice leg kick that just misses Sakamoto's sensitive parts.
Ribber checks a leg kick.
Sakamoto takes a swing at Ribber's ribcage but misses.
Ribber misses with a hook.
Sakamoto lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ribber's sensitive parts.
Ribber lands a nice shot that snaps Sakamoto's head back.
Sakamoto throws a hook but Ribber blocks it.
Ribber is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Sakamoto connects with a solid leg kick.
Sakamoto throws a big shot that misses.
Sakamoto throws a body kick that misses.
Sakamoto moves out of range of the body kick.
Ribber misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Sakamoto lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakamoto misses the jab.
Sakamoto moves out of range of the strikes.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Ribber - that will leave a mark!
Hiroshimo Sakamoto seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A big right from Ribber misses.
Sakamoto flicks out a counter leg kick but Ribber steps away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ribber slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Ribber throws a hook to the side of Sakamoto's head but Sakamoto sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakamoto goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Ribber throws a body shot but no joy.
A leg kick checked by Ribber.
Ribber tried to counter with a leg kick but Sakamoto avoided it.
Ribber throws a body punch but Sakamoto moves out of range.
Ribber moves out of range of the body kick from Sakamoto.
Ribber walks into a stiff left hand from Sakamoto.
Ribber ducks under a wild hook from Sakamoto.
Ribber throws a lazy right hand but Sakamoto sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sakamoto misses with a kick to the body.
Sakamoto tries a low kick but Ribber avoids it.
Ribber scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Sakamoto misses with a low kick as Ribber jumps back.
Ribber checks a low kick from Sakamoto.
Ribber moves out of range of the body kick.
Ribber on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Ribber throws a shot from downtown. Sakamoto moves away and avoids it.
Ribber throws a body kick that misses.
Sakamoto throws a big shot that misses.
Nice straight punches there by Ribber. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Ribber.
A telegraphed right hand from Ribber misses the target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribber ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakamoto moves away.
Sakamoto appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakamoto walks into a jab.
Danga de danga de dang - Ribber scores with a four punch combination!

It looks like Hiroshimo Sakamoto has been cut.
Sakamoto misses with a straight right.
Ribber shoots in looking for a takedown but Sakamoto manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Ribber's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Sakamoto throws a solid leg kick but Ribber takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Sakamoto.
Ribber throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto moves out of range of the strikes.
Ribber is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sakamoto can do to turn this around?
Ribber fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakamoto manages to avoid it.
Sakamoto throws a body shot but no joy.
Sakamoto scores with a body shot.
Ribber lands with a kick to the ribs.
Sakamoto blocks a jab.
Ribber stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto misses with a body kick.
Ribber on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Sakamoto. Sakamoto obviously looking to wear him down.
Ribber just misses with a punch to the body.
Ribber waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakamoto.
Sakamoto avoids the head kick by Ribber.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ribber cracks the inside of Sakamoto's front leg.
Ribber sizes up Sakamoto with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Ribber throws the kick towards the body but Sakamoto avoids it.
Ribber keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Sakamoto tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A nice leg kick lands there from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto moves out of range as Ribber strikes.
Ribber throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sakamoto waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ribber.
Sakamoto bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Sakamoto scores with a shot to the body.
Ribber looks to score with a jab to the body but Sakamoto is just out of range.
A good leg kick by Sakamoto.
Ribber pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sakamoto tries a low kick but Ribber avoids it.
Ribber misses with an attempted mid kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ribber throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribber swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ribber misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto slips a straight right by Ribber.
Ribber swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Ribber looks to land a combination but Sakamoto avoids it well.
Sakamoto throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Sakamoto throws a jab when Ribber was well out of range.
Sakamoto misses the shot to the body.
Ribber displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sakamoto throws out the jab.
Sakamoto scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Ribber doesn't seem bothered though.
A shot to the liver by Sakamoto. Beautiful body shot.
Ribber checks the leg kick nicely there.
Nice defenses there by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto thumps Ribber with a low kick.
Hiroshimo Sakamoto is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sakamoto thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ribber drops down looking for a counter takedown but Sakamoto sprawls and moves away.
A big left from Sakamoto misses.
Sakamoto thows a leg kick but Ribber checks it

and Ribber counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Ribber trying to control but Sakamoto is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Grin Ribber will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Hiroshimo Sakamoto's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

An inside leg kick lands from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto avoids the body shot from Ribber.
Sakamoto scores with a nice right hand.
Sakamoto keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ribber is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Ribber misses with the combination.
Ribber misses with a straight left.
Ribber backing away here, and Sakamoto unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Ribber fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Sakamoto looks to land a left hand but Ribber moved out of range nicely.
Sakamoto scores with a punch to the head.
Ribber moves out of range of the body kick from Sakamoto.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ribber moves out of range of the body kick.
Ribber throws a hook but Sakamoto avoids it easily.
Ribber looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Sakamoto misses with a wild body shot.
Ribber was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A telegraphed right hand from Sakamoto misses the target.
Ribber tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribber fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Ribber throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Sakamoto avoids the head kick by Ribber.
Sakamoto scores with a body shot.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Sakamoto lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Ribber has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Ribber and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Ribber throws out a loose jab but Sakamoto uses good head movement to avoid it.
Good leg kick by Ribber there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Ribber avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A swing and a miss from Ribber.
Sakamoto lands a jab to Ribber's midsection.
Sakamoto lands a nice looking body kick.
Ribber scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Ribber takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Ribber scores with a nice right hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters circle momentarily. Ribber darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Ribber throws a lazy right hand but Sakamoto sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ribber takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ribber on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Sakamoto. Sakamoto obviously looking to wear him down.
Hiroshimo Sakamoto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ribber throws out a loose jab but Sakamoto uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head kick misses from Sakamoto.
Ribber keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sakamoto scores with a hook to the body. Ribber takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
A shot to the liver by Ribber. Beautiful body shot.
Ribber throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sakamoto counters with a nice uppercut.
Sakamoto thumps Ribber with a low kick.
Ribber bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Sakamoto's head.
Ribber comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Ribber throws a leg kick but Sakamoto moved away.
Ribber throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakamoto sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakamoto keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ribber takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Sakamoto throws a leg kick but Ribber moved away.
Ribber uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto moves out of range of the body kick from Ribber.
Sakamoto thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Ribber if he has to take too many more of those.
Ribber throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto is looking to slow Ribber down with leg kicks.
Ribber lunges at Sakamoto with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sakamoto's hand.
Ribber blocks a low kick nicely.
Sakamoto shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Nice body kick from Ribber.
Ribber throws a chopping leg kick but Sakamoto manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Sakamoto throws out a counter right but Ribber avoids it with no problem.
Sakamoto throws a big shot that misses.
A jab from Ribber misses.
It seemed like Sakamoto was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Ribber will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Sakamoto has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Sakamoto there as he acknowledges the shot.
A bone on bone clash there as Sakamoto blocks the leg kick.
Despite the aggression on Sakamoto's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Sakamoto dodges the punch combination from Ribber.
Ribber misses the jab.
The fighters circling - Sakamoto throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sakamoto misses with a body kick.
Both fighters circling a little - Sakamoto finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Sakamoto throws a leg kick but Ribber sees it coming and checks it nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ribber's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Sakamoto connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Ribber scrambles back to his feet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ribber throws a sloppy head kick and Sakamoto moves out of range easily.
Ribber blocks a low kick nicely.
Ribber feints and then cracks Sakamoto's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Sakamoto down.
Sakamoto throws a half hearted mid kick.
Ribber avoids the body shot from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto tries to move into range but Ribber moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Ribber takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Sakamoto takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Ribber misses the jab.
Sakamoto looks to land a right hand but Ribber moved out of range.
Ribber throwing a counter right hand but Sakamoto manages to avoid it.

Ribber looking to score a takedown here. Sakamoto is defending well but Ribber drives through and ends up in Sakamoto's guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Sakamoto has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Ribber is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Sakamoto.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sakamoto is working to avoid the ground and pound but Ribber connects with a decent elbow.

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 Grin Ribber.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Ribber, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Steve Smith scores the fight 30:27
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 30:27
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Grin Ribber!
In his post fight interview, Grin Ribber started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.
In defeat, Hiroshimo Sakamoto stepped up to the mic, saying 'It had to be my goofy eyes!!'.