PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Max Payne (ranked 283 p4p, 40 weight class) and Hakuin Ekaku Jr (ranked 640 p4p, 100 weight class). Payne comes to the cage accompanied by Bad Company. Ekaku Jr has chosen Jiu Jitsu as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Payne
vs
Ekaku Jr

174 cm
29
184 lbs
14 - 11 - 0

175 cm
30
165 lbs
24 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Fast

Urban Fighter
Project Mayhem

Aspire Clothing
Venom Combat Sports

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 11 - 0, fighting out of New York, Max Payne!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hakuin Ekaku Jr!
The judges for this bout are Alec Ball, Trevor Gratis and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Payne throws a lazy right hand but Ekaku Jr sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Payne throws a jab when Ekaku Jr was well out of range.
Payne throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.

Ekaku Jr closes the distance and pushes Payne back into the cage.

Payne breaks from the clinch.
Ekaku Jr avoids the head kick by Payne.
Payne lands a high kick!

It looks like Hakuin Ekaku Jr has been cut.
Some wild striking there from Payne.
Ekaku Jr scores with a jab to the body.
Ekaku Jr lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Payne dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ekaku Jr. That did some damage!
Ekaku Jr takes a swing at Payne's ribcage but misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Payne tries a head kick but it misses.
The crowd cheers as Ekaku Jr lands an impressive looking overhand right. Payne doesn't seem phased though.
Payne takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Payne fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ekaku Jr manages to avoid it.
Max Payne is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payne misses with a hook.
Ekaku Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Payne moves away.
Ekaku Jr doesn't manage to clinch there - Payne circles away.
Ekaku Jr looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Ekaku Jr avoids the head kick by Payne.
Ekaku Jr scores with a decent looking hook.
Payne misses with a hook.
Payne walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ekaku Jr checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Nice straight punches there by Payne. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Payne.
Ekaku Jr fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Payne throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
The fighters circling - Ekaku Jr throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Ekaku Jr shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Payne is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Ekaku Jr is controlling him.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Payne preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Payne wants to sweep here but Ekaku Jr controlling him for the moment.
Ekaku Jr prevents Payne from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Payne wants to sweep here but Ekaku Jr controlling him for the moment.
Ekaku Jr stops Payne from standing up.
Ekaku Jr lands a couple of elbows.
Payne is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ekaku Jr trying to control but Payne is working from the bottom.
Payne is controlling Ekaku Jr's posture.
Ekaku Jr is stalling in the full guard.
Ekaku Jr prevents Payne from getting back to his feet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Ekaku Jr fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Payne has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Ekaku Jr with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr scores with a jab to the head.
Ekaku Jr cracks Payne with an open hand slap.
Ekaku Jr scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Payne doesn't seem bothered though.
Ekaku Jr dips to his left and cracks Payne with an uppercut!
Payne tries to land a front kick but Ekaku Jr steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ekaku Jr misses with a hook
and Payne connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Payne.
Ekaku Jr throws out a loose jab but Payne uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nice jab there from Payne.
Ekaku Jr lands with an overhand left.
Ekaku Jr has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Payne throws a shot from downtown. Ekaku Jr moves away and avoids it.
Payne throws a jab when Ekaku Jr was well out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ekaku Jr. Payne does a little dance to reset his feet.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Payne misses with an attempted mid kick.
Ekaku Jr throws a hook but Payne avoids it easily.
Payne scores with a kick to the midsection.
Payne walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Payne looks for the body kick but Ekaku Jr saw that one coming.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Good shot there by Ekaku Jr.
Payne misses with an attempted mid kick.
Ekaku Jr steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Payne.
Ekaku Jr changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Ekaku Jr lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Payne lands with a right hand.
Ekaku Jr misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Payne.
Ekaku Jr lands a right hook to the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Ekaku Jr.
Payne throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Ekaku Jr's head.
A jab from Ekaku Jr misses.
Ekaku Jr on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Ekaku Jr throws a solid leg kick but Payne takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Ekaku Jr.
Decent striking displayed by Payne there.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ekaku Jr looks for a takedown but Payne sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Hakuin Ekaku Jr will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Hakuin Ekaku Jr's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Ekaku Jr shoots in for a double leg but Payne sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Payne throwing a counter right hand but Ekaku Jr manages to avoid it.
A decent looking cross lands there for Payne.
Ekaku Jr fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Payne has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Ekaku Jr throws a series of punches but Payne moves out of range.
Max Payne is winning the standup battle so far.
Payne slips under a jab from Ekaku Jr.
Payne tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Payne misses with a wild combination.
Ekaku Jr feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Payne's calf.
Ekaku Jr thuds his right hand into Payne's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Ekaku Jr swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payne takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Payne.
Payne's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ekaku Jr connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Payne scrambles back to his feet.
Payne tries to land a front kick but Ekaku Jr steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ekaku Jr lands with a thumping leg kick.
Payne darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big left from Ekaku Jr misses.
Ekaku Jr works the jab nicely.
Payne throws a series of punches but Ekaku Jr avoids them all with ease.
Payne is looking light on his feet compared to last time was saw him fight.
A decent looking cross lands there for Ekaku Jr.
Good shot there by Ekaku Jr.
Payne goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Payne throws a looping overhand right but Ekaku Jr ducks down to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr misses with a low kick as Payne jumps back.
Payne tries a head kick but it misses.
Ekaku Jr drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Payne defends it well.
A slapping leg kick lands for Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr connects with an inside leg kick.
Ekaku Jr shoots in and drives through. Payne sprawls well.
Ekaku Jr ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Payne is looking to land body kicks.
Ekaku Jr lands a leg kick that knocks Payne off balance momentarily.
Payne swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Payne throws a body shot but no joy.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ekaku Jr dives in for a single leg takedown but Payne sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Max Payne has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hakuin Ekaku Jr.
Some bone on bone action there as Payne checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Ekaku Jr blocks the body kick.
Payne throws a hook but Ekaku Jr blocks it.
Ekaku Jr throws a body shot but no joy.
Payne steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr stalks Payne and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Payne's face. Payne staggers backwards, shaken.
Ekaku Jr fails to land with a series of punches.
Payne connects with a nice looking jab.
Payne throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Payne misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Payne missing with a left hand there. Ekaku Jr was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ekaku Jr swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Payne.
Ekaku Jr has a takedown stuffed.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Payne fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Payne steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Ekaku Jr. That one must have hurt.
A cross from Ekaku Jr lands.
Payne slips a jab from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr is looking to clinch.
Payne gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Payne is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Ekaku Jr jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Ekaku Jr connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ekaku Jr darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

Ekaku Jr shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Payne is trying to defend but Ekaku Jr finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ekaku Jr trying to mount his opponent but Payne defends it.
Payne tries to kick Ekaku Jr off but Ekaku Jr keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Payne trying to control here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Payne has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Ekaku Jr is on him like a limpet, forcing Payne back against the cage.
Ekaku Jr can't find room to land a body shot as Payne controls the action.
A head punch on the inside from Payne fails to land.
Ekaku Jr misses with the head strike.
Ekaku Jr goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Payne looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Nice elbow from Payne.
Ekaku Jr effectively controlling the action here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ekaku Jr.

Ekaku Jr has picked Payne up - he's going for a ride! Ekaku Jr dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Payne is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ekaku Jr is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Ekaku Jr working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hakuin Ekaku Jr showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Hakuin Ekaku Jr's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ekaku Jr throws a hook but Payne blocks it.
Payne connects with a body shot that sends Ekaku Jr's belly button to the back.
Payne is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Ekaku Jr throws a hook to the side of Payne's head but Payne sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ekaku Jr takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Ekaku Jr lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Payne misses with a wild body shot.
Payne throws a body kick that misses.
Ekaku Jr throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Payne's waist but Payne gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ekaku Jr off to one side.
Payne throws a jab when Ekaku Jr was well out of range.
Ekaku Jr throws out a leg kick but Payne moves out of range and Ekaku Jr only half commits.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payne misses with an attempted mid kick.
Ekaku Jr blocks the body kick.
Ekaku Jr misses with a low kick.
Ekaku Jr throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Payne's waist but Payne gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ekaku Jr off to one side.
Payne stuns Ekaku Jr with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Ekaku Jr throws a hook but Payne blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payne lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Ekaku Jr takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ekaku Jr throws a looping overhand right but Payne ducks down to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Payne.
Ekaku Jr changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Ekaku Jr takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
A combination from Payne does no damage.
Ekaku Jr scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ekaku Jr connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Ekaku Jr goes for a double leg but Payne avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Payne continues to drive forward.
Max Payne has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hakuin Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Ekaku Jr darts in looking for a takedown but Payne gets double underhooks and turns Ekaku Jr into the cage.
Payne lands a jab.
Payne missing with a left hand there. Ekaku Jr was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Payne connects with a single shot there.
Payne scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ekaku Jr digs a good body shot into Payne's ribs.
Payne lands with an uppercut that bounces Ekaku Jr off the cage and back into range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Payne throws an overhand right that lands on Ekaku Jr's shoulder, as Ekaku Jr tries to avoid the shot.
Ekaku Jr with the counter takedown but Payne avoids it easily.

Ekaku Jr shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Payne manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Ekaku Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Payne is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ekaku Jr postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ekaku Jr trying to control but Payne is working from the bottom.
Payne wants to stand and escape but Ekaku Jr is having none of it.
Payne pulls Ekaku Jr in close to prevent any damage.
Payne wants to stand but Ekaku Jr is controlling the position.

Payne pushes Ekaku Jr off and scrambles back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Payne misses.
Ekaku Jr lands a leg kick that knocks Payne off balance momentarily.
A slow jab from Payne misses its intended target.
Ekaku Jr connects with a looping right hand.
A cross from Payne lands.
Ekaku Jr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Payne manages to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Paynes jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Ekaku Jr slips a jab from Payne.
Ekaku Jr darts in looking for a takedown but Payne gets double underhooks and turns Ekaku Jr into the cage.
Payne misses with a straight left.
Ekaku Jr tries to clinch but Payne is having none of it.
Ekaku Jr takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Payne misses with a body kick.
Payne takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Payne. Ekaku Jr does a little dance to reset his feet.
Payne on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Payne tries a head kick but it misses.
Payne tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Ekaku Jr is able to avoid easily.
Ekaku Jr looks to score with a jab to the body but Payne is just out of range.
Payne uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromPayne.
Ekaku Jr throws a quick inside leg kick.
Payne scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
A solid body kick from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr defending well as Payne loads up on a big left hand.
Ekaku Jr looks to land a right hand but Payne moved out of range.
Payne lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Payne takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Payne scores with the left hand. Ekaku Jr knows he should have avoided that one.
Payne plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Payne clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Hakuin Ekaku Jr's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Ekaku Jr fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Payne looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Payne looks to throw the jab but Ekaku Jr is out of range.
And Ekaku Jr tries to counter it with a takedown but Payne pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Ekaku Jr scores with a shot to the body.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Ekaku Jr.
Payne lands a body shot.
Payne looks to land a body kick but Ekaku Jr moved away.
Payne misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ekaku Jr throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Payne takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Payne throws a push kick but Ekaku Jr slaps the foot to one side.
Payne is looking to land body kicks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payne is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr feints the counter takedown.
Ekaku Jr fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Ekaku Jr throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Payne's waist but Payne gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ekaku Jr off to one side.
Ekaku Jr takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Ekaku Jr misses the shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr throws a body kick that misses.
Payne misses with a head kick.
Ekaku Jr changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Payne cracks Ekaku Jr with a right hand to the side of the head.
A jab lands there for Payne.
Payne throws a head kick that misses.
Payne jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Ekaku Jr shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Payne looks to land a body kick but Ekaku Jr moved away.
Payne swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Payne throws a body punch but Ekaku Jr moves out of range.
Ekaku Jr lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Ekaku Jr takes a swing at Payne's ribcage but misses.
Payne smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Payne scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
A slapping leg kick lands for Ekaku Jr.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ekaku Jr blocks a head kick by Payne.
Nice sprawl there from Payne as Ekaku Jr shoots in.
Max Payne has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hakuin Ekaku Jr.
Payne takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Ekaku Jr shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Payne but Payne pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Ekaku Jr is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A head kick misses from Payne.
Ekaku Jr tries to clinch but Payne is having none of it.
Payne moves away from the strike by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Ekaku Jr connects with a leg kick. Payne looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Ekaku Jr lands the left hand.
Ekaku Jr misses with a body shot.
It looked like Payne wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Ekaku Jr scores with a leg kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Payne.
Payne throws a body shot but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range of the body kick.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range as Payne throws a body kick.
Ekaku Jr drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Payne defends it well.
A big right from Payne misses.
Payne slips under a jab.
Payne swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Ekaku Jr pushes Payne up against the cage in a clinch.
Payne throws a punch but it's blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Payne.
Payne swings wildly with an uppercut but Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr can't find room to land a body shot as Payne controls the action.
Payne throws a punch but it's blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Payne misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ekaku Jr tries for a takedown but Payne manages to get underhooks.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Payne.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Payne wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Payne misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Payne.
Payne lands a left hand that snaps the head of Ekaku Jr backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ekaku Jr lands a nice uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ekaku Jr.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Payne.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ekaku Jr can't find room to land a body shot as Payne controls the action.
Payne misses with a punch on the inside.
Payne blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Payne blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Payne lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Payne swings wildly with an uppercut but Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr misses with a hook to the ribs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Max Payne will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Hakuin Ekaku Jr's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Ekaku Jr buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

Ekaku Jr closes the distance and pushes Payne back into the cage.
Ekaku Jr misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ekaku Jr lands with a light punch inside.
A right hook to the body lands for Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr lands a body shot.
Payne tries to work over Ekaku Jr's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Payne missing with knees to the body.
Ekaku Jr lands a body punch.
Payne's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Payne has a couple of punches blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr misses with a punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payne digs a right hand into Ekaku Jr's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Ekaku Jr's gas tank.
Payne tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Ekaku Jr breaks from the clinch.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ekaku Jr.
A cross from Ekaku Jr lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payne uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Nice body kick from Payne.
Ekaku Jr dives in for a single leg takedown but Payne sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Payne throws a quick counter kick to the body but Ekaku Jr avoids it.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Payne.
Payne throws a body shot but no joy.
Ekaku Jr feints the counter takedown.
Ekaku Jr scores with a shot to the body.
Payne waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ekaku Jr.
A decent looking cross lands there for Ekaku Jr.
Payne throws a wild body kick that Ekaku Jr sees coming a mile off.
A punch lands to the side of Ekaku Jr 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Ekaku Jr lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Payne getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

Ekaku Jr gets a double leg takedown into Payne's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ekaku Jr wants to control from the top but Payne keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Payne is trying to keep Ekaku Jr in close.
Ekaku Jr lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Payne is looking to stand up but Ekaku Jr isn't so interested in that idea.
Ekaku Jr content to stall in guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ekaku Jr prevents Payne from getting back to his feet.
Payne trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Payne wants to sweep here but Ekaku Jr controlling him for the moment.
Payne wants to stand but Ekaku Jr is controlling the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Payne uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ekaku Jr.
Payne throws a shot from downtown. Ekaku Jr moves away and avoids it.
And Ekaku Jr tries to counter it with a takedown but Payne pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Payne walks into a jab.
Payne tries to land a front kick but Ekaku Jr steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ekaku Jr throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Payne tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ekaku Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from Payne.
Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but Payne moved away.
Payne throws the left hand but Ekaku Jr avoids the punch easily.
Payne pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

Ekaku Jr drives through and clinches with Payne against the cage.
Ekaku Jr throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Paynes head.
Ekaku Jr throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Still in the clinch, Payne scores with a nice short uppercut.
Payne misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr displaying some good clinch control by pressing Payne up against the cage.
Payne tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ekaku Jr's elbow.
Payne pushes Ekaku Jr back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Ekaku Jr doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Payne cracks Ekaku Jr with a nice body shot.
Ekaku Jr looking to slow down the pace here.
A head punch on the inside from Payne fails to land.
Payne lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Payne tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Payne prevents a body shot from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Ekaku Jr has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Payne is trying to keep an underhook but Ekaku Jr manages to get the takedown into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hakuin Ekaku Jr comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ekaku Jr 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 47:48
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 48:47
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Max Payne retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!