PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Hayato Sakuraba (ranked 2272 p4p, 338 weight class) and Corban Storm (ranked 1409 p4p, 211 weight class). Sakuraba comes to the cage accompanied by Deetox - Headknocker. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Sakuraba
vs
Storm

185 cm
21
177 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

191 cm
20
187 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Zenith Nutrition (160q/225$)

Sin City Allstars

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 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hayato Sakuraba!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Corban Storm!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, Sam Margolis and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Storm fails to land the takedown.
Storm scores with a jab to the head.
Storm fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Storm scores with a sloppy right hand. Sakuraba should have avoided that one.
Storm walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Storm fails to land the takedown.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakuraba misses the target.
Hayato Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Corban Storm.
Storm bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Storm comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
We've been told by Sakuraba's head coaches at 3Band MMA ($500/week) that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Sakuraba throws an off balance right hand
and Sakuraba takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sakuraba tries to bum rush Storm with a series of wild strikes but Storm uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Sakuraba jabs Storm right on the nose. Storm blinks but takes it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A thudding body kick lands there by Storm!
Storm moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Storm scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Storm ducks under a wild hook from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Storm throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
A big right from Sakuraba misses.
Sakuraba thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sakuraba stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Storm takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Storm just misses with a punch to the body.
Storm throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A jab lands there for Storm.
Sakuraba throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba throws a body shot but no joy.
Sakuraba takes a swing at Storm's ribcage but misses.
Storm shoots in looking for a takedown but Sakuraba manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Storm's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Sakuraba jabs Storm right on the nose. Storm blinks but takes it well.
Storm connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Storm throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Storm shoots in for a double leg but Sakuraba sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A counter left hand to the body from Sakuraba misses its target.
Storm throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
It looked like Sakuraba was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Storm.
Sakuraba misses with an uppercut.
Storm doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Sakuraba looks to land a combination but Storm avoids it well.
Storm lands a nice looking body shot.
Storm connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sakuraba momentarily.
Sakuraba lands with an overhand left.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba lands the left hand.
Storm's corner calls for a 1-2. Storm obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
A shot to the liver by Sakuraba. Beautiful body shot.
Storm lands a lovely overhand right.
Storm lands a slapping body shot.
Sakuraba throws a hook but Storm blocks it.
Storm fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sakuraba looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Sakuraba just misses with a punch to the body.
A punch lands to the side of Sakuraba 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Storm has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Storm looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Storm throws a lazy uppercut
and Sakuraba connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sakuraba has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Storm finds it's way round the side to connect with Sakuraba's head.
Storm closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Storm tries a head kick but it misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sakuraba ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Sakuraba drops his hands momentarily and Storm takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Storm connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sakuraba momentarily.
Storm throws a body punch but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Hayato Sakuraba is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A jab lands there for Storm.
Corban Storm seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Storm misses with a hook.
Storm misses with an uppercut.
Storm lands an overhand right.
Storm throws an off balance right hand
and Sakuraba counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Storm lands a high kick!
Storm moves out of range of the strikes.
Storm throws a head kick that misses
and Sakuraba counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Corban Storm dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Sakuraba loads up on a big right hand but Storm slips the punch.
Storm swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Storm takes a swing at Sakuraba's ribcage but misses.
Some bone on bone action there as Sakuraba checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A low kick from Storm misses
and Sakuraba counters with a stiff right hand.
Storm throws a shot from downtown. Sakuraba moves away and avoids it.
Storm misses with an uppercut.
Storm throws a body punch but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Storm's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Sakuraba connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Storm scrambles back to his feet.
Sakuraba misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Storm.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba misses the body punch
and Storm counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Storm slips a straight right by Sakuraba.
A low kick from Storm is predictable there
and Sakuraba counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A jab from Storm does it's job there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sakuraba was well out of range. Poor timing from Storm.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakuraba misses the target.
Storm fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Sakuraba misses the shot to the body.
Sakuraba misses with a hook.
Storm throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Sakuraba to counter with a crisp jab.
Storm has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Storm there as he acknowledges the shot.
Sakuraba will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A slow jab from Sakuraba misses its intended target.
Storm let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Storm misses with a lunging right hand
and Sakuraba counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Sakuraba tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Storm was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakuraba.
The crowd cheers as Sakuraba lands an impressive looking overhand right. Storm doesn't seem phased though.
Sakuraba looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Decent striking displayed by Storm there.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Storm moves away.
Storm fails to land the takedown.
A telegraphed right hand from Sakuraba misses the target.
Sakuraba misses with a wild body shot.
Storm misses with a looping right.
A nice inside leg kick there by Storm. That's going to slow Sakuraba down.
Sakuraba is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Storm.
Storm throws a wild body kick that Sakuraba sees coming a mile off.
Sakuraba looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Sakuraba swings for the body but Storm moves out of range.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Storm is defended easily by Sakuraba.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm misses with an uppercut
and Sakuraba counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Storm slips a straight right by Sakuraba.
Storm feints the counter takedown.
Storm ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakuraba moves away.
A counter left hand to the body from Sakuraba misses its target.
Sakuraba takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Storm throws a series of punches but Sakuraba avoids them all with ease.
Sakuraba throws a body shot but no joy.
Storm looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Storm tries to bum rush Sakuraba with a series of wild strikes but Sakuraba uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Storm cracks Sakuraba with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Jab from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba connects with a nice looking jab.
Sakuraba avoids the body shot from Storm.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba misses with a lunging right hand

and Storm counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Sakuraba!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba is trying to improve his position.
You can see the frustration on Sakuraba's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Sakuraba is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Storm is putting a hurting on Sakuraba here, landing some big shots from side control.
Sakuraba is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Sakuraba is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
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 Hayato Sakuraba will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Sakuraba keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Storm.
Sakuraba cracks Storm with a good jab.
The crowd cheers as Storm lands an impressive looking overhand right. Sakuraba doesn't seem phased though.
The fighters circling - Sakuraba throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
It seemed like Storm was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Sakuraba waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Storm.
Storm lands an overhand right.
Storm lands an overhand right.
Storm swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Storm misses with a hook
and Sakuraba counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Storm catches Sakuraba with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

Storm is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Sakuraba's half guard.
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!

Sakuraba manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Sakuraba cracks Storm with a good jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sakuraba throws out the jab.
A cross from Sakuraba lands.
Storm looks to throw the jab but Sakuraba is out of range.
Storm lands a nice hook to Sakuraba's body. Sakuraba takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Sakuraba throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Storm thuds his right hand into Sakuraba's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Storm listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Storm misses with a combination
and Sakuraba connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nice defenses there by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba appears to be looking for a big counter.
Storm throws out a powerful jab.
Storm swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Sakuraba appears to be looking for a big counter.
Storm walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba scores with a nice strike.

Storm is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Storm closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Sloppy strikes from Storm. Those never looked like landing.
Storm goes for a double leg but Sakuraba avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Sakuraba continues to drive forward.
Storm takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Sakuraba connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Storm moves forwards but Sakuraba connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Storm is still on wobbly legs! Can Sakuraba finish him?
Sakuraba takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
A big left from Sakuraba misses.
Sakuraba tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Storm was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakuraba.
Storm seems to have recovered his senses.
Sakuraba scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
A swing and a miss from Sakuraba.
Nice uppercut there from Sakuraba.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Sakuraba as he jumps to the side.
Sakuraba lands a glancing blow to the side of Storm's head.
Storm takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Storm uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Storm.
Hayato Sakuraba is winning the standup battle so far.
Storm scores with a hook.
Storm misses with a wild body shot.
Storm shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Sakuraba sprawls well. Sakuraba wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Storm gets slowly back to his feet.
Hayato Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Corban Storm.
Sakuraba looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakuraba. Storm does a little dance to reset his feet.
Storm waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Sakuraba cracks Storm with a right hand to the side of the head.
Sakuraba stuffs the takedown attempt from Storm. Storm gets slowly back to his feet.
Sakuraba looks to score with a jab to the body but Storm is just out of range.
Storm swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Storm misses with a wild combination.
Sakuraba misses the shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Storm has his takedown stuffed
and Sakuraba cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Sakuraba shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Storm avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Storm closes this distance looking for a takedown but Sakuraba circles away.
Sakuraba swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Storm staying out of range there.
Storm with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sakuraba makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Sakuraba misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sakuraba throws an overhand right that lands on Storm's shoulder, as Storm tries to avoid the shot.
Sakuraba scores with a jab to the jaw.
Storm thows a left - swing and a miss!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Storm lands with a shot to the body.
Sakuraba takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Storm blocks a jab.
Storm blocks a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm lands a lovely overhand right.
A big right from Sakuraba misses.
Storm is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Storm pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Storm scores with a head kick. Sakuraba tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Sakuraba misses the shot to the body.
Storm misses with a body punch
and Sakuraba counters with a nice body shot.
Storm moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Storm throws a sloppy head kick and Sakuraba moves out of range easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakuraba misses the target.
Sakuraba throws a hook but Storm avoids it easily.
Danga de danga de dang - Storm scores with a four punch combination!
Storm is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Storm ducks under a wild hook from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromStorm.
Sakuraba misses the jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm shoots in for a takedown but Sakuraba shows good takedown defense.
Hayato Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Corban Storm.
Storm has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sakuraba lands with an overhand left.
Storm misses with a body shot.
Storm with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Sakuraba to score with a decent uppercut.
Horrible takedown attempt by Storm or perhaps it was just good defense by Sakuraba, which made it look bad.
Storm throws a head kick but Sakuraba moves out of range.
A jab from Storm misses.
Sakuraba leaves Storm with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Sakuraba throws a lazy right hand but Storm sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Storm was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakuraba.
Storm's corner calls for a 1-2. Storm obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Sakuraba uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Storm.
Sakuraba is looking to counter punch.
Sakuraba sizes up Storm with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Storm ducks under a wild hook from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Storm clobbers Sakuraba with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Sakuraba keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakuraba misses the target.
Sakuraba ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Storm moves away.
Sakuraba connects with a body shot that sends Storm's belly button to the back.
Sakuraba checks a leg kick nicely.
Sakuraba fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Storm throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sakuraba counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Sakuraba scores with a body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Storm slips under a jab from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Storm.
Sakuraba walks into a stiff left hand from Storm.
Sakuraba misses with a left hand
and Storm counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sakuraba throws a big shot that misses.
Sakuraba lands with a straight right. Storm didn't see that one coming.
Storm takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Storm paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Storm shoots in looking for a takedown. Sakuraba tries to sprawl out of it but Storm keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Sakuraba manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba had his way with Corban Storm in that round.
That's time! Sakuraba's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Sakuraba looks to land a right hand but Storm moved out of range.
Sakuraba works Storm's body with a nice hook.
Storm fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sakuraba avoids it really well and circles away.
Storm throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Storm throws out a leg kick but Sakuraba moves out of range and Storm only half commits.
Sakuraba lands an overhand right.
Storm throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big left from Sakuraba misses.
Storm takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Sakuraba throws a body shot but no joy.
Sakuraba scores with a hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm fails with a takedown attempt.
A counter left hand to the body from Sakuraba misses its target.
Sakuraba throws a jab when Storm was well out of range.
Storm jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Sakuraba is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Storm.
Sakuraba is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Storm.
Nice straight punches there by Sakuraba. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Sakuraba.
Sakuraba scores with a hook.
The crowd cheers as Storm lands an impressive looking overhand right. Sakuraba doesn't seem phased though.
Sakuraba jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Storm throws a body shot but no joy.
Corban Storm has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Sakuraba.
Storm connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sakuraba momentarily.
Sakuraba ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Storm moves away.
Sakuraba connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba feints a jab promting Storm to slip. Sakuraba then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Storm slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Storm misses with a wild body shot.
Sakuraba is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Storm.
Storm misses with an uppercut
and Sakuraba counters with a nice uppercut.
Storm scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Sakuraba looks to score with a jab to the body but Storm is just out of range.
Storm is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Sakuraba with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Storm is defended easily by Sakuraba.
Hayato Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Corban Storm.
Storm uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Hayato Sakuraba is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sakuraba misses with a straight left.
Sakuraba changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Sakuraba looks to throw the jab but Storm is out of range.
Storm thuds a left hand into Sakuraba's body.
Storm looks to land a right hand but Sakuraba moved out of range.
It looked like Sakuraba wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Sakuraba uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Storm has time to react.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Storm throws out the jab.
Storm misses with a looping right.
Storm takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Storm tests Sakuraba's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sakuraba jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sakuraba lands with an overhand left.
The fighters circling - Storm throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Storm throws a right hand that misses
and Sakuraba counters with a straight right hand.
Sakuraba lands a really nice looking cross but Storm seems unphased.
Sakuraba with a hook.
Sakuraba with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Sakuraba checks a low kick from Storm.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hayato Sakuraba showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Sakuraba has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 William Gold scores the fight 49:46
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 49:46
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hayato Sakuraba!
Hayato Sakuraba is the new welterweight champion!
Hayato Sakuraba thanked the fans post fight for their support.