PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Takeru Kubota (ranked 666 p4p, 34 weight class) and Pekka Pikkarainen (ranked 2509 p4p, 138 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Kubota might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Devilman No Uta. Pikkarainen has chosen Nikopol - City of Victory as his entrance music. There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Kubota
vs
Pikkarainen

170 cm
21
140 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

162 cm
20
147 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Powerful

Sully's Bar & Grill
BuriedAlive// Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Takeru Kubota!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Pekka Pikkarainen!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, Chris Edwards and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kubota scores with a nice body kick.
Pikkarainen throws a body punch but Kubota moves out of range.
A solid body kick from Kubota.
A good leg kick by Kubota.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Kubota connects with a solid leg kick.
A solid body kick from Kubota.
Kubota connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Pikkarainen tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kubota sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Pikkarainen somewhat.
Kubota comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Pikkarainen scores with a nice head shot.
Takeru Kubota seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Pikkarainen tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kubota swivels and escapes.
Kubota looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Pikkarainen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kubota's waist but Kubota gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Pikkarainen off to one side.
Kubota swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Takeru Kubota has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pekka Pikkarainen.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kubota scores with a push kick.
Kubota scores with a jab to the body.
Pikkarainen throws a body punch but Kubota moves out of range.
A solid body kick from Kubota.

Pikkarainen dives in and scores a takedown into Kubota's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Pikkarainen accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Pikkarainen trying to control the position from guard on top but Kubota is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pikkarainen works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Kubota keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Pikkarainen throwing shots but Kubota is blocking nicely.
Kubota keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Pikkarainen trying to control from half guard but Kubota is working away.
Kubota gets back to full guard.
Pikkarainen postures up in Kubota's guard and throws a big left but Kubota blocks it.
Pikkarainen works over Kubota with some ground and pound from guard.

Kubota manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kubota gets underhooks to prevent Pikkarainen's takedown attempt.
Pikkarainen has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Kubota after a bit of a struggle.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kubota creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kubota lands a right hand.
Kubota lands an uppercut.
Kubota lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A short body shot lands from Kubota as the two fighters clinch.
Pikkarainen is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Kubota gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Pikkarainen is looking to take this one to the mat.

Kubota's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kubota lands a head kick!
Good standup being displayed there by Kubota as he connects with a hook.
Pikkarainen on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Kubota fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Pikkarainen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kubota lands with a straight right. Pikkarainen didn't see that one coming.
No luck for Pikkarainen with that takedown attempt.
A jab from Pikkarainen misses.
Kubota turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Pikkarainen misses the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pikkarainen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A head kick from Kubota lands but Pikkarainen takes it in his stride.
Kubota comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Pikkarainen misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Pikkarainen takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Pikkarainen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kubota manages to avoid it.
Kubota is looking to counter with a body kick.
Kubota fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kubota.
Kubota is looking to wear down Pikkarainen with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Pikkarainen steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Kubota. That one must have hurt.
Pikkarainen misses with a body shot.
Kubota dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Pikkarainen. That did some damage!
Kubota bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Pikkarainen's head backwards.
Kubota scoring well with a low kick there.
Kubota throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kubota.

Pikkarainen feints and as Kubota raises his hands in defense, Pikkarainen changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Pikkarainen working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Pikkarainen throws a big right hand that misses.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kubota keeping moving, preventing Pikkarainen from controlling successfully.
Pikkarainen working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Pikkarainen throws an elbow that misses. Kubota uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Pikkarainen's guard. Nice move by Kubota!

Kubota is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Pikkarainen lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Pikkarainen throwing strikes from guard but Kubota blocks nicely.
Pikkarainen has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Pikkarainen throws a big elbow that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeru Kubota dominated that round.
That's time! Kubota's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Pikkarainen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kubota lets loose with a powerful body kick. Pikkarainen will feel that in the morning.
Pikkarainen's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Pikkarainen misses with a wild body shot.
Kubota thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Pikkarainen if he has to take too many more of those.
Takeru Kubota is winning the standup battle so far.
Pikkarainen throws a hook but Kubota blocks it.
Good exchange - Kubota coming out on top.
A telegraphed right hand from Pikkarainen misses the target.
Pikkarainen tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kubota defends well and Pikkarainen ends up having to push Kubota into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Pikkarainen takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Pikkarainen thows a left - swing and a miss!
Pikkarainen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kubota.
The fighters circling - Pikkarainen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Pikkarainen takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kubota blocks a jab.
Kubota throws a front kick that sends Pikkarainen stumbling back into the cage.
Kubota connects with an inside leg kick.
Pikkarainen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kubota circles away.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kubota buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Pikkarainen is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kubota.
Pikkarainen shoots in but Kubota avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Takeru Kubota has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pekka Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kubota.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pikkarainen takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Kubota looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kubota thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Pikkarainen if he has to take too many more of those.
Pikkarainen jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kubota lands with a kick to the ribs.
Pikkarainen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kubota.
Pikkarainen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Pikkarainen drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Kubota is looking for a sweep.
Kubota wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Kubota dodges the ground and pound from Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen throwing shots but missing, from side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kubota parries the strikes from Pikkarainen easily there. Pikkarainen is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Kubota to escape.
Kubota takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pikkarainen prevents Kubota from escaping the position.
Pikkarainen creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Kubota sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Kubota managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Pikkarainen.
Kubota is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Pikkarainen misses with the ground and pound.
Pikkarainen tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Pekka Pikkarainen has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kubota is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pikkarainen throws an elbow but Kubota slips to the side and avoids it well.
Pikkarainen working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Pikkarainen misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Pikkarainen happy to just control the position for now.
Pikkarainen trying to control the action but Kubota is working from the bottom.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Pikkarainen in side control, throwing shots but Kubota defends.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Pikkarainen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kubota keeps working.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Kubota is looking to slow Pikkarainen down with leg kicks.
Pikkarainen misses with a wild body shot.
Kubota scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kubota ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kubota tried to counter with a leg kick but Pikkarainen avoided it.
Kubota slips under a jab from Pikkarainen.
Kubota stuffs the takedown attempt from Pikkarainen. Pikkarainen gets slowly back to his feet.
Pikkarainen misses with a hook. Kubota ducked under it nicely.
Both fighters circling a little - Kubota finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Pikkarainen takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Pikkarainen walks forward, straight into a front kick from Kubota.
Kubota lands a high kick!
A chopping leg kick lands by Kubota.
A jab from Pikkarainen misses.
Kubota jabs Pikkarainen right on the nose. Pikkarainen blinks but takes it well.
Both fighters circling a little - Kubota finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Crunch! Kubota slams his shin into Pikkarainen's torso.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeru Kubota dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Pikkarainen dives in and grabs Kubota's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kubota pushes down on Pikkarainen's head and hops out.
Pikkarainen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kubota circles away.
Pikkarainen shoots for a double leg takedown but Kubota sprawls well. He's pushed Pikkarainen's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Takeru Kubota has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pekka Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Pikkarainen takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Pikkarainen dives in and grabs Kubota's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kubota pushes down on Pikkarainen's head and hops out.
A solid body kick from Kubota.
Pikkarainen shoots in looking for a takedown but Kubota manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Pikkarainen's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Pikkarainen misses with a body shot.
Kubota lands a front kick.
Kubota throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Kubota feints and then cracks Pikkarainen's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Pikkarainen down.
Kubota throws a nice head kick!
Kubota scores with a spinning back kick!
Kubota is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Pikkarainen can do to turn this around?
Pikkarainen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A jab lands there for Pikkarainen.
Kubota lands with a kick to the temple. Pikkarainen shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Kubota slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Kubota changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kubota uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Pikkarainen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Kubota.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kubota.
Kubota chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Pikkarainen takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Pikkarainen throws a hook to the side of Kubota's head but Kubota sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kubota scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Pikkarainen on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kubota. Kubota obviously looking to wear him down.
Pikkarainen misses with a double jab.
Kubota is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Kubota lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kubota lands a front kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Kubota.
Nice defenses there by Kubota.
Kubota with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Nice defenses there by Kubota.
Kubota slips a jab from Pikkarainen.
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!
Pikkarainen misses with an uppercut.
Pikkarainen blocks a head kick by Kubota.
A lazy left from Kubota finds it's target.
Pikkarainen misses with a wild body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pikkarainen throws a hook but Kubota avoids it easily.
Kubota throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kubota fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Pikkarainen.
Kubota scoring well with a low kick there.
Kubota throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kubota lands a right hook to the body.
Pikkarainen throws a body punch but Kubota moves out of range.
Pikkarainen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kubota ducks under a wild hook from Pikkarainen.
Kubota throws a leg kick which misses Pikkarainen's front leg but catches the back leg as Pikkarainen tries to avoid it.
Pikkarainen steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Kubota. That one must have hurt.
Kubota leaves Pikkarainen with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A jab lands there for Kubota.
Kubota keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kubota scores with a head kick. Pikkarainen tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Kubota works over Pikkarainen's head and body with a nice combination.
Kubota fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Pikkarainen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Pikkarainen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kubota lands a nice looking body shot.
Pikkarainen thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kubota looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kubota.
Kubota scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kubota throws a nice outside leg kick.
Nice shot by Kubota.
Pikkarainen misses with an uppercut. Kubota saw that one coming.
Kubota defending well as Pikkarainen loads up on a big left hand.
Pikkarainen swings for the body but Kubota moves out of range.
Kubota throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Pikkarainen stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Kubota uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen swings for the body but Kubota moves out of range.
Kubota lands with a kick to the temple. Pikkarainen shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Pikkarainen walks into a left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kubota turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kubota lands a nice hook to Pikkarainen's body. Pikkarainen takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

Pikkarainen shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Kubota manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Pikkarainen drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kubota pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kubota lands a head kick!
Pikkarainen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kubota circles away quickly and effectively.
Pikkarainen on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Kubota scores with a head kick. Pikkarainen tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Pikkarainen fails with the takedown.
Kubota ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Pikkarainen throws a body shot but no joy.
Kubota half committed to a counter leg kick.
A jab lands there for Kubota.
Kubota throws a quick inside leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kubota dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Pikkarainen. That did some damage!
Pikkarainen tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kubota sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Pikkarainen somewhat.
Kubota lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeru Kubota clearly takes 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.

Kubota moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Pikkarainen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kubota cracks the inside of Pikkarainen's front leg.
Kubota thuds his shin into the meat of Pikkarainen's side.
Pikkarainen throws out a loose jab but Kubota uses good head movement to avoid it.
Pikkarainen takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Pikkarainen darts in looking for a takedown but Kubota gets double underhooks and turns Pikkarainen into the cage.
Pikkarainen has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Kubota.
An inside leg kick lands from Kubota.
Kubota lands an overhand right.
Kubota connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Kubota connects with a solid leg kick.
Pikkarainen just misses with a punch to the body.
Kubota throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Pikkarainen closes the distance and clinches up with Kubota, looking for a takedown. Pikkarainen pushes Kubota against the cage but Kubota circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kubota fakes the leg kick and cracks Pikkarainen in the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pikkarainen is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Pikkarainen misses with a jab, cross combination.
Pikkarainen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kubota moves away.
Pikkarainen takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Pikkarainen is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Kubota connects with a body shot that sends Pikkarainen's belly button to the back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pikkarainen on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Pikkarainen takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Pikkarainen shoots in looking for a takedown. Kubota tries to sprawl out of it but Pikkarainen keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kubota manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Takeru Kubota has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pekka Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Pikkarainen just misses with a punch to the body.
Pikkarainen takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

Pikkarainen drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Kubota is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Pikkarainen throws an elbow that misses. Kubota uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Pikkarainen's guard. Nice move by Kubota!

Pikkarainen looking for a sweep. Not yet Pikkarainen, not yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pikkarainen being controlled here, momentarily.
Pikkarainen wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Kubota sitting in guard, not really doing much.

Kubota decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Pikkarainen, up you get!
Kubota staying out of range there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota is looking to slow Pikkarainen down with leg kicks.
Pikkarainen misses with a wild body shot.
Kubota throws a leg kick which misses Pikkarainen's front leg but catches the back leg as Pikkarainen tries to avoid it.
Kubota stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kubota wants it to stay on the feet.
Kubota thuds a left hand into Pikkarainen's body.
Pikkarainen throws a jab when Kubota was well out of range.
Kubota lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kubota buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kubota fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Pikkarainen looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kubota misses with a few strikes there.
Pikkarainen scores with a jab to the body.
Kubota bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Pikkarainen's head.
Kubota steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Pikkarainen.
Kubota lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pikkarainen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kubota moves away.
Kubota swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
A slow jab from Pikkarainen misses its intended target.
Kubota blocks a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pikkarainen tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kubota chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Pikkarainen.
Kubota scores with a crisp jab that stopped Pikkarainen in his tracks.
Pikkarainen shoots in looking for a takedown but Kubota manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Pikkarainen's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Kubota lands with a good body shot.
Kubota chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kubota. That's going to slow Pikkarainen down.
Kubota throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Pikkarainen.
Kubota tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nice takedown defense from Kubota. No joy for Pikkarainen on that attempt.
Kubota lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kubota scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Pikkarainen has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Pikkarainen fails with the takedown.
Pikkarainen tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeru Kubota had his way with Pekka Pikkarainen in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

A big right from Pikkarainen misses.
Pikkarainen throws a body punch but Kubota moves out of range.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kubota.
Kubota wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kubota defending well as Pikkarainen loads up on a big left hand.
Pikkarainen misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kubota is looking to slow Pikkarainen down with leg kicks.
Nice uppercut lands for Kubota. That snapped Pikkarainen's head back.
Pikkarainen dives in and grabs Kubota's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kubota pushes down on Pikkarainen's head and hops out.
Pikkarainen takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Pikkarainen tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kubota defends well and Pikkarainen ends up having to push Kubota into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Kubota throws a head kick that half lands.
Jab by Kubota.
Pikkarainen on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kubota. Kubota obviously looking to wear him down.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pikkarainen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Pikkarainen is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Kubota lands with a right hand.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Kubota.
Kubota throws a nice inside leg kick.
Pikkarainen throws a body shot but no joy.
Pikkarainen walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pikkarainen shoots in but Kubota avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Kubota appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Takeru Kubota has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pekka Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kubota thuds his shin into the meat of Pikkarainen's side.
Pikkarainen fails with a takedown attempt.
Kubota throws a good cross that connects.
Kubota avoids the body shot from Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Pikkarainen sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Kubota fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kubota feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Pikkarainen's calf.
Pikkarainen misses with a wild body shot.
Pikkarainen has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Kubota.
Pekka Pikkarainen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kubota.
Kubota lands a front kick.
Kubota lands a leg kick that knocks Pikkarainen off balance momentarily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kubota moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
A good leg kick by Kubota.
Kubota lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Pikkarainen shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kubota but Kubota pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Kubota thinks about countering with a body kick.
Pikkarainen chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kubota can pounce on him.
Kubota stuffs the takedown attempt from Pikkarainen. Pikkarainen gets slowly back to his feet.
Pikkarainen just misses with a punch to the body.
Kubota lands a front kick.
Kubota connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Pikkarainen on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Pikkarainen walks forward, straight into a front kick from Kubota.
Pikkarainen is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kubota sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Pikkarainen tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kubota swivels and escapes.
Pikkarainen has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Pikkarainen. That did some damage!
Kubota lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Kubota avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kubota.
Kubota throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Kubota lands with a slapping head kick.
Pikkarainen takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Kubota uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Pikkarainen.
Kubota scores with a leg kick.
Kubota keeps Pikkarainen at a distance using the push kick.
Kubota fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Pikkarainen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Pikkarainen tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kubota throws a head kick that Pikkarainen semi-blocks.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pikkarainen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Pikkarainen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kubota was well out of range. Poor timing from Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kubota lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A punch lands to the side of Pikkarainen 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A big right from Pikkarainen misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kubota thuds a left hand into Pikkarainen's body.
Kubota scores with a kick to the body.
Kubota throws a good cross that connects.
Kubota darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Kubota turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Crunch! Kubota slams his shin into Pikkarainen's torso.
Pikkarainen throws a body shot but no joy.
Kubota lands a leg kick that knocks Pikkarainen off balance momentarily.
Pikkarainen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kubota.
Kubota takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Pikkarainen takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Pikkarainen fails with a takedown attempt.
Kubota displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Pikkarainen throws out the jab.
Takeru Kubota 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.
Kubota changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kubota jabs Pikkarainen to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Kubota scores with a leg kick.
Pikkarainen takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

And that's the end of the fight!
Takeru Kubota showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kubota, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge William Gold scores the fight 50:45
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 50:45
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Takeru Kubota!
Takeru Kubota retains his bantamweight title!
Takeru Kubota decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.