PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Koh Ibu (ranked 31 p4p, 5 weight class) and Marco Ajax (ranked 62 p4p, 9 weight class). Ajax has chosen For Heavy Metal we will die! as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Ibu
vs
Ajax

175 cm
28
154 lbs
21 - 7 - 0

160 cm
37
158 lbs
39 - 18 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter
Aspire Clothing

Bullet Proof System

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Koh Ibu!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 39 - 18 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Marco Ajax!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Chris Edwards and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ibu lands with a hook. Ajax tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Ajax throws a leg kick but Ibu moved away.
Ajax throws a shot to the body.
Ajax looks to throw the jab but Ibu is out of range.
Ajax tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Good leg kick by Ibu there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Nice uppercut lands for Ajax. That snapped Ibu's head back.
Ibu connects with a looping right hand.
Ajax looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Ajax doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Ajax misses with a body shot.
Ibu blocks a low kick nicely.
Ibu feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Ajax scoring well with a low kick there.
Ajax throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ajax throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ibu lands with a cross.
Ajax lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Ajax.
Ajax trying to control the action but Ibu is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ajax scoring with punches and elbows.
Ibu is working to avoid the ground and pound but Ajax connects with a decent elbow.
Ajax in side control lands a decent elbow.
Ibu manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Ibu has hold of Ajax's hands but Ajax slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Ibu regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Ajax.
Ajax preventing the sweep.
Ibu keeping moving, preventing Ajax from controlling successfully.
Ajax throwing strikes from guard but Ibu blocks nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ajax throwing strikes from guard but Ibu blocks nicely.
Ajax missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Ibu avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ajax scoring with some ground and pound.
Ajax working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Ajax is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Ibu managing to control the position.
Ajax trying to control the position from guard on top but Ibu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ibu looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ajax is one step ahead there.
Ajax chips away with some ground and pound.
Ibu is trying to keep Ajax in close.

Ibu kicks Ajax off and gets to his feet.
A solid leg kick lands there for Ajax.
Ajax is looking to score with low kicks.
Ibu misses with a hook
and Ajax counters with a one-two to the body.
Ajax looks to land a body kick but Ibu moved away.
Ibu cracks a nice hook into Ajax's ribs.
Ajax misses with a kick to the body
enabling Ibu to counter with a crisp jab.
Ajax swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Ibu counters with a straight right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ajax needs to keep his hands up - Ibu had a free shot at his head there.
Ibu is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Ajax throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ajax misses the shot to the body.
Ajax has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Ajax takes one on the button.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Ibu, right into the meat.
Ajax misses with a straight right.
A quick step to the side and Ibu tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ajax throws the left hand but Ibu avoids the punch easily.
Ibu is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Ibu jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ibu thumps Ajax with a low kick.
Ibu tries to clinch but Ajax moves out of range.
Ajax misses with an uppercut.
Ibu jabs Ajax right on the nose. Ajax blinks but takes it well.
Ibu takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Ibu throws a half hearted mid kick.
Ajax drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Ibu defends it well.
Ibu slips under a jab.
Ajax swings widly with a right hand
and Ibu counters with a stiff right hand.
Ajax throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A low kick from Ibu is predictable there

and Ajax counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Ajax.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Marco Ajax will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Ibu clobbers Ajax with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Ajax throws a leg kick
and Ibu counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Ajax drives through with a takedown into guard.

Ibu wriggles free and stands up.
Ajax checks a low kick from Ibu.
Ibu lands with a nice body punch.
Ajax motions for Ibu to come forward. Ajax throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ajax throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ajax gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Ibu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ibu misses with an uppercut.
Ajax pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ajax moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Ajax looks to land a right hand but Ibu moved out of range.
Ajax misses the jab.
Ajax throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ibu tries to clinch but Ajax moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ajax misses with a kick to the body.
Ajax uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ibu has time to react.
Koh Ibu is winning the standup battle so far.
Ajax throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Ibu counters with a nice uppercut.
Ibu throws a good cross that connects.
Ajax misses with a hook.
Ajax avoids the body shot from Ibu.
Ibu bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
The fighters circle momentarily. Ibu darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Ibu lands with a thumping leg kick.
Ajax misses with a leg kick
and Ibu counters with a straight right hand.
Ibu thumps Ajax with a low kick.
Ibu takes a swing at Ajax's ribcage but misses.
Ibu takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Ajax throws a front kick aimed at Ibu's knee but Ibu avoids it well.
We've been told by Ibu's head coaches at AK Beasties that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
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!
Ibu dips to his left and cracks Ajax with an uppercut!
Ajax swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ajax lands with a nice body punch.
Ajax misses with an uppercut. Ibu saw that one coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ibu lands a nice shot to the body.
Ibu takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Ibu clinches up against the cage.
Ibu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ibu struggles to land a body shot inside as Ajax controls his hands.
Ibu blocks an uppercut.
Ajax lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
The referee calls for Ibu to work.
Ibu throws a punch but it's blocked by Ajax.
Ajax swings wildly with an uppercut but Ibu uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ibu lands a left hand that snaps the head of Ajax backwards.
Ajax working aggressively here.
Ajax lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ajax throws a head punch that misses.

Ajax breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ajax keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Ibu swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ibu digs a good body shot into Ajax's ribs.
Ajax misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Ibu feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Ibu listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Ajax bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ajax thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ibu lands with an uppercut that bounces Ajax off the cage and back into range.
Ajax missing with a left hand there. Ibu was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ibu throws a body punch but Ajax moves out of range.
Koh Ibu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ajax swings away with a body shot that misses
and Ibu cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ajax lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Ibu needs to keep his hands up - Ajax had a free shot at his head there.
Ajax throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Ibu to counter with a crisp jab.
Ajax takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice defenses there by Ajax.
Ajax looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Ajax misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Marco Ajax seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ajax pivots, looking for a leg kick but Ibu is out of range and Ajax settles back down.
Ibu throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ibu scores with a leg kick.
Ibu avoids a punch combination nicely.
A punch lands to the side of Ajax 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Ibu feints and then cracks Ajax's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ajax down.
Ajax tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ibu was well out of range. Poor timing from Ajax.
Ibu scores with a jab to the jaw.
Ibu defending well as Ajax loads up on a big left hand.
Ibu connects with a leg kick. Ajax looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Ajax has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nice defenses there by Ibu.
Ajax checks a leg kick.
Ibu misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ajax.
Ajax misses with a body punch
and Ibu counters with a slapping leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Koh Ibu dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ibu turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Ibu tries to clinch but Ajax is having none of it.
Ajax slips under a jab.
Nice jab there from Ibu.
Ajax tries to land a front kick but Ibu steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ibu throws a shot to the body.
Ibu throws out a powerful jab.
Ajax misses with a wild body shot.
Ibu connects with a right hand. Ajax shakes it off.
Ibu slips under a jab.
Ibu lands the left hand.
Ibu throws a jab when Ajax was well out of range.
Ajax tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ibu takes a jab right on the kisser.
A low kick from Ajax misses
and Ibu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
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!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Ajax.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ajax connects with a nice looking jab.
The fighters circling - Ibu throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ibu misses with a jab to the body
and Ajax counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A low kick from Ibu misses

and Ajax counters with a shoot takedown. Ibu fights it but they end up in guard.
Ibu keeping moving, preventing Ajax from controlling successfully.
Ibu has his hands on Ajax's head, controlling the position.
Ajax cracks Ibu with a solid left hand.
Ajax wants to control from the top but Ibu keeps moving.
Ibu pulls Ajax in close to prevent any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ajax loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ajax throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Ibu utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Ibu is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Ajax wants to get back to full guard.

Ibu decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
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!
Ajax scores with a decent looking hook.
Ibu uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ajax.
Ibu darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Ajax loads up on a big right hand but Ibu slips the punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Ibu does it's job there.
Ajax misses with a looping right.
Ibu connects with a good right hand that stumbles Ajax. Ajax circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Ajax throws a hook but Ibu avoids it easily.
Ibu lands with a nice body punch.
Ibu turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A good leg kick by Ibu.
Ajax takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Ibu lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Ajax throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Ibu counters with a low kick, right behind Ajax 's knee.
Ibu throws a body punch but Ajax moves out of range.
Ibu scores with the left hand. Ajax knows he should have avoided that one.
Ajax throws a big shot that misses.
Ajax throws an overhand right that lands on Ibu's shoulder, as Ibu tries to avoid the shot.
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!
Ajax looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Ibu ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ibu swings widly with a right hand
and Ajax connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ibu takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Ibu on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Ajax will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Ibu misses with a low kick.
Ajax misses with a hook to the body
and Ajax takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ajax misses with a two punch combination.
Ibu keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Ajax takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ajax throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ibu avoids the body shot from Ajax.
Ibu was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Ibu connects with a leg kick. Ajax looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Ibu throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Ibu has taken the fight to the clinch.
Ibu misses with a short punch on the inside.
A nice right hand lands inside from Ajax.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Koh Ibu clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Ibu with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Ajax misses with a hook. Ibu ducked under it nicely.
Ibu cracks Ajax with a good jab.
Ibu bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Ajax's head.
Ibu avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ajax's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Ibu looks to throw the jab but Ajax is out of range.
Ajax is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Ajax tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
It looked like Ibu was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Ajax.
Ibu avoids a kick to the body.
Ajax missing with a left hand there. Ibu was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ajax changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Ibu takes a swing at Ajax's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab from Ibu does it's job there.
A leg kick checked by Ibu.
Ibu connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Ajax momentarily.
Ibu misses with a looping right.
Ibu misses with a body shot.
Ajax lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Ajax throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ajax shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Ajax wants to take a breather but Ibu is having none of it.
Ibu trying to control from the bottom.
Ajax is looking to take a break and control but Ibu is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Ajax sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Ibu defending well though.
Ibu makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Ibu.
Ajax wants to control from the top but Ibu keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ajax throws a big right hand that misses.
Ibu avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ibu avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ajax throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Ibu works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ibu pulls Ajax in to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Ibu misses with a straight left.
Ajax jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ibu tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ajax paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ajax throws the left hand but Ibu avoids the punch easily.
Ibu slaps away a takedown attempt from Ajax, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ajax motions for Ibu to come forward. Ajax throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ibu ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Ibu throws a body shot but no joy.
Ajax thows a leg kick but Ibu checks it
and Ibu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ajax rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Ibu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Ajax shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Ibu manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Ibu has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Ajax off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Ajax throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Ajax takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ibu lands with a straight right. Ajax didn't see that one coming.
Ibu takes one to the side of the head.
Ibu slips under a jab.
Ibu cracks Ajax with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Ajax throws a jab when Ibu was well out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ibu instigates a clinch.

Ibu breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Good standup being displayed there by Ibu as he connects with a hook.
Ibu catches Ajax with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Ibu avoids a low kick by using good footwork.

Ajax darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Ibu kicks Ajax off and gets back to his feet.
Ajax ducks under a wild hook from Ibu.
A decent looking cross lands there for Ibu.
Ajax misses with a head kick.
Ajax throws a big shot that misses.
Ibu moves into range and connects with a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Koh Ibu had his way with Marco Ajax in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Ibu takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Ibu avoids a punch combination nicely.
Ajax lands with a cross.
Ibu keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Ajax thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ibu comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Ajax shoots in for a takedown but Ibu shows good takedown defense.
Ibu is looking to slow Ajax down with leg kicks.

Ajax closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Ibu to the mat! Ibu manages to get full guard.
Ajax lands a couple of elbows.
Ibu is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Koh Ibu is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ajax trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ajax throwing strikes from guard but Ibu blocks nicely.
Ibu keeping moving, preventing Ajax from controlling successfully.
Ajax is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Ajax postures up in Ibu's guard and throws a big left but Ibu blocks it.
Ajax content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Ibu bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ajax's guard.

Marco Ajax has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ibu avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Ajax is on top in guard.

Ibu will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Ibu wants to sweep but no luck.
Ibu looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Ajax missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Ajax postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ibu utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ibu is trying to keep Ajax in close.
Ibu pulls Ajax in to control the position.
Ajax in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ibu is pulling down on Ajax's head. It's preventing any offense from Ajax, at least for the moment.
Ajax throws a big elbow that misses.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Ajax works over Ibu with some ground and pound from guard.
Ajax throws a big right hand that misses.
Ibu is pulling down on Ajax's head. It's preventing any offense from Ajax, at least for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Ibu avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Ajax wants to slow Ibu down by chopping away at his legs.
Ajax scores with a sloppy right hand. Ibu should have avoided that one.
Ajax throws out a powerful jab.
Ajax throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ajax looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Ibu slips under a jab.
Ibu looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Ibu slips under a jab.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ajax throws a right and a left that both miss.
Ajax throws a leg kick that is checked
and Ibu counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Ajax gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Ibu bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Marco Ajax comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ibu 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 Sam Margolis scores the fight 48:47
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 48:47
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Koh Ibu!
Koh Ibu retains his lightweight title!
Koh Ibu spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.