PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Toshi Hijikata (ranked 634 p4p, 73 weight class) and Tom Rivers (ranked 1723 p4p, 200 weight class). Rivers has chosen start from scratch as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. 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.

Hijikata
vs
Rivers

178 cm
25
159 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

178 cm
24
157 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

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 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Toshi Hijikata!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Tom Rivers!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Viktor Lagutenko and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hijikata scores with a hook.

Hijikata gets a clinch.
A right hand to the body from Hijikata.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rivers.
A short right from Hijikata on the inside.
Rivers can't find room to land a body shot as Hijikata controls the action.
Rivers misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Rivers.
Hijikata lands an uppercut.
Hijikata blocking some punches.
Rivers's coach down at The House of Pain was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Rivers's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
A body shot lands from Hijikata.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rivers.
Come on Hijikata - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Hijikata lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
Rivers softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hijikata throws a head punch that misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hijikata blocking some punches.
Rivers blocks a body shot from Hijikata.
A shot in the inside from Hijikata.
Hijikata is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Rivers is keeping busy.
Rivers tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hijikata.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rivers goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hijikata.
Hijikata misses with some punches.
Rivers looking to slow down the pace here.
Hijikata tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Rivers tries a body shot but Hijikata blocks it.
Rivers has a couple of punches blocked by Hijikata.
Rivers has a couple of punches blocked by Hijikata.
A body shot lands from Rivers.
Hijikata works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Rivers lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hijikata backwards.
Rivers tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Hijikata blocks an uppercut.
Rivers misses with a punch to the body.
Hijikata lands a nice shot to the body.
Hijikata works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A head punch on the inside from Hijikata fails to land.
Hijikata misses with a body punch.
Rivers is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Hijikata lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
Hijikata misses with a body punch.
Hijikata tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hijikata blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rivers tries to stall but Hijikata uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Rivers tries to stall but Hijikata uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Hijikata lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
Rivers lands with a left to the head.
Hijikata tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
Rivers lands with a left to the head.
Rivers's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hijikata scores with a shoulder strike.
Rivers tries to work over Hijikata's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hijikata lands an uppercut.
Rivers misses with a punch to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hijikata.
Hijikata pushes Rivers back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Rivers.
Rivers fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rivers fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata throws a head punch that misses.
Hijikata throws a head punch that misses.
A right hand to the body from Hijikata.
Rivers tries to throw a body punch but Hijikata avoids it by throwing Rivers back against the cage.
Rivers tries a body shot but Hijikata blocks it.
Rivers blocks an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Hijikata fails to land.
Hijikata fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hijikata cracks Rivers with a nice body shot.
Hijikata can't find room to land a body shot as Rivers controls the action.
Rivers blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hijikata throws a head punch that misses.
Hijikata lands a left hand.
Rivers swings wildly with an uppercut but Hijikata uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hijikata lands with a light punch inside.
Hijikata throws a punch but it's blocked by Rivers.
Rivers blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hijikata lands a hook that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Rivers fails to land.
Hijikata tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata working some nice short punches in the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rivers struggles to land a body shot inside as Hijikata controls his hands.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Hijikata tries to stall but Rivers uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
A hook to the body from Hijikata.
Hijikata blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A body shot lands from Hijikata.
Rivers looks winded!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Rivers is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Hijikata struggles to land a body shot inside as Rivers controls his hands.
Hijikata lands with a light punch inside.
Hijikata lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Rivers misses with the head strike.
Hijikata lands a hook to the side of the head.

Rivers is rocked!
Hijikata tries to throw a body punch but Rivers avoids it by throwing Hijikata back against the cage.
Rivers is still on wobbly legs! Can Hijikata finish him?
Hijikata is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Hijikata tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Rivers throws a head punch that misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rivers misses with a short punch on the inside.
Rivers seems to have recovered his senses.
Hijikata is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Hijikata tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Hijikata throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Rivers walks forward, straight into a front kick from Hijikata.
Hijikata moves into range and connects with a jab.
Rivers misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hijikata attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Rivers lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Hijikata throws a low kick, looking for Rivers's leg but Rivers calmly moves out of range.
Rivers missing with a left hand there. Hijikata was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Nice uppercut there from Rivers.
Rivers throws the left hand but Hijikata avoids the punch easily.
An inside leg kick lands from Hijikata.
Hijikata checks a leg kick.
A big right from Hijikata misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rivers checks a low kick from Hijikata.
Rivers appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Hijikata throws out a leg kick but Rivers moves out of range and Hijikata only half commits.
Rivers throws a body punch but Hijikata moves out of range.
Hijikata fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Rivers has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Hijikata lands a jab to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hijikata fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rivers is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hijikata thuds his shin into the meat of Rivers's side.
Hijikata swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hijikata is looking to clinch but Rivers is avoiding it.

Hijikata gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A short right from Hijikata.
Rivers prevents a body shot from Hijikata.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hijikata.
A right hand to the body from Hijikata.
Hijikata throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Rivers is breathing heavily.
Rivers doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Rivers misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hijikata manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Rivers throws a punch but it's blocked by Hijikata.
Hijikata is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rivers can do to turn this around?
Rivers misses with a body punch.
Hijikata is leaning against Rivers and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Hijikata works on Rivers's body with a couple of short punches.
Hijikata lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Hijikata lands a hook to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Rivers throws a head punch that misses.
A shot in the inside from Hijikata.
Hijikata tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
Hijikata lands a left hand that snaps the head of Rivers backwards.
Hijikata tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hijikata pushes Rivers back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hijikata misses with a body punch.
A short right from Hijikata on the inside.
Hijikata's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Rivers takes a shot to the head.
Hijikata lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Hijikata fails to land.
Hijikata works on Rivers's body with a couple of short punches.
A short left from Hijikata.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rivers misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hijikata tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hijikata misses with a punch on the inside.
Rivers misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rivers doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hijikata blocks a body shot from Rivers.
Hijikata tries a body shot but Rivers blocks it.
Hijikata's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Toshi Hijikata has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Hijikata scores with a hook to the body.
Rivers misses with a body punch.
Rivers prevents a body shot from Hijikata.
Hijikata just leaning against Rivers, taking a breather.
A body shot lands from Rivers.
Hijikata dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Hijikata scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hijikata is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Hijikata has a couple of punches blocked by Rivers.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata lands a right hand.
Hijikata slowing the pace effectively.
Rivers tries to work over Hijikata's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Rivers swings wildly with an uppercut but Hijikata uses good head movement to avoid it.
A body shot lands from Hijikata.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hijikata creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hijikata looking to stall.
A nice left hand lands by Hijikata.
Rivers misses with a short punch on the inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rivers is trying to maintain a safe position but Hijikata gets an underhook and turns Rivers into the cage.
Rivers goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hijikata scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hijikata tries to work over Rivers's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Hijikata has Rivers pressed against the cage.
Hijikata tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rivers's elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Good exchange - Hijikata coming out on top.
Rivers looks to land a combination but Hijikata avoids it well.
Rivers throws a leg kick but Hijikata sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Hijikata throws an off balance right hand
and Rivers counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Hijikata throws a leg kick which misses Rivers's front leg but catches the back leg as Rivers tries to avoid it.
Rivers tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Toshi Hijikata seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hijikata. Rivers does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rivers moves out of range of the body kick from Hijikata.
Hijikata fails in his attempt to clinch.
A low kick from Rivers misses
and Rivers takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Rivers 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.
Toshi Hijikata is winning the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hijikata misses with a wild body shot.
Hijikata tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rivers was well out of range. Poor timing from Hijikata.
Hijikata ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rivers swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Rivers gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Hijikata swings away with a body shot that misses
and Rivers counters with a straight right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hijikata throws a leg kick which misses Rivers's front leg but catches the back leg as Rivers tries to avoid it.
Hijikata looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Hijikata looks to score with a jab to the body but Rivers is just out of range.
A nice side step and Rivers releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Some bone on bone action there as Hijikata checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Hijikata takes a swing at Rivers's ribcage but misses.
Donk. Hijikata catches Rivers right on the button with a cross.
Hijikata works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Rivers tries to bum rush Hijikata with a series of wild strikes but Hijikata uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hijikata tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rivers paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Hijikata does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Rivers! But no joy.
Rivers swings away with a body shot that misses
and Hijikata counters with a good low kick that Rivers was not able to check.
A slapping leg kick lands for Hijikata.
Rivers swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hijikata throws a predictable looking body shot
and Rivers counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Rivers darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
A nice leg kick lands there from Hijikata.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rivers buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hijikata scores with a nice body kick.
Rivers takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hijikata wants to slow Rivers down by chopping away at his legs.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Hijikata. Rivers shrugs it off though.
Hijikata wants to clinch up but Rivers keeps it at a distance.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Hijikata.
Hijikata attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Rivers now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Hijikata pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Rivers throws out a counter right but Hijikata avoids it with no problem.
Hijikata pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Hijikata throws a low kick but Rivers avoids it.
Hijikata throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
A nice side step and Rivers releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but Rivers checks it.
Hijikata moves in looking to clinch but Rivers pushes him off.
Rivers misses with a body kick.
Hijikata tries to clinch but Rivers is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Rivers manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hijikata looks to score with a jab to the body but Rivers is just out of range.
Rivers fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Hijikata takes a swing at Rivers's ribcage but misses.
Hijikata throws the kick towards the body but Rivers avoids it.
Rivers let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Rivers looks to score with a jab to the body but Hijikata is just out of range.
Hijikata swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hijikata throws a shot to the body.
Hijikata swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rivers fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hijikata manages to avoid it.
Hijikata connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Rivers is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hijikata lands the left hand.
Rivers misses with an uppercut. Hijikata saw that one coming.
Rivers lands a jab to Hijikata's midsection.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Hijikata finds it's target.
A nice leg kick lands there from Hijikata.
Rivers on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hijikata throws a nice inside leg kick.
Hijikata fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Hijikata looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A swing and a miss from Hijikata.
A good leg kick by Rivers.
Rivers throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Hijikata lands with a hook. Rivers tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Hijikata throws a lazy uppercut
and Rivers connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hijikata moves away from the strike by Rivers.
Rivers walks into a stiff left hand from Hijikata.
Hijikata goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Rivers looks to score with a jab to the body but Hijikata is just out of range.
Rivers takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Toshi Hijikata 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.

Hijikata throws a hook to the side of Rivers's head but Rivers sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Hijikata dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Rivers. That did some damage!
Rivers misses with a body shot.
Hijikata throws a lazy right hand but Rivers sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rivers throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hijikata chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Hijikata throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rivers's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Hijikata with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Hijikata connects with a body shot that sends Rivers's belly button to the back.
Hijikata is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Rivers misses with a hook. Hijikata ducked under it nicely.
Rivers misses with a left hand
and Hijikata counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Hijikata.
Hijikata misses with a body shot.
Hijikata lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Rivers throws a body punch but Hijikata moves out of range.
This has been an exciting period of action!
BOOM! Hijikata lands a beautiful left hook that drops Rivers. Rivers tries to recover but Hijikata is having none of it, landing more punishing shots from mount. One final crushing shot and Rivers lies motionless on the canvas. The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:52 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Toshi Hijikata!
Toshi Hijikata retains his lightweight title!