PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Xing Pugberg (ranked 490 p4p, 18 weight class) and Takeru Kubota (ranked 320 p4p, 14 weight class). Kubota comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Devilman No Uta kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! On his way into the cage it seems that Xing Pugberg has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Xing Pugberg seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Pugberg
vs
Kubota

150 cm
22
130 lbs
10 - 4 - 0

170 cm
22
140 lbs
9 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Granite chin

Arcticus University: London
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 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Xing Pugberg!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Takeru Kubota!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Steve Montenegro and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pugberg darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Pugberg is keen to just control but Kubota is a slippery customer.

Kubota looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Pugberg seems to be looking for submissions.
Pugberg wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kubota keeps working.
Pugberg passes the guard and advances to mount!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pugberg has control of Kubota's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Kubota regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Kubota tries to reverse the position but Pugberg maintains control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pugberg moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kubota has worked his arm free - good work by Kubota!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Pugberg is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Kubota has escaped the position, nice work there.
Kubota is trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Pugberg tries for a kimura but Kubota is defending well.
Kubota tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
Kubota is wriggling around trying to escape.
Pugberg seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Kubota is holding on tight.
Kubota is looking to get to half guard.
Kubota tries to lock up and control but Pugberg gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pugberg working for a guillotine from mount but Kubota is in no mood to give up.

Pugberg is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Kubota to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Kubota shrugs it off.

Pugberg jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Kubota manages to avoid the submission attempt.

Pugberg tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Pugberg swings around for an armbar but Kubota sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Pugberg's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Kubota avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kubota stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pugberg swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kubota keeps trying to improve his position.

Pugberg looking for a guillotine here but Kubota defends easily.
Kubota trying to control but Pugberg is working from the bottom.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kubota slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Pugberg throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Pugberg takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kubota ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kubota keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kubota lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kubota throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kubota stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kubota wants it to stay on the feet.
Pugberg shoots in but Kubota avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Pugberg gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Kubota lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Pugberg circles away quickly and effectively.
Pugberg changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Pugberg has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Xing Pugberg. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kubota takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kubota looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kubota bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Pugberg's head.

Pugberg drives through with a takedown into Kubota's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kubota is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Pugberg forces his way into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kubota is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Pugberg pulls his head out easily.
Xing Pugberg overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Pugberg seems to be looking for submissions.

Pugberg is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Pugberg is working for a kimura but Kubota is defending it quite comfortably.
Kubota wants to get back to full guard.

That's two 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.

Kubota actively working from the bottom here.

Kubota is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Pugberg pulls his head out easily.

Pugberg is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kubota defends it well.

Pugberg is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Kubota looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Pugberg works his way into full mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pugberg avoids the attempt from Kubota to control.
Kubota tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Pugberg is working for a guillotine from mount but Kubota frees his head quite easily.

Pugberg moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kubota has worked his arm free - good work by Kubota!
Kubota is looking for a sweep.
Kubota is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Pugberg is one step ahead and moves to full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kubota wants to hold on but Pugberg pushes him away.
Pugberg moves to the back position.

Pugberg looking for the RNC.

Kubota is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Pugberg is looking for the choke from the back position but Kubota is controlling his hands well.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pugberg is trying to stick to Kubota's back but Kubota is turning into Pugberg. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Pugberg's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Kubota.
Kubota trying to control but Pugberg is working from the bottom.

Pugberg has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kubota can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kubota slips under a jab from Pugberg.

Pugberg feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Pugberg is pushing down on Kubota's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kubota is fighting to maintain full guard but Pugberg has managed to sneak the leg through.

Kubota looking for submissions off his back.

Pugberg is looking for a kimura here.

Kubota actively working from the bottom here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kubota looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Pugberg is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Kubota has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pugberg seems to be working for a kimura but Kubota defends the submission attempt.
Pugberg is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kubota can do to turn this around?
Pugberg tries to pass the half guard into mount. Kubota knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kubota is trying to maintain the position but Pugberg is very close to passing his half guard.

Pugberg is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Kubota has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Kubota gets full guard.

Kubota is looking for a triangle but Pugberg pushes his legs off easily.
Kubota looking to control.

Kubota is looking for a triangle but Pugberg pushes his legs off easily.

Pugberg is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Kubota had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Pugberg defends it easily.

Kubota has his foot on Pugberg's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Pugberg works his way back into a safe position though.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

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

Pugberg looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Kubota!
Pugberg has control of an arm but Kubota manages to advance to Pugberg's back!
Kubota controls the position.

Pugberg defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Kubota's arms.
Pugberg wants to escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kubota working for a choke but Pugberg is defending well.
Pugberg tries to break free.

Pugberg defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Kubota's arms.
Kubota avoiding Pugberg 's attempts to control his hands.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Pugberg rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Pugberg slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xing Pugberg clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kubota throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Pugberg drives through with a takedown into Kubota's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Pugberg drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Kubota manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Pugberg has Kubota in his guard.

Kubota trying to control the position from guard on top but Pugberg is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Pugberg is looking for a triangle but Kubota pushes his legs off easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pugberg looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Pugberg lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Kubota is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kubota looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Pugberg trying to control but Kubota is working from the bottom.

Kubota looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Pugberg looking to pass the guard.

Kubota is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Pugberg defends well.
Pugberg forces his way into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Kubota is looking to improve his position.

Pugberg is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Kubota is just riding it out for now. Pugberg eventually gives up the hold.

Kubota looking for submissions off his back.
Kubota wants to get back to full guard but Pugberg has passed into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pugberg tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Kubota is trying to get back to half guard.
Pugberg has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Kubota!
Pugberg controlling from the full mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Pugberg trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Pugberg working for a submission but Kubota is keeping him at bay.

Pugberg moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kubota has worked his arm free - good work by Kubota!

Pugberg is trying to get an arm triangle but Kubota is defending well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Kubota is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Xing Pugberg had his way with Takeru Kubota in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Pugberg dodges the punch combination from Kubota.
Kubota slips a straight right by Pugberg.
Kubota thows a body kick. Pugberg tries to catch it but that hurt him.
That kick from Kubota tenderised Pugberg's leg. Pugberg is trying to keep his angry face on.
Pugberg uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kubota.

Pugberg scores with a takedown into Kubota's guard.
Pugberg wants to control from the top but Kubota keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pugberg drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Pugberg jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Kubota working a defensive guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kubota is looking for a triangle but Pugberg pushes his legs off easily.

Kubota looking for a guillotine here but Pugberg defends easily.
Kubota looking for a sweep. Not yet Kubota, not yet.

Kubota looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Pugberg dives in and grabs Kubota's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kubota pushes down on Pugberg's head and hops out.
Kubota has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Kubota fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Pugberg shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Pugberg was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Takeru Kubota has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pugberg wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kubota keeps working.
Kubota wants to control but Pugberg postures up.

Pugberg in side control, working for a kimura. He's got hold of an arm and he's torquing it... Kubota is tapping! That's the end of the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:40 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Xing Pugberg!
Xing Pugberg retains his bantamweight title!