PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Chris Boag (ranked 1027 p4p, 129 weight class) and Taiki Aoki (ranked 1336 p4p, 165 weight class). 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.

Boag
vs
Aoki

170 cm
25
165 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

170 cm
42
156 lbs
36 - 18 - 2

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Powerful

Kimura Klothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Chris Boag!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 36 - 18 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Taiki Aoki!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Donald Grub and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Boag throws a low kick but Aoki avoids it.

Aoki fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Boag sprawls well initially but Aoki persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Aoki is trying to control. Boag wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Boag makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Boag looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Aoki keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Aoki doesn't manage to clinch there - Boag circles away.
Aoki blocks a leg kick.
Chris Boag seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Boag dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Aoki. That did some damage!
Boag throws the left hand but Aoki avoids the punch easily.
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!
Aoki tries to close the distance and clinch up but Boag swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Boag keeps the fight on the outside.
Boag looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Boag slaps away a takedown attempt from Aoki, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Boag.
Aoki tries to clinch up.
Boag throws a big shot that misses.
Boag dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Aoki. That did some damage!
Boag scores with a push kick.
Boag looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boag stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Boag wants it to stay on the feet.
Aoki shoots in for a takedown but Boag shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Chris Boag has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Taiki Aoki.
Boag stuns Aoki with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Boag throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Aoki changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Boag tries to avoid it but Aoki manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Boag to the ground. Boag escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Aoki closes the distance and clinches up with Boag, looking for a takedown. Aoki pushes Boag against the cage but Boag circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Aoki takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Aoki fails with a takedown attempt.
It looked like Boag wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Boag throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Boag throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Boag lands with a hook. Aoki tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Boag tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Aoki was well out of range. Poor timing from Boag.
Boag throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Boag scores with a three punch combo!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Boag walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Aoki checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Aoki dives in for a single leg takedown but Boag sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Aoki fails with a takedown attempt.
Aoki misses the jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boag throws a body kick that misses.
Aoki on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Boag. Boag obviously looking to wear him down.
Boag misses with a wild combination.
Aoki with a hook.
Aoki fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Aoki shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Boag napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Boag is trying to buck Aoki off.
My spies in Shit House inform me that Aoki has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!

Boag throws Aoki to one side and escapes!
Boag tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Aoki is able to avoid easily.
Boag feints and then cracks Aoki's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Aoki down.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Boag, right into the meat.
Boag ducks under a wild hook from Aoki.
A punch lands to the side of Boag 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Aoki shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Boag defends it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Aoki gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Boag works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Boag misses with some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Aoki.
Boag lands a right hand.
Aoki is looking to take this one to the mat.
Boag lands with a right to the head.
Boag lands a shot to the body.
Aoki looks winded!

Boag breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Aoki throws a hook to the side of Boag's head but Boag sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Boag lands with an uppercut that bounces Aoki off the cage and back into range.
Boag throws out a leg kick but Aoki moves out of range and Boag only half commits.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Boag.
Boag moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Boag pushes Aoki away with a front kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Boag lands a right hook to the body.
Boag scores with a leg kick.
Aoki keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Boag feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Aoki's calf.

Aoki shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Boag is trying to defend but Aoki finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Boag is trying to stand up here but Aoki is controlling him well.
Aoki looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Boag tries to kick Aoki off but Aoki keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

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

Boag is defending against the submission attempts here by Aoki.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Aoki seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Boag does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Aoki stops Boag from getting back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Boag lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Boag throws a sloppy head kick and Aoki moves out of range easily.
Boag lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Chris Boag is winning the standup battle so far.
Aoki has his takedown stuffed
and Boag connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Boag misses with an uppercut. Aoki saw that one coming.

Aoki shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Boag is trying to stand back up but Aoki is controlling him
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boag is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Aoki can do to turn this around?
Aoki wants to lay and pray for a moment but Boag keeps working.
Boag is trying to stand.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aoki seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Boag does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Aoki shoots in for a takedown but Boag shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Boag misses with a low kick.
Aoki moves out of range of the leg kick from Boag.

Aoki shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Boag is trying to stand up here but Aoki is controlling him well.
Boag trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Aoki working over Boag with some ground and pound. Boag looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Boag looks like he's trying to stand up.
Aoki seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Boag does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Boag wants to get back to his feet.

Boag kicks off Aoki and gets to his feet.
Aoki's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Aoki shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Boag pinned against the cage. Boag gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Boag tried to counter with a leg kick but Aoki avoided it.
Chris Boag has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Taiki Aoki.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aoki scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Aoki scores with a decent looking hook.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Boag thuds his shin into the meat of Aoki's side.
Aoki checks the leg kick.
Nice shot lands for Boag.
Aoki looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Aoki lands with a good body shot.
Jab by Boag.
Aoki chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Boag can pounce on him.
Aoki shoots in for a takedown but Boag shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Boag tried to counter with a leg kick but Aoki avoided it.
Boag uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Aoki.
A telegraphed right hand from Aoki misses the target.
Boag wants to slow Aoki down by chopping away at his legs.
Boag throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boag scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Boag throws a leg kick but Aoki sees it coming and checks it nicely.
A slapping body kick lands there for Boag.
Aoki takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Boag pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Chris Boag is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Boag. Aoki shrugs it off though.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Aoki.
Aoki is breathing heavily.
Aoki shoots in looking for a takedown. Boag tries to sprawl out of it but Aoki keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Boag manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Boag tries to land a leg kick but Aoki saw it coming and moves away.
A decent looking cross lands there for Boag.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Boag.
Aoki shoots in but Boag avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Boag moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boag throws a push kick but Aoki slaps the foot to one side.
Boag scores with a spinning back kick!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Aoki shoots in but no luck this time.
Nice body kick from Boag.
Boag scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Aoki keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Boag.
Boag connects with a solid leg kick.
Aoki fails with a takedown attempt.
Boag lands a leg kick that knocks Aoki off balance momentarily.
Boag throws a head kick but Aoki moves out of range.
A nice inside leg kick there by Boag. That's going to slow Aoki down.

Aoki has managed to clinch.
Aoki tries to score a body lock takedown but Boag shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Aoki is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Boag to keep the fight standing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chris Boag dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Boag swings and misses with a hook to the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Aoki.
Boag chopping away at his opponent's legs.

Aoki closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Boag throws Aoki to one side and escapes!
Aoki avoids the body shot from Boag.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Aoki.
Boag looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Boag tries to land a front kick but Aoki steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Aoki is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aoki has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Boag.
Boag chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Aoki shoots for a double leg takedown but Boag sprawls well. He's pushed Aoki's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Chris Boag has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Taiki Aoki.
Aoki changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Boag tries to avoid it but Aoki manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Boag to the ground. Boag escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Aoki takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Aoki tries to score a power double leg takedown but Boag sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Aoki somewhat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boag thumps Aoki with a low kick.
Aoki has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Boag.
Aoki tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A head kick misses from Boag.
An inside leg kick lands from Boag.
Boag lands a jab-cross combination.
Boag tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Aoki is able to avoid easily.
A jab lands there for Boag.
Boag connects with a leg kick. Aoki looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

Aoki looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Boag!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Boag wants to get back to his feet.
Aoki grinds an elbow into Boag's temple.
Aoki tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Aoki lands a nice forearm strike.
Taiki Aoki has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boag pushes Aoki away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Aoki gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Aoki landing a few strikes.
Boag is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Aoki has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Aoki scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Boag to see if he's OK.
Boag is trying to buck Aoki off.
Aoki creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Boag prevents Aoki from improving position.
Boag wants to get back to his feet.
Aoki is chipping away with strikes.
Aoki cracks Boag with a big elbow.
Boag pushes Aoki away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Aoki gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Aoki grinds an elbow into Boag's temple.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aoki in side control lands a decent elbow.
Boag is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Aoki is controlling him well.
Aoki cracks Boag with a big right hand but Boag just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Aoki has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Aoki trying to control the position but Boag is working away.
Boag is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Aoki asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Aoki is chipping away with strikes.
Boag is trying to buck Aoki off.
Boag being controlled for a moment.
Boag is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Aoki looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Boag pushes Aoki away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Aoki gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Aoki trying to control the action but Boag is working from the bottom.
Boag is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Aoki is controlling him well.

Aoki looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Boag is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chris Boag showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Boag, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 30:27
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 30:27
Judge William Gold scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chris Boag!
A victorious Chris Boag thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.