PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Nobunaga Tanaka (ranked 713 p4p, 34 weight class) and Finnish Experiment (ranked 1058 p4p, 60 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.

Tanaka
vs
Experiment

170 cm
26
140 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

170 cm
26
138 lbs
7 - 2 - 2

BJJ Red Belt
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Conviction

Groove Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Nobunaga Tanaka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Finnish Experiment!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Ben Zyskovitsi and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tanaka scores with a nice body kick.
Experiment misses the shot to the body.
Tanaka throws a nice outside leg kick.
Tanaka just misses with a punch to the body.
Tanaka lands with a shot to the body.
Experiment tries to clinch up.
Tanaka lands a head kick!
Experiment just misses with a punch to the body.
Tanaka throws a sloppy body shot
and Experiment counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Experiment tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tanaka was well out of range. Poor timing from Experiment.
Tanaka takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Tanaka takes a swing at Experiment's ribcage but misses.
Tanaka uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Experiment.

Experiment drops Tanaka with a beautiful combination! Tanaka stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Experiment is looking for the KO!

Tanaka is rocked!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tanaka fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Oh Tanaka is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Experiment stuns Tanaka with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Experiment misses the shot to the body.
Nobunaga Tanaka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tanaka wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Tanaka seems to have got his legs back now.
Tanaka scoring well with a low kick there.
Experiment takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Finnish Experiment is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tanaka lets loose with a powerful body kick. Experiment will feel that in the morning.
Experiment throws a body punch but Tanaka moves out of range.
Tanaka looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A nice inside leg kick there by Experiment. That's going to slow Tanaka down.
Tanaka fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Tanaka is looking to wear down Experiment with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Tanaka takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Tanaka explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Experiment lands a right hook to the body.

Experiment clinches up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Experiment pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Experiment pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Experiment manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

Experiment breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Experiment moves out of range of the body kick.
Experiment tries a quick counter leg kick but Tanaka is wise to it.

Tanaka gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Tanaka takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Tanaka jumps guard but Experiment turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Experiment blocks a body shot from Tanaka.
Experiment blocks a body shot from Tanaka.
Tanaka blocks an elbow strike from Experiment.
A short uppercut from Tanaka.
Tanaka tries a body shot but Experiment blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tanaka.
Tanaka misses with a hook from the clinch.

Experiment breaks from the clinch.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Experiment, as that shot connected.
Experiment throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tanaka takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Tanaka ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Experiment moves away.
Experiment is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Tanaka.
Tanaka seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Experiment throws a body shot but no joy.
A telegraphed right hand from Tanaka misses the target.
Tanaka displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Experiment throws out the jab.
Experiment stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Experiment wants it to stay on the feet.
Experiment flicks out a counter leg kick but Tanaka steps away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nobunaga Tanaka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tanaka punishes Experiment's body with a nice straight punch.
Tanaka misses with a body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Experiment misses with a wild body shot.
Tanaka defending well as Experiment loads up on a big left hand.
Tanaka throws a body shot but no joy.
Tanaka moves out of range of the body kick from Experiment.
Experiment scores with a punch to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Experiment works Tanaka's body with a nice hook.
Experiment misses with a hook to the body
and Tanaka counters with a stiff right hand.
Tanaka lands a slapping body shot.
Experiment throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Tanaka throws a leg kick which misses Experiment's front leg but catches the back leg as Experiment tries to avoid it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Tanaka gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Experiment creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Tanaka looking to throw knees to the head but Experiment is blocking nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Finnish Experiment dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tanaka misses with a hook. Experiment ducked under it nicely.
Experiment let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Finnish Experiment seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Experiment takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Tanaka with a lazy takedown attempt

and Experiment counters by moving into the clinch.
Tanaka gets through Experiment's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Experiment escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tanaka checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
A punch combination from Experiment misses.
As Experiment backs away, Tanaka returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Tanaka fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Experiment looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Experiment checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
No luck for Tanaka with that takedown attempt.
Experiment checks the leg kick.
Tanaka avoids the body shot from Experiment.
Tanaka bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Experiment's head backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka cracks a nice hook into Experiment's ribs.
Tanaka throws a looping overhand right but Experiment ducks down to avoid it.
Experiment on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tanaka. Tanaka obviously looking to wear him down.
Tanaka keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Experiment feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Tanaka's calf.
Experiment throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Tanaka throws a low kick but Experiment avoids it.
Tanaka works the jab nicely.
Experiment wants to clinch but Tanaka slips to the side
and Tanaka counters with a body kick.
Tanaka throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
A big left from Experiment misses.

Tanaka has taken the fight to the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka trying to stall but Experiment improves his position.
Experiment leaning against his opponent.
A shot in the inside from Tanaka.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Experiment throws an elbow that misses.
Experiment lands a body shot.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Tanaka.
A shot in the inside from Tanaka.
Experiment throws a head punch that misses.
Tanaka working aggressively here.
A right hook to the body lands for Tanaka.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Experiment.
Tanaka stalling the fight.

Tanaka breaks from the clinch.
Tanaka has his takedown stuffed
and Experiment counters with a nice body shot.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nobunaga Tanaka. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Experiment misses.
A little feinted left hand from Tanaka on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Experiment throws a solid leg kick but Tanaka takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Experiment.

Tanaka throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Experiment was covering up waiting for the punch and Tanaka finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Experiment is adopting a defensive guard.
Tanaka tries to free his leg and advance position but Experiment is retaining full guard.
Tanaka wants to control from the top but Experiment keeps moving.
Tanaka working some strikes from top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Experiment keeping full guard, as Tanaka tries to pass.
Tanaka wants to control from the top but Experiment keeps moving.
Experiment working a defensive guard here.
Experiment controlling Tanaka's posture.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Tanaka has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Tanaka stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Experiment swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nobunaga Tanaka dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Tanaka closes the distance and clinches.
Experiment lands an elbow that stopped Tanaka in his tracks for a moment.
Come on Tanaka - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Tanaka lands a nice shot to the body.
Tanaka stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Experiment is trying to maintain a safe position but Tanaka gets an underhook and turns Experiment into the cage.
Tanaka trying to control the position but instead, Experiment has worked for underhooks and has pushed Tanaka into the cage.
Tanaka is trying to break the clinch but Experiment has him pressed against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Experiment lands a right hand that snaps the head of Tanaka backwards.

Tanaka breaks the clinch.
A slapping leg kick lands for Tanaka.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Experiment fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Experiment stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Tanaka.
Experiment is looking to clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Experiment. Tanaka does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tanaka ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

Tanaka moves into range and clinches up with Experiment.
Experiment wants to stall.
Tanaka taking a breather.
Tanaka lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Experiment dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Experiment lands an elbow inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka slows down the pace here.
Tanaka throws a punch but it's blocked by Experiment.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tanaka.
A head punch on the inside from Tanaka fails to land.
Nobunaga Tanaka has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Experiment lands an elbow inside.
Tanaka tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tanaka wants to stall.
Experiment is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Tanaka tries to throw a body punch but Experiment avoids it by throwing Tanaka back against the cage.
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!
Experiment lands an elbow inside.
Tanaka blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Tanaka blocks an elbow strike from Experiment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Experiment working hard to break the clinch.
Tanaka can't find room to land a body shot as Experiment controls the action.
Experiment creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Tanaka blocks an elbow strike from Experiment.
Tanaka tries a body shot but Experiment blocks it.
Tanaka misses with a punch to the body.
Experiment comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Tanaka misses with the head strike.
Experiment throws an elbow but it misses.
Tanaka softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Tanaka is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Experiment goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Experiment is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Tanaka looking to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka throws a head punch that misses.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Tanaka blocks an elbow strike from Experiment.

Experiment manages to break the clinch.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tanaka.
Experiment misses with a wild body shot.
A chopping leg kick lands by Experiment.
Tanaka throws a quick inside leg kick.
Tanaka scores with a push kick.
Tanaka throws a body shot but no joy.
Tanaka throws a shot from downtown. Experiment moves away and avoids it.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Nobunaga Tanaka.
I think Tanaka 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:28
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nobunaga Tanaka!
Nobunaga Tanaka decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
In defeat, Finnish Experiment stepped up to the mic, saying 'I tried something new.'.