PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alain Maxime MacDougall (ranked 4075 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kaname Wakamatsu (ranked 4278 p4p, 0 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.

Maxime MacDougall
vs
Wakamatsu

184 cm
25
158 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

173 cm
25
156 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very confident

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Alain Maxime MacDougall!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kaname Wakamatsu!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Columbo Gatti and Steve Montenegro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Wakamatsu gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Stalling in the clinch from Wakamatsu.
MacDougall is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Wakamatsu is defending well.

Wakamatsu pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
MacDougall cracks Wakamatsu with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

MacDougall gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Wakamatsu with a flurry of punches that miss.
MacDougall working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Wakamatsu.
Wakamatsu lands a couple of digs.
Wakamatsu won't allow MacDougall to sweep him here.
Wakamatsu trying to control but MacDougall is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Wakamatsu would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wakamatsu tries to free his leg and advance position but MacDougall is retaining full guard.
MacDougall throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
MacDougall not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
MacDougall avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Wakamatsu wants to stand but MacDougall has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

Wakamatsu tries to keep at a distance but MacDougall has taken the fight into the clinch.

MacDougall decides to pull guard.
Wakamatsu throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as MacDougall works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
MacDougall looking to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Wakamatsu 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.
Wakamatsu loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
MacDougall will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Wakamatsu tries to free his leg and advance position but MacDougall is retaining full guard.
Wakamatsu throws a big right hand that misses.
Wakamatsu wants to control from the top but MacDougall keeps moving.

Wakamatsu drops back looking for a leg! MacDougall is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and MacDougall manages to kick Wakamatsu off! Wakamatsu jumps back into MacDougall's guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Wakamatsu throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wakamatsu has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of MacDougall is proving hard to escape from.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Wakamatsu shoots in for a takedown but MacDougall shows good takedown defense.
Kaname Wakamatsu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
MacDougall shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Wakamatsu sprawls well. Wakamatsu wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. MacDougall gets slowly back to his feet.

Wakamatsu closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
MacDougall is breathing heavily.
MacDougall blocking the ground and pound attempt from Wakamatsu.
Wakamatsu has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
MacDougall desperately trying to maintain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
MacDougall is looking to improve his position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
MacDougall has his hands clasped together around Wakamatsu's back. He's all about the action.
Wakamatsu sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Wakamatsu is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaname Wakamatsu dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

MacDougall throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Wakamatsu.
The fight stays on the outside here - Wakamatsu looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
MacDougall half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Wakamatsu lands a nice leg kick that just misses MacDougall's sensitive parts.
Wakamatsu defends well against a solid takedown attempt from MacDougall.
Wakamatsu fails with the takedown

and MacDougall holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Wakamatsu's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Wakamatsu has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
MacDougall stuffs the takedown attempt from Wakamatsu. Wakamatsu gets slowly back to his feet.
Sloppy strikes from Wakamatsu. Those never looked like landing.
MacDougall jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wakamatsu tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but MacDougall defends well and Wakamatsu ends up having to push MacDougall into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Alain Maxime MacDougall has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kaname Wakamatsu.
MacDougall swats away the attempt to clinch by Wakamatsu.
MacDougall scores with a nice right hand.
Wakamatsu is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wakamatsu has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
MacDougall throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Wakamatsu's head.
Alain Maxime MacDougall is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Wakamatsu decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
MacDougall wants to improve his position but Wakamatsu is controlling well.
MacDougall is trying to stand back up but Wakamatsu is controlling him
Wakamatsu wants to lay and pray for a moment but MacDougall keeps working.
Wakamatsu throwing shots but MacDougall is blocking nicely.
Wakamatsu is trying to control. MacDougall wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacDougall has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Wakamatsu is working away from the top position though.
MacDougall is trying to get back to full guard.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Wakamatsu tries to clinch but MacDougall moves out of range.

Wakamatsu shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Wakamatsu trying to control the position from guard on top but MacDougall is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MacDougall is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Wakamatsu's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wakamatsu throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
MacDougall is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Wakamatsu postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Wakamatsu trying to control the position from guard on top but MacDougall is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Wakamatsu throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Wakamatsu moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Nice sprawl there from Wakamatsu as MacDougall shoots in.
Wakamatsu darts in looking for a takedown but MacDougall gets double underhooks and turns Wakamatsu into the cage.
MacDougall is looking for a counter combo.
MacDougall fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Wakamatsu moves into the clinch.
Wakamatsu gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from MacDougall.

Wakamatsu's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Alain Maxime MacDougall is winning the standup battle so far.

Wakamatsu moves into range and clinches up with MacDougall.
MacDougall lands a shot to the body.

Wakamatsu breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
MacDougall shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Wakamatsu sprawls well. Wakamatsu wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. MacDougall gets slowly back to his feet.
Despite the aggression on Wakamatsu's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaname Wakamatsu showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Wakamatsu tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but MacDougall defends well and Wakamatsu ends up having to push MacDougall into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Wakamatsu looks for a takedown but MacDougall sprawls well.
Wakamatsu is looking to clinch.
MacDougall shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Wakamatsu defends it nicely.
Wakamatsu wants to counter the offense by MacDougall and move into the clinch position.
Wakamatsu tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but MacDougall defends well and Wakamatsu ends up having to push MacDougall into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Alain Maxime MacDougall has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kaname Wakamatsu.
Wakamatsu is trying hard to land a takedown here. MacDougall sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
MacDougall is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Wakamatsu.
MacDougall darts in looking for a takedown but Wakamatsu gets double underhooks and turns MacDougall into the cage.
Wakamatsu tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but MacDougall paws at him with a jab and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

MacDougall clinches up against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

MacDougall pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wakamatsu throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Wakamatsu displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from MacDougall.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wakamatsu is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
It looked like MacDougall was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Wakamatsu shoots in looking for a takedown but MacDougall manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Wakamatsu's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
MacDougall shoots in looking for a takedown but Wakamatsu manages to keep the fight standing, pushing MacDougall's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
MacDougall defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Wakamatsu.
Wakamatsu misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
MacDougall wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.

MacDougall darts in and clinches Wakamatsu up against the cage.

MacDougall's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Wakamatsu moves into the clinch.
Wakamatsu misses with a punch to the body.
MacDougall is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacDougall misses with a hook to the ribs.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from MacDougall.
MacDougall tries to circle away but Wakamatsu has him pinned against the cage.

Wakamatsu breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Wakamatsu shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
MacDougall throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
MacDougall leaves Wakamatsu with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

MacDougall moves into the clinch successfully.

Wakamatsu pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wakamatsu slaps away a takedown attempt from MacDougall, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Wakamatsu is defended easily by MacDougall.
MacDougall darts in looking for a takedown but Wakamatsu gets double underhooks and turns MacDougall into the cage.

Wakamatsu drives through and clinches with MacDougall against the cage.

Wakamatsu has clasped his hands together around MacDougall's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

Wakamatsu is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. MacDougall knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Wakamatsu is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, MacDougall has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wakamatsu wants to lay and pray for a moment but MacDougall keeps working.
MacDougall defending against the ground and pound.
MacDougall dodges the ground and pound from Wakamatsu.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
MacDougall wants to get back to his feet but Wakamatsu drags him back down.
MacDougall is trying to get back to half guard.
Alain Maxime MacDougall has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kaname Wakamatsu is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
A lull in the action here as Wakamatsu stalls from top position.

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 Alain Maxime MacDougall.
I think Wakamatsu has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 28:29
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kaname Wakamatsu!