PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Takuya Sakamoto (ranked 2825 p4p, 340 weight class) and Butch Thighpunch (ranked 3384 p4p, 395 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Sakamoto
vs
Thighpunch

183 cm
21
175 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

185 cm
29
180 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Takuya Sakamoto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Butch Thighpunch!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Ren Mimura and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sakamoto looks for a takedown but Thighpunch sprawls well.
A punch combination from Thighpunch misses.
Sakamoto changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Sakamoto misses with a takedown attempt - Thighpunch sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Sakamoto with a poor takedown
and Thighpunch counters with a nice body shot.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takuya Sakamoto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sakamoto shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Thighpunch counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sakamoto fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Thighpunch avoids it really well and circles away.
It seemed like Thighpunch was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A jab lands there for Thighpunch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakamoto throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Thighpunch's waist but Thighpunch gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sakamoto off to one side.
Thighpunch appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Nice sprawl there from Thighpunch as Sakamoto shoots in.
Sakamoto fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thighpunch cracks a nice hook into Sakamoto's ribs.
Thighpunch takes a swing at Sakamoto's ribcage but misses.
Thighpunch with a hook.
Thighpunch connects with a body shot that sends Sakamoto's belly button to the back.
Sakamoto walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Sakamoto tries for a takedown but Thighpunch circles away easily
and Thighpunch counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Sakamoto closes the distance and clinches up with Thighpunch, looking for a takedown. Sakamoto pushes Thighpunch against the cage but Thighpunch circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Thighpunch slaps away a takedown attempt from Sakamoto, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Sakamoto is breathing heavily.
Sakamoto will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Thighpunch lands a nice looking body shot.
Thighpunch scores with a hook to the body. Sakamoto takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sakamoto shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Thighpunch counters with a nice body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thighpunch lands a really nice looking cross but Sakamoto seems unphased.
Sakamoto takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Thighpunch leaves Sakamoto with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A nice side step and Thighpunch releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Thighpunch throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Thighpunch.
Sakamoto gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Thighpunch throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
A combination from Thighpunch does no damage.
Sakamoto shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Thighpunch counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Thighpunch lands with a shot to the body.
Thighpunch throws a right hand that Sakamoto ducks under and follows up with a left that Sakamoto also avoids with ease.
Thighpunch misses with a body shot.
Sakamoto has his takedown stuffed
and Thighpunch counters with a series of strikes. Sakamoto will be more careful next time no doubt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto shoots and misses
and Thighpunch counters with a nice uppercut.
Thighpunch dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Sakamoto tries for a takedown but Thighpunch circles away easily
and Thighpunch counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Sakamoto is rocked!
Thighpunch misses with a few strikes there.
Sakamoto fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
A countering left hand to the body from Thighpunch misses.
Thighpunch throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

Sakamoto fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Thighpunch sprawls well initially but Sakamoto persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Sakamoto is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Thighpunch is just riding it out for now. Sakamoto eventually gives up the hold.
Sakamoto wants to pass the guard but Thighpunch is defending well.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Thighpunch can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sakamoto is working for a kimura but Thighpunch is defending it quite comfortably.
Sakamoto prevents Thighpunch from improving his position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Sakamoto is trying to work for a kimura but Thighpunch is defending well.
Sakamoto is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Butch Thighpunch dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Sakamoto walks into a jab.
Thighpunch throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Sakamoto feinted with a counter takedown.
Sakamoto looks for a takedown but Thighpunch sprawls well.
Thighpunch has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Sakamoto avoids the body shot from Thighpunch.
Sakamoto shoots in but Thighpunch avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Butch Thighpunch seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sakamoto looks for a takedown but Thighpunch sprawls well.
Thighpunch looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takuya Sakamoto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Thighpunch throws a lazy right hand but Sakamoto sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakamoto shoots in but no luck this time.
Sakamoto blocks a jab.
Sakamoto ducks under a wild hook from Thighpunch.
Thighpunch displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sakamoto.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakamoto shoots in looking for a takedown but Thighpunch manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Sakamoto's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Sakamoto feints and as Thighpunch raises his hands in defense, Sakamoto changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sakamoto tries to free his leg and advance position but Thighpunch is retaining full guard.

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

Sakamoto is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Thighpunch defends well.

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

Sakamoto looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thighpunch wants to control from the top but Sakamoto keeps moving.

Sakamoto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Thighpunch doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Thighpunch manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Sakamoto tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Thighpunch is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Thighpunch really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sakamoto. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Thighpunch got a little sloppy there for a moment and Sakamoto has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Thighpunch has managed to get both his arms back between Sakamoto's legs - danger averted.

Sakamoto is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Thighpunch defends well.
Thighpunch must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Sakamoto is looking for a triangle but Thighpunch pushes his legs off easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sakamoto looking for a guillotine here but Thighpunch defends easily.

Sakamoto has his foot on Thighpunch's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Thighpunch works his way back into a safe position though.

Sakamoto is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Sakamoto looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Sakamoto has his foot on Thighpunch's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Thighpunch works his way back into a safe position though.
Sakamoto wants to sweep but no luck.

Sakamoto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Thighpunch can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Sakamoto had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Thighpunch defends it easily.

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

Sakamoto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Thighpunch is aware though and is defending well.

Sakamoto has his foot on Thighpunch's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Thighpunch works his way back into a safe position though.
We've been hearing good reports from Sakamoto's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Takuya Sakamoto overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Sakamoto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Thighpunch 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.

That was a close second round but I would say that Takuya Sakamoto will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Sakamoto walks into a jab.
Sakamoto takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sakamoto fails with the takedown.
Sakamoto uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Thighpunch.
Thighpunch lands with a good body shot.
Sakamoto takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Sakamoto takes a jab right on the kisser.
Sakamoto doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Some wild striking there from Thighpunch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Thighpunch takes a swing at Sakamoto's ribcage but misses.
Thighpunch jabs Sakamoto right on the nose. Sakamoto blinks but takes it well.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sakamoto shoots for a takedown but Thighpunch saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thighpunch stuffs the takedown attempt from Sakamoto. Sakamoto gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takuya Sakamoto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sakamoto takes a jab right on the kisser.
Nice sprawl there from Thighpunch as Sakamoto shoots in.
Thighpunch defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Sakamoto.
Thighpunch now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
A swing and a miss from Thighpunch.
Sakamoto darts in looking for a takedown but Thighpunch gets double underhooks and turns Sakamoto into the cage.
Sakamoto takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Sakamoto misses with a takedown
and Thighpunch counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Thighpunch with a nice cross.
Sakamoto takes one on the button.
Oh Sakamoto is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Sakamoto keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sakamoto seems to have got his legs back now.
Takuya Sakamoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A telegraphed right hand from Thighpunch misses the target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Thighpunch fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakamoto manages to avoid it.
Sakamoto with a lazy takedown attempt
letting Thighpunch counter with a right hand.
Sakamoto looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Thighpunch lands a nice looking body shot.
Thighpunch tests Sakamoto's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sakamoto gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Thighpunch counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
A jab from Thighpunch finds it's way through Sakamoto's defenses.
Takuya Sakamoto is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Sakamoto shoots in for a takedown but Thighpunch shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Sakamoto slips under a jab from Thighpunch.
Thighpunch throws an overhand right that lands on Sakamoto's shoulder, as Sakamoto tries to avoid the shot.
Sakamoto tries to counter with a takedown but Thighpunch is quick to defend against it.
A left lands for Thighpunch.
Sakamoto takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
A big left from Thighpunch misses.
Sakamoto misses with a takedown
letting Thighpunch counter with a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Nice body punch from Thighpunch.
Sakamoto has a takedown stuffed.
Sakamoto walks into a straight right hand from Thighpunch.
Thighpunch will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Thighpunch misses with a looping right.
Sakamoto shoots in looking for a takedown. Thighpunch tries to sprawl out of it but Sakamoto keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Thighpunch manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Sakamoto moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Thighpunch fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakamoto manages to avoid it.
Sakamoto throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Thighpunch's waist but Thighpunch gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sakamoto off to one side.
Thighpunch scores with a sloppy right hand. Sakamoto should have avoided that one.
Sakamoto misses with a takedown attempt - Thighpunch sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Sakamoto closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Thighpunch to the mat! Thighpunch manages to get full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Thighpunch keeping full guard, as Sakamoto tries to pass.

Sakamoto drops back, looking for a kneebar! Thighpunch looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Thighpunch looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Thighpunch!

Thighpunch is staying tight to Sakamoto's torso, preventing him from escaping.

And that's the end of the fight!
Butch Thighpunch comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Thighpunch 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 27:29
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 27:29
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Butch Thighpunch!
Butch Thighpunch bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.