PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Hessu Kaito (ranked 6393 p4p, 492 weight class) and Liangchan Xiaodong (ranked 2176 p4p, 250 weight class). Hessu Kaito could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Liangchan Xiaodong's chin.

Kaito
vs
Xiaodong

175 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

178 cm
25
158 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Knockout power

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 Helsinki, Hessu Kaito!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Liangchan Xiaodong!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Saam Ante and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Xiaodong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kaito keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Xiaodong lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Xiaodong misses with a head kick.
Xiaodong slaps away a takedown attempt from Kaito, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kaito avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kaito tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Xiaodong swivels and escapes.
Kaito throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Xiaodong's waist but Xiaodong gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kaito off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hessu Kaito. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Xiaodong throws a head kick but Kaito moves out of range.
Kaito avoids the head kick by Xiaodong.

Xiaodong tries to keep at a distance but Kaito has taken the fight into the clinch.

Kaito's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Xiaodong throws a head kick that misses.
Xiaodong looks winded!
Kaito blocks a head kick by Xiaodong.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiaodong tries a head kick but it misses.
Xiaodong tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Xiaodong throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Kaito moves into range and clinches up with Xiaodong.
Kaito is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Kaito breaks the clinch.

Kaito has Xiaodong up against the cage in a clinch.
Kaito stalling the fight.
Kaito lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kaito tries to pull guard but Xiaodong holds him up against the cage and eventually Kaito drops back down to his feet.
Xiaodong wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Xiaodong blocks an elbow strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kaito keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Xiaodong's efforts to push away.

Kaito pulls Xiaodong into guard.
Xiaodong trying to stand up but can't free himself from Kaito's guard.
Kaito trying to keep a closed guard but Xiaodong is proving a slippery customer.
Kaito throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Kaito seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Kaito has a closed guard, preventing Xiaodong from standing up.
Kaito wants to stand up but Xiaodong is controlling him.

Kaito is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Xiaodong is aware though and is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Xiaodong decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Xiaodong throws a sloppy head kick and Kaito moves out of range easily.
Xiaodong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kaito.
Kaito takes a kick to the side of the head.

Kaito moves into the clinch.

Xiaodong pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Xiaodong throws a head kick but Kaito moves out of range.
A shot to the liver by Kaito. Beautiful body shot.
Xiaodong throws a head kick that half lands.

Kaito has managed to clinch.
Kaito using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Xiaodong has had enough of the clinch but Kaito keeps him there for the moment.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Xiaodong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kaito.
Xiaodong tries a head kick but it misses.
Kaito tries for a takedown but Xiaodong sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Xiaodong let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Kaito tries a low kick but Xiaodong avoids it.
Xiaodong tries a head kick but it misses.
Kaito shoots in but Xiaodong avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Kaito slips a jab from Xiaodong.
Kaito shoots in but no luck this time.
A head kick from Xiaodong lands but Kaito takes it in his stride.
Xiaodong scores with a jab to the jaw.

Kaito drives through and clinches with Xiaodong against the cage.
Kaito is trying to drag Xiaodong to the mat but Xiaodong just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Xiaodong wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Xiaodong lands a nice looking body shot.
Xiaodong misses with a body shot

and Kaito counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Kaito escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Kaito instigates a clinch.
Xiaodong is trying to break free.
Xiaodong is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Xiaodong tries to circle away but Kaito has him pinned against the cage.
Kaito jumps guard but Xiaodong turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Kaito tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kaito is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Xiaodong to keep the fight standing.
Kaito can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hessu Kaito. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Xiaodong is trying to break the clinch but Kaito is controlling him.

Kaito pulls guard successfully.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Xiaodong wanted to stand there but Kaito had control of the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Xiaodong stands up and waves to Kaito to follow him.
Xiaodong throws a head kick but Kaito moves out of range.
Xiaodong is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kaito rather than just go for the knockout.
Xiaodong goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Kaito gets a clinch.
Xiaodong takes a shot to the head.

Xiaodong breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kaito throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Xiaodong tries a head kick but it misses.
Xiaodong lands a high kick!

Kaito is rocked!
Hessu Kaito is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Xiaodong misses with a head kick.
Oh Kaito is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Kaito tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Xiaodong paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Xiaodong unleashes a big counter combination but Kaito bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kaito jumps guard but Xiaodong turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Kaito seems to have got his legs back now.
Kaito fails to pull the fight into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kaito has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Xiaodong avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Xiaodong is trying to push Kaito away but Kaito has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kaito is trying to pull guard but Xiaodong has him pressed against the cage.
Xiaodong is looking to break free of the clinch but Kaito has double underhooks.

Xiaodong breaks the clinch.
Kaito looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Xiaodong misses with a head kick.

Kaito rushes Xiaodong and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Xiaodong being controlled against the cage.
Xiaodong is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiaodong wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Xiaodong has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Xiaodong is trying to push Kaito away but Kaito has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kaito has Xiaodong pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Xiaodong manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
A frustrated look appears on Xiaodong's face as he tries to break the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Xiaodong's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kaito is trying to pull guard but Xiaodong turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Xiaodong has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Kaito has Xiaodong pressed against the cage, preventing Xiaodong from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Kaito goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Xiaodong wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Xiaodong tries to break free but Kaito pushes him back against the cage.
Kaito tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Xiaodong smiles and moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
A swing and a miss from Xiaodong.

Kaito rushes Xiaodong and presses him up against the cage.
Kaito is looking for a takedown.
Xiaodong is trying to force a seperation but Kaito has the dominant position.
Xiaodong can't break the clinch.

Xiaodong manages to break the clinch.
Kaito swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Xiaodong lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Xiaodong lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Kaito backs up against the cage.
Xiaodong misses with a head kick.
Liangchan Xiaodong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Xiaodong throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kaito closes the distance and clinches up with Xiaodong, looking for a takedown. Kaito pushes Xiaodong against the cage but Xiaodong circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Xiaodong slaps away a takedown attempt from Kaito, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Xiaodong is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Liangchan Xiaodong showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

A nice combination there by Xiaodong.

Kaito pushes Xiaodong up against the cage in a clinch.
Kaito tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Xiaodong smiles and moves away.
Kaito shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Xiaodong defends it nicely.

Kaito gets a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Xiaodong is trying to break the clinch but Kaito has him pressed against the cage.

Kaito pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kaito blocks a head kick by Xiaodong.
Kaito changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Xiaodong throws a lazy head kick

and Kaito moves into the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiaodong is trying to break the clinch but Kaito is controlling him.

Kaito pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kaito blocks a head kick by Xiaodong.
Kaito drops down looking for a counter takedown but Xiaodong sprawls and moves away.

Kaito clinches up with Xiaodong and pushes him back against the cage.

Kaito manages to break the clinch.

Kaito gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Kaito wants to take the fight to the mat but Xiaodong manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hessu Kaito. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Xiaodong wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kaito throws an elbow but it misses.
Kaito slowing the pace effectively.

Kaito pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Xiaodong swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kaito blocks a head kick by Xiaodong.
Kaito seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kaito shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Xiaodong connects with a nice looking jab.
Xiaodong throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Kaito.
Horrible takedown attempt by Kaito or perhaps it was just good defense by Xiaodong, which made it look bad.
Xiaodong throws a series of punches but Kaito moves out of range.
Kaito was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
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!
Xiaodong throws a series of punches but Kaito avoids them all with ease.
Xiaodong throws a jab when Kaito was well out of range.
Kaito shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Xiaodong sprawls well. Xiaodong wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kaito gets slowly back to his feet.
It seemed like Xiaodong was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Xiaodong tries a head kick but it misses.
As Xiaodong tries to get set, Kaito tries to push him back and clinch up but Xiaodong manages to avoid the attempt.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kaito.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kaito shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Xiaodong tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Kaito closes the distance and clinches.

Kaito escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Xiaodong throws a shot to the body.
Xiaodong moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Kaito avoids the head kick by Xiaodong.
Kaito misses with a kick to the body.
Xiaodong lands a head kick!
Xiaodong throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Kaito rushes Xiaodong and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Xiaodong looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Kaito drags the fight down to the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Kaito is working an open guard so Xiaodong takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Xiaodong goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Xiaodong scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

Kaito closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Xiaodong wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Xiaodong tries to break free but Kaito pushes him back against the cage.
Hessu Kaito has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Kaito gets control of Xiaodong's arms and successfully pulls guard. Kaito will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Xiaodong gets to his feet - Kaito follows without any prompting.
Xiaodong throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Xiaodong throws a head kick that misses.
Kaito tries to counter by clinching up but Xiaodong breaks away and moves out of range.
Hessu Kaito has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Xiaodong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Liangchan Xiaodong is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Xiaodong showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kaito.

And that's the end of the fight!
Liangchan Xiaodong comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Xiaodong winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 27:30
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 27:30
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Liangchan Xiaodong!