PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Hakkamunoi Phouthong (ranked 24954 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mateh Kazana (ranked 5038 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Phouthong
vs
Kazana

175 cm
25
157 lbs
1 - 9 - 0

173 cm
25
156 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Determined

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 1 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Hakkamunoi Phouthong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mateh Kazana!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, Eddie Farnsworth and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kazana goes for a double leg but Phouthong avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Phouthong continues to drive forward.
Phouthong has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Phouthong tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kazana paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kazana unleashes a big counter combination but Phouthong bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Kazana will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Phouthong went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Phouthong lands a head kick!

It looks like Mateh Kazana has been cut.
Kazana shoots in looking for a takedown. Phouthong tries to sprawl out of it but Kazana keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Phouthong manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mateh Kazana.
Kazana throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

Kazana drives through and clinches with Phouthong against the cage.

Kazana pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Kazana closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kazana is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Phouthong is defending well for now.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Phouthong has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kazana is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Phouthong is breathing heavily.

Kazana breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kazana is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Phouthong.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kazana fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Phouthong stuffs the takedown attempt from Kazana. Kazana gets slowly back to his feet.
Kazana avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Phouthong stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Phouthong wants it to stay on the feet.
Phouthong wants to clinch up but Kazana keeps it at a distance.

Kazana has closed the distance and engaged Phouthong in a clinch.

Phouthong drags the fight down to the ground.
Kazana won't allow Phouthong to get back to his feet.

Phouthong is working an open guard so Kazana takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Kazana gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kazana.
Kazana misses with a body punch.
Phouthong jumps guard but Kazana turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Kazana manages to pull guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kazana is looking for a triangle but Phouthong pushes his legs off easily.
Phouthong wants to stand but Kazana is controlling his posture from full guard.
Kazana is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Phouthong tries to kick Kazana off but Kazana keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kazana is taking a breather. Phouthong says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Phouthong is defending against the submission attempts here by Kazana.
Kazana takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Kazana takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Phouthong wants to get back to his feet.
Kazana seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Phouthong does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Phouthong has hold of Kazana's hands but Kazana slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Phouthong is refusing to be controlled, as Kazana sits in half guard.
Kazana is looking to advance position but Phouthong won't allow it.
Phouthong wants to get back to his feet.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Phouthong throws a head kick that misses.
Kazana moves out of range of the strikes.
Phouthong is looking to clinch but Kazana is avoiding it.
Kazana lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Phouthong tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Kazana manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Phouthong throws a one two combo.
Kazana fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Phouthong manages to avoid it.
Kazana throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Phouthong sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Phouthong defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kazana.
Phouthong quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.

Kazana moves into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mateh Kazana dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mateh Kazana's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kazana shoots in for a takedown but Phouthong shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Kazana shoots in looking for a takedown. Phouthong tries to sprawl out of it but Kazana keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Phouthong manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kazana gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Phouthong.
Kazana misses with a few strikes there.
Kazana throws a series of punches but Phouthong avoids them all with ease.
Phouthong blocks a jab.
Nice sprawl there from Phouthong as Kazana shoots in.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mateh Kazana.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kazana closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Kazana breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - Phouthong looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kazana shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Phouthong as he avoids it easily.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Phouthong.
Phouthong tries to clinch there but Kazana circles away.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kazana keeps the fight on the outside.
Phouthong throws a head kick but Kazana moves out of range.
Phouthong lands with a thumping leg kick.

Phouthong forces Kazana back against the cage and clinches.
Phouthong is trying to pull guard but Kazana turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Phouthong wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kazana has him pressed against the cage.
Kazana gets underhooks to prevent Phouthong's takedown attempt.
Kazana drops down looking for an ankle pick but Phouthong pulls his leg out and moves away.
Phouthong wants to clinch but Kazana slips to the side
and Kazana makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Kazana shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Phouthong defends it nicely.
Kazana swats away the attempt to clinch by Phouthong.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phouthong fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kazana has a takedown stuffed.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Phouthong.
Phouthong doesn't manage to clinch there - Kazana circles away.
Kazana is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Phouthong with a body shot.
Phouthong tries to clinch but Kazana moves out of range.
Kazana shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Phouthong but Phouthong pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong is winning the standup battle so far.
Phouthong lands a head kick. Kazana smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
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!
Kazana tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Phouthong defends well and Kazana ends up having to push Phouthong into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Phouthong slaps away a takedown attempt from Kazana, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phouthong throws a sloppy head kick and Kazana moves out of range easily.
Kazana is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Nice takedown defense from Phouthong. No joy for Kazana on that attempt.
Phouthong tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kazana tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Phouthong is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Kazana fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Phouthong, pushing him back against the cage.

Kazana jumps guard.
Phouthong is looking to stand up but Kazana won't let him.

Kazana is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Phouthong gets to his feet. Kazana looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Phouthong fails with an attempt to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kazana fails with a takedown attempt.
Phouthong scores with a head kick. Kazana tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

Kazana looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Phouthong looks like he's trying to stand up.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Phouthong kicks Kazana off and gets back to his feet.
Kazana circles away from the clinch attempt.

Kazana clinches up with Phouthong and pushes him back against the cage.
Phouthong has had enough of the clinch but Kazana keeps him there for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hakkamunoi Phouthong dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Mateh Kazana's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Kazana closes this distance looking for a takedown but Phouthong circles away.
Nice sprawl there from Phouthong as Kazana shoots in.
Kazana connects with a high kick.
Phouthong blocks a leg kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Phouthong looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Phouthong looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Phouthong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kazana lands with a kick to the temple. Phouthong shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phouthong is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kazana tries to counter with a clinch but Phouthong shakes him off and moves away.
Phouthong misses with a series of wild punches.
Phouthong tries to clinch but Kazana moves away
and Kazana counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kazana shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Phouthong sprawls well. Phouthong wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kazana gets slowly back to his feet.
Hakkamunoi Phouthong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mateh Kazana.
Kazana circles away from the clinch attempt.
Phouthong fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Kazana checks it well.
Kazana throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Phouthong tries to clinch there but Kazana circles away.
Kazana tries a head kick but it misses.
Kazana throws a sloppy head kick and Phouthong moves out of range easily.
Phouthong throws a head kick that misses.

Kazana gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Phouthong tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Phouthong wants a takedown.

Kazana drags the fight down to the ground.
Phouthong wants to get up but he can't break Kazana's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Phouthong gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Phouthong doesn't manage to clinch there - Kazana circles away.
Phouthong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Phouthong throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kazana changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Kazana throws an overhand right that lands on Phouthong's shoulder, as Phouthong tries to avoid the shot.
Phouthong tries to clinch up.
Phouthong lands a head kick. Kazana smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

Kazana has managed to clinch.
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!
Phouthong swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kazana is trying to pull guard but Phouthong turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Mateh Kazana seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Kazana is looking for a takedown.
Phouthong is trying to force a seperation but Kazana has the dominant position.
Phouthong tries for a takedown but Kazana manages to get underhooks.
Phouthong looking to slow down the pace here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kazana works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Kazana wants to control from the top but Phouthong keeps moving.
Kazana really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Phouthong. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Kazana stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Phouthong swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kazana prevents Phouthong from getting back to his feet.
Kazana must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Kazana showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Kazana trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phouthong connects with a high kick.

Kazana moves into the clinch successfully.
Phouthong goes for a takedown attempt but Kazana pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Kazana closes this distance looking for a takedown but Phouthong circles away.
Phouthong doesn't manage to clinch there - Kazana circles away.

Kazana looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Kazana prevents Phouthong from getting back to his feet.
Phouthong keeping full guard, as Kazana tries to pass.
Kazana trying to control the position from guard on top but Phouthong is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mateh Kazana comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kazana 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 John Kavanagh scores the fight 28:29
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 28:29
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 28:29

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