PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ragang Ebon (ranked 5966 p4p, 368 weight class) and Jin Kazama (ranked 4047 p4p, 338 weight class). Kazama has chosen https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MMuAqR_MjS8 as his entrance music. Jin Kazama acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Ebon
vs
Kazama

175 cm
25
145 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

221 cm
25
150 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ragang Ebon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jin Kazama!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Colin Fotheringham and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ebon drives through with a takedown into Kazama's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Ebon won't allow Kazama to sweep him here.
Ebon trying to control but Kazama is working from the bottom.
Ebon has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Kazama keeping full guard, as Ebon tries to pass.
Ebon postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ebon pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kazama is keeping the position for now.
Kazama is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Ebon is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ebon trying to control the position from guard on top but Kazama is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kazama not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ebon is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

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

Ebon closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Ebon lands in his opponent's guard.

Ebon stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Kazama has one foot on Ebon's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

Kazama tries to keep at a distance but Ebon has taken the fight into the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Kazama manages to pull guard.
Ebon trying to control the position from guard on top but Kazama is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kazama trying to keep a closed guard but Ebon is proving a slippery customer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kazama dives in and grabs Ebon's left leg, looking for a takedown. Ebon pushes down on Kazama's head and hops out.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kazama.
Kazama fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Ebon avoids it really well and circles away.
Ragang Ebon has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jin Kazama.
Sloppy strikes from Ebon. Those never looked like landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ebon tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kazama defends well and Ebon ends up having to push Kazama into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
As Ebon backs off Kazama throws a huge counter combo but Ebon manages to avoid it all.

Ebon shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Kazama lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ebon is trying to keep Kazama in close.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Kazama's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Kazama advances position into side control!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ebon is looking for a sweep.
Ebon is not content to let Kazama control the position.
Jin Kazama has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kazama working the head with strikes.
Ebon might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kazama working the head and body with strikes.

Kazama decides to stand back up.
Ebon leaves Kazama with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ebon throws a head kick but Kazama moves out of range.
Kazama throws a counter combo.

Kazama closes the distance and clinches.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ebon stops a takedown attempt from Kazama.

Ebon has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Kazama clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kazama wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jin Kazama will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ebon.
Kazama lands a jab-cross combination.
Ebon avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ebon fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Ragang Ebon seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ebon throws a wild body kick that Kazama sees coming a mile off.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ebon stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Ebon wants it to stay on the feet.
Kazama fails with the takedown
and Ebon counters with a one-two to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ebon misses with a body kick.
Ebon misses with a head kick.

Kazama has managed to clinch.
Kazama misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kazama is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Ragang Ebon has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jin Kazama.
Kazama is trying to force a seperation but Ebon has the dominant position.
Kazama working hard to break the clinch.
Ebon holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Kazama is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Ebon prevents the takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ebon tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Kazama just stands there and leans against the cage.
Kazama tries to work over Ebon's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kazama looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Ebon landing knees to the body.
Ebon jumps guard but Kazama stands there with Ebon around his waist. Ebon gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kazama tries to pull guard but Ebon won't allow it.

Kazama escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ebon changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kazama tries to avoid it but Ebon manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kazama to the ground. Kazama escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Despite the aggression on Kazama's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Kazama tries to clinch up but Ebon circles away and keeps his distance.
Kazama fails to land the takedown.
Ebon is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Kazama.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ragang Ebon showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Ebon 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 29:28
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 29:28
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Ragang Ebon!
In defeat, Jin Kazama stepped up to the mic, saying 'I will comeback with more power soon!'.