PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kolbee Owens (ranked 1081 p4p, 135 weight class) and Kaiji Inoue (ranked 1842 p4p, 220 weight class). Owens comes into the arena with Destroyer blaring out of the sound system. Inoue has chosen Ladies and Gentlemen (Saliva) as his entrance music. Both these fighters are unbeaten, so somebody's 0 has got to go!I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Kaiji Inoue was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Owens
vs
Inoue

176 cm
26
165 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

175 cm
21
154 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Good gas tank

Knockaround Guys Fight Gear

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kolbee Owens!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Kaiji Inoue!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Bruno Lombardi and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Inoue, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A slow jab from Inoue misses its intended target.
A clash of legs there as Owens blocks the low kick.
Owens walks into a straight right hand from Inoue.
Inoue sizes up Owens with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Owens throws an overhand right that lands on Inoue's shoulder, as Inoue tries to avoid the shot.
Inoue slips a straight right by Owens.
Inoue on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Inoue ducks under a wild hook from Owens.

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

Inoue has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Owens is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Inoue breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Owens wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Owens looks to score with a jab to the body but Inoue is just out of range.
Inoue moves away from the strike by Owens.
Inoue scores with a body shot.
Inoue dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Owens 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.
Inoue fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Inoue misses with a hook. Owens ducked under it nicely.
Owens is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Owens walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Owens throws a big shot that misses.
Owens loads up on a big right hand but Inoue slips the punch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Owens is defended easily by Inoue.
Inoue ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

Owens scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Inoue has one foot on Owens's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Owens takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A telegraphed right hand from Owens misses the target.
Inoue throws a quick inside leg kick.

Owens gets the takedown into side control.

Inoue throws Owens to one side and escapes!
Kaiji Inoue is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Owens ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Inoue moves away.
Inoue throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Owens on the side of the head.
Owens tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Inoue was well out of range. Poor timing from Owens.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circle momentarily. Inoue darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Owens takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Inoue has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Owens moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Owens just misses with a punch to the body.
Owens misses the jab.
Owens shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Inoue pinned against the cage. Inoue gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Inoue scores with a jab.
Kolbee Owens seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Owens takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Inoue lands with a thumping leg kick.
Inoue connects with a right hand. Owens shakes it off.
Owens takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Inoue avoids the body shot from Owens.
Inoue connects with a jab.
Owens throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Owens needs to keep his hands up - Inoue had a free shot at his head there.
Inoue keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Inoue throws a series of punches but Owens moves out of range.
Inoue moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Owens.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kolbee Owens. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Inoue works Owens's body with a nice hook.
Inoue looks to land a right hand but Owens moved out of range.

Owens fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Inoue to the ground. Owens is now in Inoue's guard.

Inoue has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Owens has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

Inoue manages to break the clinch.
Inoue throws a shot to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Inoue lands with a thumping leg kick.
Inoue throws a shot from downtown. Owens moves away and avoids it.
Owens throws a looping overhand right but Inoue ducks down to avoid it.
Owens keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Inoue.
Owens drops down looking for a counter takedown but Inoue sprawls and moves away.
Owens takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Owens takes a swing at Inoue's ribcage but misses.
A combination from Inoue does no damage.
Owens fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Inoue is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Owens had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Owens steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Inoue.

Owens looking to score a takedown here. Inoue is defending well but Owens drives through and ends up in Inoue's guard.
Owens wants to pass the guard but Inoue is keeping the position.
Inoue keeping moving, preventing Owens from controlling successfully.
Owens wants to pass the guard but Inoue is keeping the position.
Owens has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Owens controlling from the top position.
Owens missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

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

Inoue forces his way into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaiji Inoue dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Inoue smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
A looping hook to the body misses from Owens. Inoue does a little dance to reset his feet.
Inoue connects with the punch.
Inoue keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Owens.
Inoue pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Owens. Inoue does a little dance to reset his feet.
A right-left combo lands from Inoue.
Owens lands a body shot.
Owens just misses with a punch to the body.
Good standup being displayed there by Owens as he connects with a hook.
Owens throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Inoue scores with a hook.
Inoue fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Owens looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Owens is looking to wear down Inoue with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Owens swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Inoue misses with a series of wild punches.

Owens shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Inoue's guard.
Inoue being controlled here, momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Owens wants to control from the top but Inoue keeps moving.
Owens looking to sit in guard and control but Inoue gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Owens has an active guard here but Inoue has managed to pass into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Inoue tries to stand but can't do so whilst Owens controls his leg.
Inoue is pressing down on Owens's thigh, looking to free his foot. Owens is holding on for now.
Owens tries to roll over but Inoue keeps him under control.
Inoue passes the guard and advances to mount!
Inoue controlling from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Owens has given up his back here. Will Inoue look for the submission or keep pounding away?
Owens trying to control the position but Inoue manages to sink in the hooks.
Owens tries to escape but Inoue has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Inoue trying to control momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Owens trying to control the hands but Inoue breaks the grip.
Inoue doesn't have the hooks in and Owens manages to turn into his guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Inoue is on top in guard.

Owens striking off his back but it's not causing Inoue any problems.

Owens looking for subs off his back but Inoue has passed one foot through into half guard.
Owens is looking for a sweep. Inoue is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaiji Inoue showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Inoue lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Inoue slips under a jab from Owens.
Owens takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
The crowd cheers as Inoue lands an impressive looking overhand right. Owens doesn't seem phased though.
Owens closes the distance and clinches up with Inoue, looking for a takedown. Owens pushes Inoue against the cage but Inoue circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
A little jabbing left from Inoue on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
A slow jab from Owens misses its intended target.
Inoue looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Inoue throws a sloppy body shot
and Owens counters with a stiff right hand.

Owens shoots in and gets a takedown into Inoue's guard.
Owens not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Owens distracts Inoue with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Owens wants to control from the top but Inoue keeps moving.
Owens in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Owens controls from within his opponent's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Inoue working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Owens.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Owens throws a big elbow that misses.
Owens looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Owens throws a lazy right hand but Inoue sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Inoue throws a series of punches but Owens moves out of range.
Inoue swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Inoue uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Owens.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Owens drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Inoue pushes Owens off and scrambles back to his feet.
Inoue connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Good leg kick by Inoue there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Inoue lands a really nice looking cross but Owens seems unphased.
Owens stuns Inoue with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Owens misses with a wild body shot.
Inoue chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Inoue bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Inoue blocks a jab.
Inoue slips under a jab from Owens.
Owens tries to score a power double leg takedown but Inoue sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Owens somewhat.
That kick from Inoue tenderised Owens's leg. Owens is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kaiji Inoue seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Inoue scores with a jab to the jaw.
Inoue throws a lazy uppercut
and Owens counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Owens looks to land a right hand but Inoue moved out of range.
Inoue lands with a right hand.
The fighters circling - Inoue throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Owens takes a swing at Inoue's ribcage but misses.
Inoue fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Owens.
Owens scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Inoue slips a jab from Owens.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Inoue! But no joy.
Owens is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Inoue staying out of range there.
Owens misses with an uppercut.
It seemed like Inoue was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Owens looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Inoue blocks a jab.
Owens fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Owens just misses with a punch to the body.
Inoue lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Inoue moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Inoue slips under a jab.
Despite the aggression on Inoue's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Owens throws a big shot that misses.
Owens has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Owens there as he acknowledges the shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Owens takes a swing at Inoue's ribcage but misses.
A punch combination from Inoue misses.
Owens closes this distance looking for a takedown but Inoue circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kolbee Owens. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A big right from Owens misses.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Inoue, as that shot connected.
Owens throws a hook but Inoue avoids it easily.
Owens takes a swing at Inoue's ribcage but misses.
Owens misses the shot to the body.
A jab from Inoue does it's job there.
A punch lands to the side of Owens 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Inoue changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Inoue lands with an overhand left.
Inoue ducks under a wild hook from Owens.
Owens is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Inoue.
Good exchange - Inoue coming out on top.
Inoue scores with a jab to the jaw.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Inoue scores with a jab.
Inoue connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Inoue pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Owens throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Inoue was covering up waiting for the punch and Owens finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Owens's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Inoue is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Owens is controlling him.
Owens is pushing down on Inoue's leg trying to pass to half guard. Inoue is fighting to maintain full guard but Owens has managed to sneak the leg through.

Owens is working for a kimura but Inoue is defending it quite comfortably.
Inoue has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Owens is controlling the pace.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Inoue is looking for a sweep. Owens is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Owens looks to land a strike but Inoue avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Owens postures up.
Owens engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Owens trying to control but Inoue is working from the bottom.
Owens pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Inoue is keeping the position for now.
Owens trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Owens with a flurry of punches that miss.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Inoue being controlled here, momentarily.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Owens needs to keep his hands up - Inoue had a free shot at his head there.
Owens moves away from the strike by Inoue.
Owens tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Inoue was well out of range. Poor timing from Owens.
Inoue moves into range and connects with a jab.
Owens swings away with a body shot that misses
and Inoue counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Inoue throws a right and a left that Owens avoids nicely.
Owens moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Inoue avoids the body shot from Owens.
Inoue looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Inoue with a jab.
Inoue lands a jab.
Owens shoots for a double leg takedown but Inoue sprawls well. He's pushed Owens's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Inoue.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A cross from Inoue lands.
Inoue stuffs the takedown.
Inoue throws a jab but it's blocked by Owens.
Owens ducks under a wild hook from Inoue.
Owens tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Inoue was well out of range. Poor timing from Owens.
Inoue misses with an uppercut. Owens saw that one coming.
Owens misses with a body shot.
Owens throws a body punch but Inoue moves out of range.
Inoue throws a quick inside leg kick.
Owens walks into a stiff left hand from Inoue.
Owens swings for the body but Inoue moves out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Inoue.
Inoue connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
The fighters circle momentarily. Inoue darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Inoue scores with a nice head shot.
Owens fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Inoue manages to avoid it.
A big left from Owens misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Owens throws a big shot that misses.
Inoue let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Owens scores with a jab to the body.
Owens misses with a shot to the body
and Inoue counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Owens moves out of range of the body kick from Inoue.
Owens half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Owens chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Inoue can pounce on him.
Owens misses with a hook. Inoue ducked under it nicely.
Owens uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Inoue.
Owens takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Owens's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Inoue connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Owens scrambles back to his feet.
Inoue's corner calls for a 1-2. Inoue obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Owens throws a body shot but no joy.
Inoue misses with a head kick.
A slow jab from Inoue misses its intended target.
Owens waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Inoue.
Owens fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kolbee Owens. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Inoue misses the jab.
Inoue throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Owens sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Inoue throws out a powerful jab.
A jab from Inoue does it's job there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaiji Inoue dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Owens looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Inoue is fending him off so far but Owens persists. Nope, Inoue circles away and we're back to standing.
Inoue with a hook.
Owens slips under a jab from Inoue.
Inoue lands with an uppercut that bounces Owens off the cage and back into range.

Owens shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Owens showed some decent athleticism there.
Inoue is staying active underneath Owens, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Owens is looking to stall here but Inoue recovers full guard.
Owens controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Owens throws a strike but Inoue rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Inoue looking to pass the guard.
Owens controls Inoue momentarily but Inoue frees himself.
Kaiji Inoue has got the better of the ground game so far.
Owens bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Inoue's guard.

Owens trying to control the position from guard on top but Inoue is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Owens won't allow Inoue to sweep him here.
Inoue keeping moving, preventing Owens from controlling successfully.
Owens is really struggling to control Inoue but he's trying to hold on to the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Owens loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Owens looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Inoue working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Owens.
Owens wants to control from the top but Inoue keeps moving.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Owens looking to sit in guard and control but Inoue gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Inoue sitting in guard here, content to control.

Owens has an active guard here but Inoue has managed to pass into half guard.
Owens wants to improve his position but Inoue is controlling well.

Inoue stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Owens to get to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Inoue bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Owens fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Inoue manages to avoid it.
Inoue fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Owens gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Owens swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Owens connects with a crisp jab.
Jab by Inoue.
Inoue connects with a good right hand that stumbles Owens. Owens circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Owens connects with a single shot there.
A left lands for Owens.
Inoue shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Inoue throws out a powerful jab.
Owens throws a looping overhand right but Inoue ducks down to avoid it.
Owens takes a swing at Inoue's ribcage but misses.
Inoue tries a quick counter leg kick but Owens is wise to it.
Kolbee Owens has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Inoue scores with a leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kaiji Inoue comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Inoue has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 45:50
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 45:50
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kaiji Inoue!
Kaiji Inoue is the new lightweight champion!
After winning the bout, Kaiji Inoue thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.