PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Mark Bloodsport (ranked 3060 p4p, 343 weight class) and Kenji Takahashi (ranked 5080 p4p, 486 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Bloodsport
vs
Takahashi

183 cm
19
190 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

188 cm
18
192 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Determined

Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mark Bloodsport!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Kenji Takahashi!
The judges for this bout are George Francis, Tiny Johnson and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Bloodsport looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Bloodsport drives through and clinches with Takahashi against the cage.
Bloodsport throws a knee to the head but misses.
Bloodsport has Takahashi pushed against the cage.
Bloodsport tries to land a knee to the head but Takahashi blocks with his arms.
I was talking to Bloodsport's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Bloodsport tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Bloodsport tries to land a knee to the head but Takahashi blocks with his arms.
Bloodsport just leaning against Takahashi, taking a breather.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bloodsport with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Takahashi blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Bloodsport swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A nice left hand lands by Bloodsport.
Takahashi stalling in the clinch but Bloodsport improves position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bloodsport tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Takahashi avoids it.
Bloodsport misses with a knee to the head.
Bloodsport tries to land knees in the clinch but Takahashi avoids the damage to the body.
Bloodsport has Takahashi pressed against the cage.
Bloodsport misses with a hook from the clinch.
Bloodsport is pressed up against the cage. Takahashi has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Bloodsport down to the mat. Bloodsport avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Bloodsport rushes Takahashi and presses him up against the cage.
Knees to the body from Bloodsport.

Takahashi tightens his grip and picks Bloodsport up, before dumping him to the ground. Bloodsport manages to land in guard.
Bloodsport wants to sweep here but Takahashi controlling him for the moment.
Takahashi showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Takahashi looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi won't allow Bloodsport to sweep him here.
Takahashi missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Bloodsport keeping moving, preventing Takahashi from controlling successfully.
Bloodsport looking to control.
Takahashi content to stall in guard here.

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

Bloodsport gets tackled into the cage by Takahashi. Takahashi maintains the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bloodsport throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Takahashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Takahashi tries for a takedown but Bloodsport manages to get underhooks.
Takahashi blocking some punches.
Takahashi blocks a body shot from Bloodsport.
Takahashi drops down looking for an ankle pick but Bloodsport pulls his leg out and moves away.
Mark Bloodsport has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenji Takahashi.
Bloodsport uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Takahashi.
Bloodsport tries to close the distance and clinch up but Takahashi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Takahashi keeps the fight on the outside.

Bloodsport gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Bloodsport tries to land knees in the clinch but Takahashi avoids the damage to the body.
Bloodsport working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Bloodsport with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Bloodsport misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Takahashi.
Bloodsport has Takahashi pressed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bloodsport throws a punch but it's blocked by Takahashi.
Takahashi wants a takedown.
Bloodsport misses with a punch on the inside.
Bloodsport will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Takahashi up against the cage.

Takahashi gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Bloodsport regains guard.
Takahashi is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Bloodsport wants to sweep but no luck.
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!
Bloodsport wants to stand and escape but Takahashi is having none of it.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Takahashi postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Takahashi is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mark Bloodsport dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

The fight stays on the outside here - Bloodsport looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Takahashi misses with a two punch combination.
Bloodsport tries to close the distance and clinch but Takahashi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
A jab from Takahashi misses.
Bloodsport seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.

Bloodsport has closed the distance and engaged Takahashi in a clinch.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Bloodsport is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Takahashi gets a trip takedown into half guard.

Bloodsport kicks off Takahashi and gets to his feet.
Takahashi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bloodsport.
Mark Bloodsport is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Takahashi tries to keep at a distance but Bloodsport has taken the fight into the clinch.
Bloodsport effectively controlling the action here.
Bloodsport misses with some punches.

Takahashi has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Bloodsport clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Bloodsport is trying to get back to his feet but Takahashi has full control of the position and if anything, Bloodsport has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Takahashi has his opponent's back but Bloodsport is looking to stand. He manages to get to his feet and shakes off Takahashi.
Bloodsport doesn't manage to clinch there - Takahashi circles away.
Bloodsport tries to clinch but Takahashi is having none of it.

Bloodsport clinches with his opponent.
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!
Takahashi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A head punch on the inside from Bloodsport fails to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bloodsport with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Bloodsport missing with knees to the body.
Bloodsport lands a shoulder strike.
Bloodsport misses with a punch on the inside.
Bloodsport landing knees to the head.
Bloodsport softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Bloodsport unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Bloodsport is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Takahashi is defending well for now.
A nice left hand lands by Bloodsport.
Takahashi goes for a takedown attempt but Bloodsport pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Bloodsport tries to clinch but Takahashi moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi lands the left hand.
Mark Bloodsport is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Bloodsport lands a nice shot to the body.
Bloodsport gets underhooks to prevent Takahashi's takedown attempt.
Mark Bloodsport has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenji Takahashi.
Bloodsport with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Takahashi tries to score a body lock takedown but Bloodsport shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Takahashi changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Bloodsport fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Takahashi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Takahashi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Bloodsport moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Bloodsport tries to clinch up but Takahashi circles away and keeps his distance.

Bloodsport clinches.
Bloodsport is struggling to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bloodsport leaning against his opponent.
Bloodsport is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Takahashi is defending well for now.
Bloodsport stalls.

Takahashi has picked Bloodsport up - he's going for a ride! Takahashi dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Bloodsport looking for submissions off his back.
Takahashi controlling the pace.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Takahashi landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Bloodsport is staying active underneath Takahashi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mark Bloodsport dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Takahashi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bloodsport tries to close the distance and clinch but Takahashi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Bloodsport tries to clinch but Takahashi moves out of range.
Bloodsport slips a straight right by Takahashi.
As Takahashi tries to get set, Bloodsport tries to push him back and clinch up but Takahashi manages to avoid the attempt.

Bloodsport clinches up against the cage.
Bloodsport tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Bloodsport lands a nice knee to the body.
Bloodsport lands a left hand that snaps the head of Takahashi backwards.
Bloodsport tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Takahashi has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Bloodsport after a bit of a struggle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bloodsport stalls.
Bloodsport scores a nice knee to the body.
Takahashi managing to block the knees to the body from Bloodsport.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Bloodsport fails to land.
Takahashi is trying to drag Bloodsport to the mat but Bloodsport just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Mark Bloodsport has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A short uppercut from Bloodsport.
Bloodsport unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Takahashi wants a takedown.
Mark Bloodsport has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenji Takahashi.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Takahashi.
Takahashi tries for a takedown but Bloodsport manages to get underhooks.
Takahashi wants to take the fight to the mat but Bloodsport manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Takahashi blocking some punches.
Bloodsport looking to throw knees to the head but Takahashi is blocking nicely.
Bloodsport misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Bloodsport is keeping busy.
Takahashi has Bloodsport pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Bloodsport manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Takahashi blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Takahashi.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Bloodsport obliges.
Bloodsport dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Bloodsport throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Takahashi blocks it with crossed arms.
Bloodsport is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Takahashi is defending well for now.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Bloodsport.
Bloodsport with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Takahashi has Bloodsport pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Bloodsport manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bloodsport is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Takahashi is defending well for now.
Bloodsport is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Takahashi can do to turn this around?
Bloodsport prevents a body shot from Takahashi.
Takahashi tries a body shot but Bloodsport blocks it.
Takahashi tries to work over Bloodsport's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Bloodsport taking a breather.
Takahashi wants a takedown.
Bloodsport tries a knee to the head but Takahashi blocks it.
Takahashi is looking to take this one to the mat.
Bloodsport lands a nice uppercut.
Bloodsport blocking some punches.
Bloodsport looking to throw knees to the head but Takahashi is blocking nicely.
Bloodsport controlling the action here for a moment.
Bloodsport throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Takahashi blocks it with crossed arms.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Bloodsport scores with a shoulder strike.
Kenji Takahashi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bloodsport tries to stall but Takahashi uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Takahashi.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Bloodsport.
Bloodsport tries a knee to the head but Takahashi blocks it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bloodsport with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Takahashi has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Bloodsport after a bit of a struggle.
Mark Bloodsport is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Takahashi goes for a takedown in the clinch but Bloodsport prevents it.
Bloodsport swings wildly with an uppercut but Takahashi uses good head movement to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mark Bloodsport showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Bloodsport, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 George Francis scores the fight 30:26
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mark Bloodsport!