DFC 14: Supernatural PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Erwin Rodriguez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jonah Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rodriguez comes to the ring accompanied by My time is NOW!. Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Rodriguez
vs
Smith

173 cm
20
155 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

168 cm
22
155 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

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 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Erwin Rodriguez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jonah Smith!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodriguez fails with a takedown attempt.
Rodriguez shoots in for a takedown but Smith shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Smith defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rodriguez.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Erwin Rodriguez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No luck for Rodriguez with that takedown attempt.
A jab lands there for Rodriguez.
Smith defending well as Rodriguez loads up on a big left hand.
Smith swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rodriguez blocks the body kick.
Rodriguez fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Smith avoids it really well and circles away.
Smith throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rodriguez misses with a combination
and Smith counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Smith throws a shot to the body.

Rodriguez feints and as Smith raises his hands in defense, Rodriguez changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Smith wants to stand but Rodriguez is controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodriguez postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Rodriguez wanted to stand there but Smith had control of the position.
Smith really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rodriguez. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Smith working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Rodriguez.
Rodriguez trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Smith manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Rodriguez bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Smith's guard.

That's two 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.
Rodriguez wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.
Rodriguez pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Smith is keeping the position for now.

Rodriguez postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Smith is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Rodriguez, into his guard.
Smith wants to get up but he can't break Rodriguez's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith stops Rodriguez from standing up.

Rodriguez working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Smith doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Smith manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Rodriguez looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Rodriguez trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Smith would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rodriguez controls Smith momentarily but Smith frees himself.
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 Erwin Rodriguez will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Rodriguez throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Smith fails to land with a series of punches.
Rodriguez scores with a hook.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Smith, right into the meat.
Smith looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Smith throws a series of punches but Rodriguez avoids them all with ease.
Smith goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Rodriguez blocks the body kick.
Rodriguez takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Rodriguez takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Smith lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

Rodriguez gets the takedown into side control.

Rodriguez thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The ground and pound from Rodriguez seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!

Rodriguez is working for a guillotine from mount but Smith frees his head quite easily.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Rodriguez jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Smith is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Smith and Rodriguez has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Rodriguez laying and praying for a moment but Smith takes advantage and regains half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rodriguez is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Smith sees it coming and defends easily.
Smith tries to get to full guard but Rodriguez has control of the leg.
Rodriguez not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to stand back up but Rodriguez is controlling him

Rodriguez is working for a kimura but Smith is defending it quite comfortably.

Rodriguez is trying to work for a kimura but Smith is defending well.
Smith pushes Rodriguez off looking to stand but Rodriguez dives back in and keeps control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Rodriguez is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Smith doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Rodriguez.

Rodriguez wants to work for an arm triangle but Smith is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erwin Rodriguez dominated that second round.
That's time! Rodriguez's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Smith lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Jonah Smith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rodriguez shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Smith sprawls well. Smith wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rodriguez gets slowly back to his feet.
Smith walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Rodriguez checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Smith falls off balance throwing a combination
and Rodriguez cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Rodriguez shoots in for a takedown but Smith shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Smith lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rodriguez circles away quickly and effectively.
A nice leg kick lands there from Smith.
Rodriguez with a lazy takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a good low kick that Rodriguez was not able to check.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Erwin Rodriguez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rodriguez avoids a punch combination nicely.
Rodriguez fails with a takedown attempt.
Smith turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rodriguez throws a right hand that Smith ducks under and follows up with a left that Smith also avoids with ease.
A lazy left from Rodriguez finds it's target.
Smith tries a low kick but Rodriguez avoids it.
Smith throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
A leg kick checked by Smith.
Smith keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Smith throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Rodriguez counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Smith slips under a jab.
Smith is looking to slow Rodriguez down with leg kicks.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A punch combination from Smith misses.
Rodriguez takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A combination from Rodriguez does no damage.
Rodriguez shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Smith but Smith pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Smith - that will leave a mark!
Rodriguez takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Smith stuffs the takedown.
A punch combination from Smith misses.
Smith misses with a body kick.
Smith lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Both fighters circling a little - Smith finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Smith lands with a kick to the ribs.
Smith fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smith connects with a nice looking jab.
A head kick misses from Smith.
Good leg kick by Smith there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
That kick from Smith tenderised Rodriguez's leg. Rodriguez is trying to keep his angry face on.
Smith works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Smith misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Smith.
Jonah Smith seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Smith throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Jonah Smith has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from Smith. Those never looked like landing.
Smith throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Rodriguez counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Smith's guard now.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Rodriguez from controlling successfully.
Rodriguez stops Smith from standing up.
Rodriguez trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rodriguez wants to pass the guard but Smith is keeping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodriguez missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Rodriguez gets to his feet. Smith looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Rodriguez will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Rodriguez misses with a series of wild punches.
Rodriguez avoids the body shot from Smith.

Rodriguez scores with a takedown into Smith's guard.
Rodriguez throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Smith works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jonah Smith comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Rodriguez 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 Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 29:28
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Erwin Rodriguez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Hitoshi Matsumoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Peter Chao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Matsumoto comes to the ring accompanied by Otep - Blood Pigs. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Matsumoto
vs
Chao

170 cm
24
150 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

180 cm
25
150 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Enjoys gardening

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 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hitoshi Matsumoto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Peter Chao!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Kenichi Hosakawa and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Chao fails with a takedown attempt.
Matsumoto shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Chao but Chao pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Chao tries to keep at a distance but Matsumoto has taken the fight into the clinch.
Chao tries to break free but Matsumoto pushes him back against the ropes.
Matsumoto tries to pull guard but Chao won't allow it.
Chao tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Matsumoto just stands there and leans against the ropes.

Matsumoto's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Chao scores with a shot to the body.

Matsumoto tries to sprawl but Chao drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Matsumoto slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Chao passes Matsumoto's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Chao wants to control but Matsumoto is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chao trying to control the pace.
Matsumoto is looking to escape.
Matsumoto manages to get to full guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Matsumoto can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Chao controls the pace.
Matsumoto wants to get back to his feet but Chao passes into half guard.
Chao tries to pass to full mount but Matsumoto defends it.
Matsumoto trying to control but Chao postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Chao wants to lay and pray for a moment but Matsumoto keeps working.
Matsumoto is looking to control Chao's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Matsumoto avoid being mounted?
Matsumoto is trying to stand back up but Chao is controlling him

Chao is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Matsumoto has managed to free his arm - good work.
Matsumoto flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Chao throwing shots but Matsumoto is blocking nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto is looking to escape.

Chao stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Matsumoto to get to his feet.
Matsumoto is breathing heavily.
Matsumoto fails with an attempt to clinch.

Matsumoto shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Chao is trying to defend but Matsumoto finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Chao manages to get to full guard.
Chao keeping moving, preventing Matsumoto from controlling successfully.
Matsumoto throwing strikes from guard but Chao blocks nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chao manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Chao trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Matsumoto flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.
Chao avoids the attempt from Matsumoto to control.
Matsumoto is squirming around, avoiding Chao's attempts to control the action.

Chao is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Matsumoto has managed to escape the submission attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Chao tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Chao forces Matsumoto back against the ropes and clinches.
Chao prevents the takedown attempt.
Matsumoto changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Chao fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Hitoshi Matsumoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Chao tries to clinch but Matsumoto is having none of it.
Matsumoto shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Chao defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hitoshi Matsumoto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Matsumoto fails with an attempt to clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Chao closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Chao landing strikes.
Matsumoto manages to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chao is thwarting Matsumoto's attempts to control the position.
Matsumoto on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Chao tries to stand but can't do so whilst Matsumoto controls his leg.
Matsumoto tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Matsumoto is looking to escape.
Matsumoto keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Chao is trying to control. Matsumoto wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Chao is looking to advance position but Matsumoto won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Matsumoto slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Chao wants to control from the top but Matsumoto keeps moving.

Matsumoto is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Chao is aware though and is defending well.
Chao won't allow Matsumoto to get back to his feet.

Matsumoto scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Chao jabs Matsumoto to the body, keeping him at a distance.

Chao closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Chao wants to control but Matsumoto is keeping him busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chao working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Chao trying to control the action but Matsumoto is working from the bottom.
Chao wants to pass to mount but Matsumoto is defending the position.
Chao is keen to just control but Matsumoto is a slippery customer.
Matsumoto wants to improve his position but Chao is controlling well.

Peter Chao has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Matsumoto fails with the takedown

and Chao counters with a takedown into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto sneaks back into half guard.
Chao trying to control from half guard but Matsumoto is working away.
Chao wants to pass to mount but Matsumoto is defending the position.
Matsumoto missing with punches from the bottom.
Chao seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Chao sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Matsumoto defending well though.
Chao tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Matsumoto.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Peter Chao showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Matsumoto fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
A head kick from Chao lands but Matsumoto takes it in his stride.

Chao shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Matsumoto slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Matsumoto pushes Chao off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Matsumoto.
Matsumoto ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Matsumoto ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Chao moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsumoto tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Chao manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Peter Chao is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Matsumoto has Chao up against the ropes in a clinch.
Chao dodges an elbow strike from Matsumoto.
Chao jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Matsumoto walks away with a smile on his face. Chao gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Chao shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Matsumoto but Matsumoto pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Chao circles away from the clinch attempt.

Matsumoto moves into the clinch.
Matsumoto cracks Chao with a nice body shot.
Chao drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Matsumoto gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Hitoshi Matsumoto has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Peter Chao.
Matsumoto scores with a shot to the side of Chao's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Matsumoto breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - Matsumoto looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Matsumoto clinches up with Chao and pushes him back against the ropes.
Chao trying to stall but Matsumoto improves his position.

Matsumoto escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Chao moves in looking to clinch but Matsumoto pushes him off.
Matsumoto tries to clinch up but Chao circles away and keeps his distance.
Matsumoto tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Chao manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Matsumoto swats away the attempt to clinch by Chao.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Chao is defended easily by Matsumoto.
Chao swats away the attempt to clinch by Matsumoto.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Matsumoto shoots in and bounces Chao off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.
Matsumoto stays in close to Chao's body and controls the position.
Chao is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Chao keeping moving, preventing Matsumoto from controlling successfully.
Chao wants to stand but Matsumoto is controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Matsumoto wants to get up but he can't break Chao's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Matsumoto forces his way into half guard.
Chao is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Peter Chao has got the better of the ground game so far.
Chao is holding on to half guard well.
Still in half guard, Matsumoto seems content to control.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Chao misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hitoshi Matsumoto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Peter Chao is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Matsumoto throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Chao.

Chao closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hitoshi Matsumoto showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Chao 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 28:29
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Peter Chao!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
44%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ketsuno Anajo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Simon Byrne (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Anajo's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Ghostbusters. Ketsuno Anajo has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Anajo
vs
Byrne

174 cm
18
145 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

160 cm
18
145 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

Core Tokyo

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ketsuno Anajo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Simon Byrne!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Sosuke Kotani and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Byrne tries to close the distance and clinch but Anajo swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Byrne is looking to clinch.
Byrne fails with an attempt to clinch.
Byrne misses with the combination.

Anajo clinches up with Byrne and pushes him back against the ropes.
Anajo lands an uppercut.
Byrne throws a punch but it's blocked by Anajo.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Anajo lands with a left to the head.
Anajo lands with a short shot to the head.
Good body shot from Anajo.
Anajo dodges an elbow strike from Byrne.
A nice right hand lands inside from Anajo.
Anajo gets through Byrne's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Anajo lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Anajo lands a hook that snaps the head of Byrne backwards.
Anajo slowing the pace effectively.
Byrne tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Anajo smiles and moves away.
Anajo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Byrne paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Byrne tries to clinch
and Anajo cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Anajo is stalling here.
Byrne tries to break free but Anajo pushes him back against the ropes.
Anajo lands an uppercut.
Byrne working aggressively here.
Anajo working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Anajo scores with a hook to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Byrne.
Byrne throws a head punch that misses.
Still in the clinch, Anajo scores with a nice short uppercut.
Anajo blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Byrne tries to break free but Anajo pushes him back against the ropes.
Byrne doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Byrne should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Byrne fails to pull guard.
Byrne misses with some punches.

Anajo's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Anajo jabs at Byrne's body.
Byrne looks gassed!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Byrne has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Anajo finds it's way round the side to connect with Byrne's head.
Ketsuno Anajo is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Byrne tries to keep at a distance but Anajo has taken the fight into the clinch.
A short uppercut from Anajo.
Anajo digs a right hand underneath Byrne's ribcage. Byrne let out a lung full of air as it connected.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Anajo comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Anajo has Byrne pushed against the ropes.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Byrne creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Anajo lands a shot to the body.
Anajo lands a body shot in the clinch.
Anajo lands a body shot.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Anajo.
Anajo pushes Byrne back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Anajo makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Anajo will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Byrne up against the ropes.
Anajo lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Byrne backwards.
Come on Anajo - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Anajo lands a body shot in the clinch.
Anajo taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Anajo throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Byrnes head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Anajo lands on the inside with an uppercut.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Anajo.
Anajo lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Byrne backwards.
Nice body punch from Anajo - that landed with a thud.
Come on Anajo - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
A right hook to the body lands for Anajo.
Byrne has a couple of punches blocked by Anajo.
Byrne is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Anajo lands a right hand.
Anajo taking a breather.
Anajo gets through Byrne's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Anajo lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Anajo leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Anajo cracks Byrne with a nice body shot.
Anajo lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Byrne.
Anajo holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Anajo scores with a shoulder strike.
Anajo lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A short right from Anajo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Anajo lands a body shot in the clinch.
Anajo lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Anajo lands a body shot in the clinch.

Anajo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Anajo moves into range and clinches up with Byrne.
Byrne tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Byrne misses with a punch on the inside.
Byrne letting Anajo take a breather here.
Byrne misses with a punch on the inside.
Anajo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Byrne backwards.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Anajo pushes Byrne back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Anajo is struggling to control the position.
A nice left hand lands by Anajo.
Byrne misses with some punches.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Anajo stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.

Anajo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Anajo connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

Anajo takes the fight into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ketsuno Anajo dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Anajo moves into range and clinches up with Byrne.
Nice body punch from Anajo.
Anajo prevents a takedown attempt there.
Anajo scores with a hook to the body.
Anajo gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Anajo lands a left hand.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Anajo.
Ketsuno Anajo has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Anajo lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Anajo taking a breather.
Anajo scores with a hook to the body.
Anajo stalling in the clinch.
A short body shot lands from Anajo as the two fighters clinch.
Anajo working Byrne over with knees to the body.
Anajo just leaning against Byrne, taking a breather.
Anajo lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Byrne is breathing heavily.
Anajo lands a body punch.
Anajo taking a breather.
Anajo throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Byrnes head.
Anajo is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Anajo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Anajo swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Byrne counters with a series of strikes. Anajo will be more careful next time no doubt.

Anajo closes the distance and clinches.
Anajo presses Byrne against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Anajo lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Anajo slowing the pace effectively.
A short uppercut from Anajo.
A nice right hand lands inside from Anajo.
Anajo is struggling to control the position.
Anajo scores with a shot to the side of Byrne's head.
Anajo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Byrne can do to turn this around?
Nice body punch from Anajo - that landed with a thud.
Anajo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Anajo lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Anajo throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A short right from Anajo on the inside.
Anajo lands a right hand.
Anajo stalling in the clinch.
Byrne throws a punch but it's blocked by Anajo.
Byrne is looking to control Anajo's arms but Anajo gets an underhook and turns him. Now Byrne has his back to the ropes.
Anajo gets through Byrne's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Anajo lands a body punch.
A bit of stalling here from Anajo.
Anajo gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Byrne.
Byrne wants to stall.
Anajo digs a right hand underneath Byrne's ribcage. Byrne let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Anajo lands with a right to the head.
Anajo lands an elbow inside.
Anajo lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Anajo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Good body shot from Anajo.
Anajo working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Anajo is working Byrne over against the ropes.

Anajo breaks the clinch.
Byrne walks into a straight right hand from Anajo.

Anajo forces Byrne back against the ropes and clinches.
Anajo taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Anajo digs a right hand underneath Byrne's ribcage. Byrne let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Anajo manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good body shot from Anajo.
Anajo presses Byrne against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Anajo dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
A left hand lands to the body for Anajo.
Anajo lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Byrne tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A right handed body shot lands from Anajo.
Anajo has Byrne pushed against the ropes.
Byrne's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Anajo is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Anajo working some nice short punches in the clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Anajo.
Anajo throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Byrnes head.
The referee calls for Anajo to work.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Ketsuno Anajo.
The fight stays on the outside here - Anajo looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Anajo instigates a clinch.
Anajo has Byrne pushed against the ropes.
Byrne takes an elbow to the temple.
Byrne being controlled against the ropes.
Anajo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nice body punch from Anajo - that landed with a thud.
Anajo scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Byrne fails to pull the fight into his guard.
A shot in the inside from Anajo.
Anajo stalling in the clinch.
Anajo cracks Byrne with a nice body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Anajo lands a shot to the body.
The referee calls for Anajo to work.
Anajo lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Byrne or not.

Anajo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Anajo is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Anajo misses with a hook. Byrne ducked under it nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ketsuno Anajo dominated that second round.
That's time! Anajo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Anajo lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Anajo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Byrne.
Anajo misses with a head kick.
Byrne throws a leg kick
and Anajo counters with a one-two to the body.
Byrne throws a nice looking combination but Anajo bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Anajo misses with a two punch combination.
Anajo changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Byrne closes the distance but Anajo moves to the side
and Anajo counters with a leg kick.
Byrne takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Anajo forces Byrne back against the ropes and clinches.
Byrne has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Anajo unloads a knee to the mid-section. Byrne lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Anajo.
Anajo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Anajo throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Anajo lands a body shot.

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

Anajo closes the distance and clinches.
Anajo throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Byrnes head.
Byrne is trying to break free.
A right hook to the body lands for Anajo.
Anajo leaning his opponent against the ropes.
A short uppercut from Anajo.
A short right from Anajo.
Anajo lands a left hand that snaps the head of Byrne backwards.
Anajo manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Anajo utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Anajo landing some nice looking knees to the body.

Anajo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Anajo lands a head kick!
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!
Anajo throws a leg kick that misses.
Anajo lands a nice leg kick that just misses Byrne's sensitive parts.
Byrne clinches but Anajo breaks the clinch
letting Anajo counter with a right hand.
Anajo connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Byrne keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Anajo.
Anajo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Anajo forces Byrne back against the ropes and clinches.
Anajo is working Byrne over against the ropes.
Anajo softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
Anajo lands a shot to the body.
Anajo is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Anajo working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A left hand lands to the body for Anajo.
Anajo works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Anajo lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Anajo.
The referee calls for Anajo to work.
Nice elbow from Anajo.
Anajo scores with a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Anajo working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Ketsuno Anajo is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Anajo utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Anajo digs a right hand underneath Byrne's ribcage. Byrne let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Anajo lands a nice uppercut.
Anajo throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Simon Byrne has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Anajo blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Anajo content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Anajo presses Byrne against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Anajo is struggling to control the position.
Anajo lands a body punch in the clinch.
Anajo dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Anajo lands with a right to the head.
Anajo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Byrne backwards.
Anajo lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Byrne backwards.
A short left from Anajo.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A short left from Anajo.
A frustrated look appears on Byrne's face as he tries to break the clinch.
A short uppercut from Anajo.
Anajo scores with a hook to the body.
Come on Anajo - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ketsuno Anajo showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Anajo has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:24
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:24
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 30:24

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ketsuno Anajo!