PHOENIX 11 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between marucio machida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fat Ronaldo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring eachother down here, as Fat Ronaldo enters the cage!

machida
vs
Ronaldo

175 cm
24
160 lbs
9 - 5 - 0

168 cm
22
162 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, marucio machida!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Fat Ronaldo!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Shigeki Fujiwara.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ronaldo leaves machida with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
machida looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from machida is defended easily by Ronaldo.
Horrible takedown by machida or perhaps it was just good defense by Ronaldo which made him look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for marucio machida. That's going to take a lot out of him.
machida tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ronaldo stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Ronaldo wants it to stay on the feet.
machida fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ronaldo throws a head kick that misses.
Ronaldo keeps the fight on the outside.
machida tries for a takedown but Ronaldo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
marucio machida seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
machida fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
machida shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Ronaldo pinned against the cage. Ronaldo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
machida is breathing heavily.
machida tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Ronaldo swivels and escapes.
Ronaldo keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Ronaldo!

It looks like marucio machida has been cut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ronaldo ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Ronaldo swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by machida.
Horrible takedown by machida or perhaps it was just good defense by Ronaldo which made him look bad.
Ronaldo swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Nice combo by Ronaldo! Oh, that's hurt him - machida falls to the canvas and Ronaldo follows him into side control.

machida is rocked!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ronaldo misses with the ground and pound.
Oh machida is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Ronaldo creates some space and throws a big elbow, but machida sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Ronaldo has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for machida!
machida seems to have got his legs back now.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Ronaldo cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Ronaldo has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ronaldo breaks from machida's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Ronaldo throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Oooooh, big shot lands for Ronaldo! machida is hurt baaadly! Ronaldo is firing away with more strikes - machida is covering up... the ref is warning him to do something. He's just covering up though still and the ref has to step in to end the fight! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:03 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Fat Ronaldo!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
96%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Eliseo Seterra (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Luke Wilson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Seterra kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Before I forget. Eliseo Seterra could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Luke Wilson's chin.

Seterra
vs
Wilson

174 cm
21
155 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

170 cm
25
160 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
World class MT
Good gas tank

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 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Eliseo Seterra!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Luke Wilson!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Shigeki Sano and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wilson ducks right into an uppercut from Seterra.
Seterra lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Wilson circles away quickly and effectively.
Wilson goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

Wilson clinches.
Wilson content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Wilson lands an elbow just above Seterra 's eye.

It looks like Eliseo Seterra has been cut.
Seterra has Wilson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Wilson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Wilson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Seterra.
Seterra wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eliseo Seterra. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Seterra has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Wilson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Seterra can't get the takedown.
Seterra tries to score a body lock takedown but Wilson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Seterra has Wilson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Wilson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Nice elbow from Wilson.
Wilson comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

Seterra pulls Wilson into guard.
Seterra keeping moving, preventing Wilson from controlling successfully.
Wilson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilson wants to control from the top but Seterra keeps moving.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Wilson stopping the sweep attempt from Seterra.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Luke Wilson.
Wilson throws a head kick but Seterra moves out of range.
Nice takedown defense from Wilson. No joy for Seterra on that attempt.
Wilson lands with a slapping head kick.
Wilson throws a head kick but Seterra moves out of range.
Wilson tries to close the distance and clinch but Seterra swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Luke Wilson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wilson tries to close the distance and clinch but Seterra swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Seterra has a takedown stuffed.
Wilson doesn't manage to clinch there - Seterra circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Wilson.
Wilson slaps away a takedown attempt from Seterra, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Seterra misses with a body shot.
Seterra fails with a takedown attempt.
Wilson throws a body kick that misses.
Wilson connects with a leg kick. Seterra looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Wilson throws the kick towards the body but Seterra avoids it.
Seterra has a takedown stuffed.
Nice jab there from Seterra.
Wilson tries to clinch up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Wilson.
Wilson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Seterra's sensitive parts.

Wilson rushes Seterra and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Seterra is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Wilson lands an elbow inside that Seterra shrugs off.
Wilson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Wilson controlling the action here for a moment.
Seterra takes an elbow to the forehead.
Wilson creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Seterra's defenses.

Eliseo Seterra's cut is getting worse.

Seterra manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Wilson looking to sit in guard and control but Seterra gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Seterra trying to control the position from guard on top but Wilson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luke Wilson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Eliseo Seterra's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Seterra tries to score a power double leg takedown but Wilson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Seterra somewhat.

Seterra gets the takedown into side control.

Seterra looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Seterra tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

Seterra tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Seterra has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Seterra looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Seterra has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Seterra.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Seterra.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eliseo Seterra. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wilson scores with a head kick. Seterra tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Seterra shoots in for a takedown but Wilson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Seterra shoots in looking for a takedown. Wilson tries to sprawl out of it but Seterra keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Wilson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Wilson closes the distance and pushes Seterra back into the cage.
Seterra tries to score a body lock takedown but Wilson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Wilson lands an elbow just above Seterra 's eye.
Wilson taking a breather.
Wilson continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.

Seterra pulls guard successfully.
Wilson wants to control from the top but Seterra keeps moving.
Wilson stops Seterra from standing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilson preventing the sweep.
Seterra bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Wilson's guard.

Seterra thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Seterra thows a big elbow that misses.
Seterra tries to stand but Wilson is controlling from the bottom.

Seterra is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

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.
Wilson keeping moving, preventing Seterra from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Seterra accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Wilson is trying to control the position but Seterra postures up.
Seterra throwing strikes from guard but Wilson blocks nicely.
Seterra tries to free his leg and advance position but Wilson is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eliseo Seterra dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Eliseo Seterra's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Seterra shoots in for a takedown but Wilson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Wilson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Wilson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Seterra shoots in for a takedown but Wilson shows good takedown defense.
Eliseo Seterra is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Seterra fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eliseo Seterra. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wilson pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Wilson misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Wilson has managed to clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Wilson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wilson gets underhooks to prevent Seterra's takedown attempt.
Wilson lands an elbow that stopped Seterra in his tracks for a moment.
Seterra goes for a takedown in the clinch but Wilson prevents it.
Wilson stalling the fight.
Seterra tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Wilson just stands there and leans against the cage.
Seterra wants a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilson prevents a takedown attempt there.
Wilson gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

Eliseo Seterra's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Wilson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Wilson lands an elbow that stopped Seterra in his tracks for a moment.
Seterra drops down looking for an ankle pick but Wilson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Seterra avoids the head kick by Wilson.
Wilson tries a head kick but it misses.
Wilson doesn't manage to clinch there - Seterra circles away.

Wilson rushes Seterra and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Wilson gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

Jeez, Eliseo Seterra's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.
Seterra fails to pull guard.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Wilson putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Seterra in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Nice elbow from Wilson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seterra has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Wilson avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Wilson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Eliseo Seterra's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:14 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Luke Wilson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
74%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Rich Franklin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Plauge Black (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rich Franklin has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Franklin
vs
Black

196 cm
22
185 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

176 cm
25
200 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

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 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Rich Franklin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Plauge Black!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Yuuki Gou and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Black will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
A jab from Black misses.
Franklin takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

It looks like Rich Franklin has been cut.
Franklin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Black.
Franklin throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Franklin is trying hard to land a takedown here. Black sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Franklin blocks a head kick by Black.
Black avoids the head kick by Franklin.
Black looks to land a combination but Franklin avoids it well.
Franklin is looking to clinch but Black is avoiding it.
Plauge Black seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Franklin scores with a one two! Black had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

It looks like Plauge Black has been cut.
A big left from Black misses.
Franklin throws a head kick but Black moves out of range.
Franklin fails with the takedown.
Black throws a head kick that misses
and Franklin makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Black really felt that one!
Black throws a big shot that misses.
Franklin closes this distance looking for a takedown but Black circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rich Franklin. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Black misses with a kick to the body

and Franklin counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Franklin throwing shots but Black is blocking nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Franklin wants to stand up but Black is controlling the position.
Black avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Franklin.
Franklin is nestled in close to Black, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Franklin is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Franklin wants to lay and pray for a moment but Black keeps working.
Black has hold of Franklin's hands but Franklin slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Black moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Franklin thows a big elbow that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Franklin throws a strike but Black rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Franklin keeping moving, preventing Black from controlling successfully.
Black looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Black trying to move into half guard but instead Franklin has managed to sweep!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Black working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Franklin.
Black utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Franklin really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Franklin throws a strike but Black rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Franklin keeping full guard, as Black tries to pass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Franklin looking to hit a scissor sweep but Black is one step ahead there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rich Franklin dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Black misses with a straight right.
A head kick by Black misses

and Franklin counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Franklin throwing strikes from guard but Black blocks nicely.
Franklin wants to stand but Black has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Franklin wants to control from the top but Black keeps moving.

Franklin postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Black is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Franklin, into his guard.
Franklin looking to hit a scissor sweep but Black is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Black trying to control the position from guard on top but Franklin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Franklin not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Black looking to pass the guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Crunch! Black slams his shin into Franklin's torso.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Franklin slips under a jab from Black.
Black misses with the body kick
and Franklin counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Black throws a sloppy body shot
and Franklin counters with a left and a right that stings Black.
Black throws a leg kick but Franklin sees it coming and moves out of range.
Black plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Franklin fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Franklin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Black throws out the jab.
A head kick by Black misses
and Franklin counters with a stiff right hand.
Black throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Franklin uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Black.
Black misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Franklin counters by clinching up.

Black breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Black connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Rich Franklin is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Franklin throws a right hand that Black ducks under and follows up with a left that Black also avoids with ease.
Franklin shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Black as he jumps to the side.
Black keeps the fight on the outside.
Black is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Franklin ducks under a wild hook from Black.
Black misses with a jab to the body
and Franklin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Black throws a head kick that misses

and Franklin moves into the clinch.
Franklin tries to circle away but Black has him pinned against the cage.
Black prevents Franklin from breaking the clinch.
Black lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Black lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Franklin.
Still in the clinch, Black scores with a nice short uppercut.

Black breaks from the clinch.
Franklin tries a head kick but it misses.
Black swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Franklin counters by moving into the clinch.

Black breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Black misses with a combination
and Franklin counters with a two punch combo.
Black throws a sloppy head kick
and Franklin counters with a stiff right hand.

Franklin shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Black is trying to defend but Franklin finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Franklin looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Franklin missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Black 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.
Franklin is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Plauge Black will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Black misses with a body punch
and Franklin counters with a stiff right hand.
Black lands a high kick!
The fighters circling - Black throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Franklin tries to clinch there but Black circles away.
Franklin lands a head kick. Black smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Black takes a swing at Franklin's ribcage but misses.
Black misses with a body punch
and Franklin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Black walks into a straight right hand from Franklin.
Franklin is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Franklin moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Franklin tries to clinch up.
Black takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Franklin avoids the head kick by Black.
Franklin is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Franklin misses with a few strikes there.
Black swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Franklin tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Black misses with a combination

and Franklin counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Franklin drops down looking for an ankle pick but Black pulls his leg out and moves away.
Black misses with a looping right.
Black swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Franklin counters with a right hand to the body.
A lazy body kick from Black
letting Franklin counter with a right hand.

Franklin shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Black keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Franklin sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Black defending well though.
Franklin is keen to just control but Black is a slippery customer.
It looks like Franklin is going to stand back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Black regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Franklin.
Black manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Black thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Franklin blocking the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Franklin tries to hold on but Black postures up.
Franklin is squirming around, avoiding Black's attempts to control the action.
Franklin is wriggling around trying to escape.
Black content just to control the position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Black avoids the attempt from Franklin to control.
Black wants to control the pace but Franklin is squirming around nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Franklin holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Black tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rich Franklin showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Franklin 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rich Franklin!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Max Cavalera (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and German Shepherd (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Cavalera
vs
Shepherd

160 cm
23
148 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

175 cm
23
145 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Solid chin

FNF Energy & Stamina - Sale!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Max Cavalera!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, German Shepherd!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Kenichi Hosakawa and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cavalera looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Shepherd is fending him off so far but Cavalera persists. Nope, Shepherd circles away and we're back to standing.
Shepherd throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Cavalera.
Shepherd moves in looking to clinch but Cavalera pushes him off.
Cavalera fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Cavalera will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Max Cavalera. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shepherd tries to clinch but Cavalera moves out of range.
Cavalera moves out of range of the body kick.
No luck for Cavalera with that takedown attempt.
A head kick misses from Shepherd.

Shepherd gets a clinch.
Shepherd creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Cavalera's defenses.

It looks like Max Cavalera has been cut.
Shepherd tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Cavalera avoids it.
Shepherd lands a damaging elbow.
Shepherd using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Shepherd is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Cavalera is breathing heavily.
Shepherd creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Cavalera's defenses.
A body shot lands from Shepherd.
Shepherd is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Cavalera is defending well for now.
Cavalera avoiding damage as Shepherd throws knees to the body.
Cavalera blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Cavalera blocks the elbow strike.
Cavalera tries to score a body lock takedown but Shepherd shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Shepherd lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cavalera avoids a wild elbow strike from Shepherd.
Stalling in the clinch from Cavalera.
Shepherd lands an elbow just above Cavalera 's eye.
Cavalera drops down looking for an ankle pick but Shepherd pulls his leg out and moves away.

Cavalera shoots in and gets a takedown into Shepherd's guard.
Cavalera won't allow Shepherd to get back to his feet.
Cavalera trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Shepherd keeping full guard, as Cavalera tries to pass.
Shepherd is looking to stand up but Cavalera isn't so interested in that idea.
Shepherd really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Cavalera. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Cavalera throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Shepherd works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Cavalera drops back, looking for a kneebar! Shepherd looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Shepherd looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Shepherd!
Cavalera might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Cavalera is trying to get back to half guard.
Cavalera is trying to control Shepherd's posture but Shepherd avoids it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Cavalera bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Shepherd throws the left hand but Cavalera avoids the punch easily.
Shepherd tries to close the distance and clinch up but Cavalera swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Shepherd scores with a nice head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cavalera takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The fighters circle momentarily. Shepherd darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Cavalera scores with a takedown into Shepherd's guard.
Cavalera trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cavalera in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Cavalera is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Shepherd wants to stand up but Cavalera is controlling him.
Cavalera wants to pass the guard but Shepherd is keeping the position.
Shepherd wants to stand and escape but Cavalera is having none of it.
Cavalera tries to free his leg and advance position but Shepherd is retaining full guard.
Cavalera has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Cavalera gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cavalera is trying hard to land a takedown here. Shepherd sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Shepherd displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Cavalera.

Shepherd has taken the fight to the clinch.
Shepherd lands an elbow just above Cavalera 's eye.
Shepherd has a couple of punches blocked by Cavalera.
Cavalera blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Shepherd lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Cavalera or not.
Shepherd trying to land knees to the body.
Cavalera takes a knee to the side of the body.
Shepherd lands a body shot in the clinch.
Cavalera avoids a wild elbow strike from Shepherd.
Shepherd missing with knees to the body.
Knees to the body from Shepherd.
Cavalera looking for a takedown.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Cavalera gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cavalera accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Shepherd wants to get back to his feet but Cavalera is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but German Shepherd will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Max Cavalera's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Shepherd stuffs the takedown.
Shepherd stuffs the takedown.
Shepherd tries to close the distance and clinch but Cavalera swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Shepherd lands a head kick!
Cavalera shoots in looking for a takedown but Shepherd manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cavalera's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Max Cavalera. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Shepherd clinches.
Shepherd misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Cavalera.
Cavalera using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Shepherd has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Shepherd misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Cavalera.
Cavalera goes for a takedown attempt but Shepherd pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Shepherd throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Cavalera's head.
Shepherd tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cavalera paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Shepherd lands a head kick. Cavalera smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Cavalera gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Shepherd.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Cavalera is defended easily by Shepherd.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shepherd digs a good body shot into Cavalera's ribs.
Max Cavalera is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Shepherd throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Shepherd tries to clinch there but Cavalera circles away.
Cavalera avoids a kick to the body.
No joy there for Shepherd, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Shepherd tries a head kick but it misses.
Cavalera scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.

It looks like German Shepherd has been cut.
Shepherd fails with an attempt to clinch.
Cavalera gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Shepherd moves into the clinch.
Cavalera has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Shepherd avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Shepherd tries to land a knee to the head but Cavalera blocks with his arms.
A right handed body shot lands from Shepherd.
Cavalera takes an elbow to the forehead.
Cavalera takes an elbow to the forehead.
Shepherd prevents the takedown attempt.
Shepherd using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Cavalera takes an elbow to the temple.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shepherd lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Shepherd prevents a takedown attempt there.
Shepherd lands an elbow inside.
A body shot lands from Shepherd.

Cavalera gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Cavalera wants to control from the top but Shepherd keeps moving.
Cavalera prevents Shepherd from getting back to his feet.
Cavalera wants to control from the top but Shepherd keeps moving.
Shepherd is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Cavalera thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Shepherd is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cavalera passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Cavalera scores with punches from side control.
Shepherd is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Cavalera advances to full mount.
Shepherd is trying to get back to his feet but can't.

Cavalera looking to isolate an arm here. Shepherd doesn't see it coming and as Cavalera extends the arm, he's forced to tap out! Nice submission by Cavalera!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:02 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Max Cavalera!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
52%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Flex Kellosalo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Erris Watts (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kellosalo kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Contra - Jungle Jam . Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kellosalo
vs
Watts

176 cm
20
156 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

150 cm
26
155 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Great elbows
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

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 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Flex Kellosalo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Erris Watts!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Shigeki Fujiwara and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kellosalo lands a body shot.

Watts gets tackled into the cage by Kellosalo. Kellosalo maintains the clinch.
Watts blocks the elbow strike.
Kellosalo looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Kellosalo prevents Watts from breaking the clinch.
Kellosalo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Watts as Kellosalo tries to tie him up.
Watts is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

Watts lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Watts moves into full mount! Kellosalo won't be happy about that!
Watts thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Watts controlling from the full mount.
Kellosalo working to try and regain half guard.
Kellosalo on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Kellosalo tries to get out of the position.
Watts controlling the position easily from mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Watts throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Watts sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Kellosalo takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Watts controlling from mount.
Watts throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kellosalo is squirming around, avoiding Watts's attempts to control the action.
Watts controlling the pace for now.
Watts looking to control but Kellosalo is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Watts controlling from the full mount.
Kellosalo blocking the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kellosalo is squirming around, avoiding Watts's attempts to control the action.
Watts controlling the pace for now.
Kellosalo holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Watts tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Watts controlling from the full mount.
Watts sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Watts controlling the position easily from mount.

Watts is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Kellosalo has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Kellosalo!

Watts has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kellosalo can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erris Watts 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.

Watts misses with a body punch
and Kellosalo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kellosalo throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kellosalo loads up on a big right hand but Watts slips the punch.
Watts ducks right into an uppercut from Kellosalo.
Kellosalo swings for the body but Watts moves out of range.
Kellosalo takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Kellosalo misses with a hook. Watts ducked under it nicely.
Kellosalo misses with a wild combination.
Kellosalo fails to land with a series of punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kellosalo tries to clinch up but Watts circles away and keeps his distance.
Kellosalo throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kellosalo throws a body punch but Watts moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Watts circles away from the clinch attempt.
Watts misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Kellosalo counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Watts thinking.
Kellosalo takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
No luck for Watts with that takedown attempt.
Watts throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kellosalo's waist but Kellosalo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Watts off to one side.
Watts takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
A big right from Watts misses.
Kellosalo uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Watts.
Kellosalo lands a nice hook to Watts's body. Watts takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Watts swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nice body punch from Watts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Watts fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kellosalo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Watts decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Kellosalo blocking the ground and pound attempt from Watts.
Watts trying to control the action but Kellosalo is working from the bottom.
Watts is looking to advance position but Kellosalo won't allow it.
Watts keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Kellosalo keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Watts missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Watts content to control rather than advance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Watts scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Watts keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Watts wants to free his trapped foot but Kellosalo is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Erris Watts has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Watts shoots in looking for a takedown but Kellosalo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Watts's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Flex Kellosalo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Erris Watts.
Kellosalo closes the distance looking to clinch

and Watts counters with a nice double leg into side control. Kellosalo won't be happy with that.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Watts working the strikes but Kellosalo uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Watts not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Watts sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Watts trying to control the action but Kellosalo is working from the bottom.
Watts missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Erris Watts will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Kellosalo digs a good hook to Watts's body.
Watts closes the distance but Kellosalo moves to the side

and Kellosalo counters by clinching up.
Kellosalo is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Watts is keeping busy.
Kellosalo seems a little flustered. He's come in with the intention of controlling the clinch but Watts is preventing him from doing so, at least for the moment.
Kellosalo gets through Watts's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kellosalo looks to throw an elbow but misses.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Watts.
Kellosalo being controlled against the cage.
Watts struggles to land a body shot inside as Kellosalo controls his hands.
Watts is trying to force a seperation but Kellosalo has the dominant position.
Watts changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kellosalo fights it off and pushes away nicely.
A slow jab from Kellosalo misses its intended target.
Kellosalo is looking to wear down Watts with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Watts throws a predictable looking body shot
and Kellosalo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kellosalo is looking to clinch but Watts is avoiding it.
Watts throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Erris Watts seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Watts drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Watts is defended easily by Kellosalo.
Kellosalo ducks under a wild hook from Watts.
Watts fails to land the takedown.
Flex Kellosalo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Erris Watts.
Kellosalo stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kellosalo wants it to stay on the feet.
Watts fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kellosalo manages to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Watts with that takedown attempt.
Watts looks for a takedown but Kellosalo sprawls well.
Watts takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kellosalo moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

It looks like Erris Watts has been cut.
Kellosalo is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Watts misses with a hook.
Kellosalo scores with a jab.
Kellosalo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Watts.
Watts just misses with a punch to the body.
Watts shoots in looking for a takedown. Kellosalo tries to sprawl out of it but Watts keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kellosalo manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kellosalo is looking to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kellosalo. Watts does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kellosalo jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Watts is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Watts fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kellosalo avoids it really well and circles away.
Erris Watts is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kellosalo moves away from the strike by Watts.
Watts throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kellosalo's waist but Kellosalo gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Watts off to one side.
Kellosalo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Watts has a takedown stuffed.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Watts fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Kellosalo is looking to clinch.
Watts throws a sloppy body shot
and Kellosalo counters with a left to the body.
Watts displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kellosalo throws out the jab.
Watts has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Watts there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kellosalo throws a series of punches but Watts moves out of range.
Watts scores with a shot to the body.
Watts moves in looking to clinch but Kellosalo pushes him off.
Flex Kellosalo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kellosalo circles away from the clinch attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Flex Kellosalo showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Watts 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 Shirou Masuda scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Erris Watts!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
39%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mc Hammer First (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kazahiro Murakami (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kazahiro Murakami will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Hammer First
vs
Murakami

178 cm
19
165 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

174 cm
20
161 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Powerful

Slam-or-Fist

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mc Hammer First!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazahiro Murakami!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Yuuki Gou and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hammer First closes the distance and clinches up with Murakami, looking for a takedown. Hammer First pushes Murakami against the cage but Murakami circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Hammer First tries to clinch up.
Hammer First looks to score with a jab to the body but Murakami is just out of range.
Hammer First slaps away a takedown attempt from Murakami, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Murakami pivots, looking for a leg kick but Hammer First is out of range and Murakami settles back down.
Murakami moves out of range as Hammer First throws a body kick.
Hammer First moves in looking to clinch but Murakami pushes him off.
Hammer First keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

Hammer First shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Murakami wants to hold on but Hammer First pushes him away.
Murakami regains half guard.
Hammer First 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.
Murakami is refusing to be controlled, as Hammer First sits in half guard.
Murakami tries to roll over but Hammer First keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammer First throws a strike but Murakami avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Hammer First loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Murakami manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hammer First manages to get himself to full guard.
Hammer First looking to hit a scissor sweep but Murakami is one step ahead there.
Murakami postures up in Hammer First's guard and throws a big left but Hammer First blocks it.
Murakami trying to control but Hammer First is working from the bottom.

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.
Hammer First looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Hammer First knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Murakami on the ground.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Kazahiro Murakami was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Hammer First fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Murakami manages to avoid it.

Hammer First scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Murakami is trying to get back to full guard.
Hammer First scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murakami trying to control but Hammer First postures up.
Hammer First prevents Murakami from standing back up.
Murakami is looking for a sweep. Hammer First is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Murakami can do anything to dispel that myth.
Hammer First lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Hammer First prevents Murakami from standing back up.
Hammer First thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Murakami's head.
Hammer First trying to control from half guard but Murakami is working away.
Hammer First misses with a head shot. Murakami uses the momentum to regain guard.
Hammer First stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Murakami swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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.
Murakami wants to sweep but no luck.
Hammer First postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Murakami keeping full guard, as Hammer First tries to pass.
Hammer First is fighting to break Murakami's control of his arms but Murakami is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Murakami is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hammer First won't allow Murakami to sweep him here.
Hammer First makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Hammer First shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Murakami is trying to defend but Hammer First finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hammer First looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Hammer First throwing shots but Murakami is blocking nicely.
Murakami trying to control here.
Murakami keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Murakami wants to get back to full guard.
Murakami trying to hold on to Hammer First's head to control him but Hammer First postures up.
Murakami avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hammer First.
Hammer First is looking to take a break and control but Murakami is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammer First missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Murakami is looking to improve his position.
Murakami blocking the ground and pound attempt from Hammer First.
Hammer First prevents Murakami from standing back up.
Murakami moves into full guard.
Hammer First controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Murakami is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Murakami keeping moving, preventing Hammer First from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Hammer First is looking to work some ground and pound but Murakami has wrist control.
Hammer First with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hammer First trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hammer First missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Hammer First stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Murakami swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Murakami not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Murakami looking for a sweep. Not yet Murakami, not yet.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Murakami is trying to control the position but Hammer First postures up.
Hammer First has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer First preventing the sweep.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Kazahiro Murakami wasn't active enough on the ground.
Murakami is looking to chop away at Hammer First's legs.
Murakami throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Hammer First defending well as Murakami loads up on a big left hand.
Murakami throws a leg kick which misses Hammer First's front leg but catches the back leg as Hammer First tries to avoid it.
Hammer First throws a right and a left that Murakami avoids nicely.
Murakami uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hammer First.
Kazahiro Murakami seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hammer First misses with a body kick.
Murakami lands with a thumping leg kick.
Hammer First throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hammer First scores with a hook to the body. Murakami takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Hammer First shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Murakami as he avoids it easily.
Murakami throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hammer First circles away from the clinch attempt.
Murakami throws a series of punches but Hammer First moves out of range.
Hammer First checks a low kick from Murakami.
Hammer First throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A shot to the body from Hammer First misses
enabling Murakami to counter with a crisp jab.
Murakami attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Murakami tries to work over Hammer First's front leg with a kick but Hammer First checks it.
Hammer First misses with a body punch
and Murakami counters with a low kick, right behind Hammer First 's knee.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hammer First throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Murakami counters with a nice low kick that buckles Hammer First's knee momentarily.
Hammer First shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Murakami sprawls well. Murakami wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Hammer First gets slowly back to his feet.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Murakami.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Kazahiro Murakami will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Murakami throws a leg kick but Hammer First sees it coming and checks it nicely.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Hammer First.
Hammer First in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Hammer First with the ground and pound but Murakami regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Murakami slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Hammer First is in close to Murakami's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Hammer First throws a strike but Murakami rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Hammer First has his hands on Murakami's head, controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murakami missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Hammer First pulls Murakami in close to prevent any damage.
Murakami works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Murakami wants to control but Hammer First is keeping him busy.
Murakami perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Hammer First regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Murakami.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Murakami accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Murakami thows a big elbow that misses.
Murakami with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hammer First is controlling Murakami's posture.
Murakami trying to control but Hammer First is working from the bottom.
Murakami stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hammer First swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer First working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Murakami.
Murakami wants to control from the top but Hammer First keeps moving.
Murakami throwing strikes from guard but Hammer First blocks nicely.
Murakami wants to control from the top but Hammer First keeps moving.

Kazahiro Murakami has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Hammer First misses with a hook to the body
enabling Murakami to counter with a crisp jab.
Hammer First throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nice defenses there by Hammer First.

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.
Hammer First has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Murakami.
Murakami looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A bone on bone clash there as Hammer First blocks the leg kick.
Murakami lands a leg kick that knocks Hammer First off balance momentarily.
Murakami stuffs the takedown attempt from Hammer First. Hammer First gets slowly back to his feet.
Murakami scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Murakami gets caught flat footed, as Hammer First shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Hammer First wants to control from the top but Murakami keeps moving.
Hammer First stopping the sweep attempt from Murakami.
Murakami trying to control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Kazahiro Murakami.
I think Murakami 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 Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kazahiro Murakami!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
33%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Hercule Poirot (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Selly Sel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Poirot comes into the arena with Poirot Theme blaring out of the sound system. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Poirot
vs
Sel

167 cm
26
162 lbs
12 - 5 - 0

179 cm
21
166 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Great low kicks
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

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 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hercule Poirot!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Selly Sel!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Hirohito Nitta and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sel misses with a kick to the body.
Sel misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Sel throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Poirot.
Poirot shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Poirot shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Sel defends it nicely.
Poirot has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Poirot there as he acknowledges the shot.
Poirot throws a head kick but Sel moves out of range.
Sel throws a right and a left that both miss.
Selly Sel seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Danga de danga de dang - Sel scores with a four punch combination!
Sel throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sel throws a nice looking combination but Poirot bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Poirot chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Sel tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Sel looks gassed!
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Poirot. Sel shrugs it off though.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A head kick by Poirot misses
and Sel counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A head kick misses from Poirot.
Poirot scores with a head kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sel. Poirot does a little dance to reset his feet.
Poirot lands a high kick!

Sel is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Poirot.
Sel is still on wobbly legs! Can Poirot finish him?
Sel on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Poirot throws a nice inside leg kick.
Poirot lands a brutal head kick. Sel looks out on his feet and Poirot throws more strikes until the ref is forced to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Kick and Punches). Hercule Poirot!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Kosuke Soseki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bert Compton (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kosuke Soseki has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Soseki
vs
Compton

170 cm
20
155 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

184 cm
25
145 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

Decent wrestler
Decent elbows
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kosuke Soseki!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Bert Compton!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Shigeki Fujiwara.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Soseki takes one to the side of the head.
Nice shot lands for Compton.

Soseki is rocked!
Soseki moves out of range as Compton strikes.
Oh Soseki is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
A slow jab from Soseki misses its intended target.
Compton throws a right hand that Soseki ducks under and follows up with a left that Soseki also avoids with ease.
BOOM! Compton lands a beautiful left hook that drops Soseki. Soseki tries to recover but Compton is having none of it, landing more punishing shots from mount. One final crushing shot and Soseki lies motionless on the canvas. The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:16 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bert Compton!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Hashimoto Toyotasan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rila Kuma (ranked 0 p4p, 0 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.

Toyotasan
vs
Kuma

167 cm
19
139 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

172 cm
20
148 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Great low kicks
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Powerful

Core Tokyo

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hashimoto Toyotasan!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Rila Kuma!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuma looks to throw the jab but Toyotasan is out of range.
Toyotasan circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kuma moves out of range of the body kick.
Kuma looks to land a left hand but Toyotasan moved out of range nicely.
Toyotasan goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

It looks like Rila Kuma has been cut.
Kuma cracks Toyotasan with a good jab.
Toyotasan feints and then cracks Kuma's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kuma down.
Kuma swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Toyotasan ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Toyotasan ducks under a wild hook from Kuma.
Rila Kuma seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Toyotasan throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Toyotasan throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kuma is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Toyotasan.
Kuma takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kuma.
Toyotasan lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Kuma looks gassed!
Toyotasan misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
An inside leg kick from Toyotasan misses.
Toyotasan throws a sloppy head kick and Kuma moves out of range easily.
Kuma blocks a head kick by Toyotasan.
Kuma tries a head kick but it misses.
Kuma looks to land a left hand but Toyotasan moved out of range nicely.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Kuma crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Toyotasan - the referee stops the clock and Kuma gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Toyotasan. Kuma manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Toyotasan throws a leg kick which misses Kuma's front leg but catches the back leg as Kuma tries to avoid it.
Toyotasan lands a brutal head kick. Kuma looks out on his feet and Toyotasan throws more strikes until the ref is forced to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:10 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Kick and Punches). Hashimoto Toyotasan!
Hashimoto Toyotasan retains his bantamweight title!