DMDFC 3 : Crash PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Wanderson Silva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yoshiro Akiyama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Akiyama has chosen Time To Say Goodbye as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Silva
vs
Akiyama

183 cm
22
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

178 cm
20
190 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Wanderson Silva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Yoshiro Akiyama!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Taro Takaoka and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akiyama connects with a jab.
Akiyama fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Akiyama tries to clinch up but Silva circles away and keeps his distance.

Silva closes the distance and clinches.
Silva avoiding damage as Akiyama throws knees to the body.

Silva pulls guard effortlessly.
Akiyama trying to control but Silva is working from the bottom.
Akiyama throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Silva works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Silva is looking to stand up but Akiyama isn't so interested in that idea.
Akiyama working some strikes from top position.
Akiyama must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Silva wants to sweep but no luck.
Akiyama looking to sit in guard and control but Silva gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Silva advances position into side control!
Silva lands a few punches from side control.
Akiyama tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Silva wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Silva working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Silva lands a nice forearm strike.
Sloppy strikes there by Silva.
Silva is putting a hurting on Akiyama here, landing some big shots from side control.
Akiyama wants to get back to his feet but Silva drags him back down.
Silva landing strikes.
Akiyama tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Silva presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Silva is landing with some decent strikes but Akiyama is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Akiyama is working to get back to half guard.
Akiyama sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Akiyama is trying to maintain the position but Silva is very close to passing his half guard.
Silva throws a strike but Akiyama avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Silva in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Silva decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silva avoids the body shot from Akiyama.
Akiyama takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

Silva closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Silva lands in his opponent's guard.
Silva pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Akiyama is keeping the position for now.
Silva is breathing heavily.
Silva prevents Akiyama from getting back to his feet.
Akiyama doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.

Akiyama is working an open guard so Silva takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Akiyama moves into the clinch successfully.
Silva misses with an elbow over the top.
Akiyama fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Silva wants to break the clinch but can't.
Akiyama lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

Akiyama manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Silva stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Akiyama swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Silva postures up and lands a big shot to Akiyama's brow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Silva throws a strike but Akiyama rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Silva is working an open guard so Akiyama takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Akiyama fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Wanderson Silva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yoshiro Akiyama.
Silva throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Akiyama's waist but Akiyama gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Silva off to one side.
The fighters circling - Akiyama throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Akiyama gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Akiyama is working for takedown but Silva is calmly controlling the position for now.

Akiyama has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Silva is trying to keep an underhook but Akiyama manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Silva moves into full guard.
Akiyama tries to free his leg and advance position but Silva is retaining full guard.
Akiyama is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Akiyama passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Silva wants to control but Akiyama postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Akiyama working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Silva 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.
Silva is looking to regain half guard here but Akiyama keeps moving and retains side control.
Silva sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Silva pushes Akiyama off and gets back to his feet.
Silva wants to clinch.
Akiyama tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Akiyama darts in trying to clinch

and Silva counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Silva missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Akiyama wants to sweep but Silva has passed to side control!
Akiyama regains half guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama is looking to improve his position.
Akiyama wants to sweep but Silva has passed to side control!
Silva has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Akiyama!
Silva punishing his opponent with strikes.
Akiyama wants to hold on but Silva pushes him away.
Akiyama's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Silva lands a heavy elbow.
Silva scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Akiyama?
Akiyama wants to hold on but Silva pushes him away.
Akiyama is looking to improve his position but Silva isn't that keen on the idea.
Silva unloading with bombs!

Silva working for a guillotine from mount but Akiyama is in no mood to give up.
Akiyama wants to hold on but Silva pushes him away.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Silva kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Akiyama is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Silva pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Silva lands a big elbow.
Akiyama tries to lock up and control but Silva gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Silva lands a nice shot to the head.
Silva raining down shots from the mount!
Akiyama is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Akiyama regains half guard.

Akiyama actively working from the bottom here.
Akiyama trying to hold on to Silva's head to control him but Silva postures up.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Silva scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Akiyama missing with punches from the bottom.
Akiyama avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Silva.
Nice strikes from Silva there.
Silva missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Akiyama is looking to improve his position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Silva gets a takedown into half guard.
Silva landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Silva sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Akiyama defending well though.
Silva lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Akiyama is looking for a sweep. Silva is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Silva tries to stand but his arm is trapped.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Silva missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Akiyama kicks off Silva and gets to his feet.
Akiyama connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Akiyama tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Silva counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Akiyama moves in looking to clinch but Silva pushes him off.
Akiyama slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Silva throws a right and a left that both miss.
Akiyama tries to clinch up

and Silva counters with a shoot takedown. Akiyama fights it but they end up in guard.
Akiyama preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Akiyama looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Akiyama preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Akiyama manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama blocks Silva's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Silva working to try and regain half guard.
Akiyama landing strikes from the mount.
BOOM! Akiyama connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Akiyama looking to control but Silva is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Akiyama landing strikes from the mount and Silva is in trouble!
Akiyama working away from the top, dropping strikes.

Silva defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Akiyama.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akiyama looking to finish Silva with some ground and pound. This is bad for Silva!
Silva is trying to escape the mount.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Akiyama cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wanderson Silva dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Silva shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Silva showed some decent athleticism there.
Akiyama is looking for a sweep. Silva is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Silva is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Akiyama throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Akiyama makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Akiyama.
Silva missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Silva keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Akiyama's head.
Silva wanted to stand there but Akiyama had control of the position.
Akiyama looking to control.
Akiyama wants to stand up but Silva is controlling him.
Akiyama working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Silva.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Akiyama pushes Silva off and scrambles back to his feet.
Silva fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Wanderson Silva seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akiyama tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Akiyama moves in looking to clinch but Silva pushes him off.
No luck for Silva with that takedown attempt.
Akiyama lands a body shot.
Nice sprawl there from Akiyama as Silva shoots in.

Akiyama takes the fight into the clinch.
Akiyama is pressed up against the cage. Silva has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Akiyama down to the mat. Akiyama avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wanderson Silva. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Akiyama connects with a nice looking jab.
A punch combination from Silva misses.
Silva misses with a jab, cross combination.
Silva works the jab nicely.

Silva has taken the fight to the clinch.

Silva breaks from the clinch.
Silva connects with a good right hand that stumbles Akiyama. Akiyama circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
The fight stays on the outside here - Akiyama looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Silva with a jab.

Silva has managed to clinch.
Akiyama drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Silva gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Akiyama manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Silva wants to control from the top but Akiyama keeps moving.
Silva connects with a couple of short punches.

Silva stands up from Akiyama's guard - Silva perhaps looking for a knockout.
Silva throws a head kick that misses.
Silva throws a head kick that half lands.
Silva tries to bum rush Akiyama with a series of wild strikes but Akiyama uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Akiyama showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Silva.
Akiyama fails in his attempt to clinch.

Silva has closed the distance and engaged Akiyama in a clinch.
Silva tries to land a knee to the head but Akiyama blocks with his arms.
Silva tries to pull guard but Akiyama won't allow it.
Silva stops a takedown attempt from Akiyama.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Akiyama struggles to land a body shot inside as Silva controls his hands.
Silva is trying to maintain a safe position but Akiyama gets an underhook and turns Silva into the cage.
Akiyama has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Silva avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Silva leaning his opponent against the cage.

Akiyama pulls Silva into guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Akiyama looking for a guillotine here but Silva defends easily.
Akiyama lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Silva!
Akiyama lands a big shot there that rocks Silva but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Akiyama dominating with strikes here.
Akiyama lands with some strikes.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Akiyama cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

Akiyama looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Akiyama cracks Silva with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.

Silva is rocked!
Silva is bucking up trying to escape but Akiyama cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Akiyama trying to control but Silva is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama with shots to the head and body - Silva looks very uncomfortable down there.
Silva is desperately trying to improve his position but Akiyama has a good base and remains in mount.
Silva tries to buck Akiyama off but he can't manage it.
Akiyama throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Silva because Akiyama loaded up on that one.
Silva bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Silva trying to control but Akiyama is working from the bottom.
Silva is pushing down on Akiyama's leg trying to pass to half guard. Akiyama is fighting to maintain full guard but Silva has managed to sneak the leg through.

Silva stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Akiyama to get to his feet.
Silva misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Left hook, right uppercut from Silva.
Silva tries a head kick but it misses.
Silva wants to clinch but Akiyama slips to the side

and Akiyama counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Akiyama.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Silva bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Akiyama's guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Akiyama is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

Silva escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Silva tries to clinch but Akiyama moves away

and Akiyama counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Silva!
Silva is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Akiyama trying to control but Silva is having none of it.
Silva taking shots to the head.
You get the feeling that Silva really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Akiyama prevents Silva from getting the reversal.
Akiyama fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Akiyama is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Silva can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Akiyama in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Oh Silva is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Akiyama lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Silva in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Akiyama punishing his opponent with strikes.
A nice elbow there by Akiyama.
Silva throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Silva is looking to get to half guard.
Akiyama landing strikes, looking to finish!
Silva tries to lock up and control but Akiyama gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Silva seems to have got his legs back now.
Akiyama won't let Silva get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Silva can't escape the position.
Yoshiro Akiyama has got the better of the ground game so far.
Akiyama trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Akiyama landing punches.
Silva is working to get back to half guard.

Akiyama working for a guillotine from mount but Silva is in no mood to give up.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama prevents Silva from getting the reversal.
Akiyama is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Silva can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Silva tries to reverse the position but Akiyama maintains control.
Akiyama scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Silva really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Akiyama has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Silva's face.
Akiyama lands with some strikes.
Silva is in all sorts of trouble here.
Silva is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Akiyama lands a heavy elbow.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama unloading with bombs!
Akiyama dominating with strikes here.
Akiyama lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Silva hang on?
Silva is flailing around like a fish out of water, trying to land strikes.
Akiyama lands with some strikes.
Akiyama in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Silva slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Silva is trying to stand back up but Akiyama is controlling him
Akiyama is tying to control. Silva wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Silva striking from the bottom.
Silva is not content to let Akiyama control the position.
Akiyama is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Akiyama is stalling here. Silva is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Akiyama seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Silva has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Akiyama on the wrong end of a nice hook.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Akiyama tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Silva holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Akiyama prevents Silva from breaking the clinch.
Silva wants to break free but Akiyama has control.
Akiyama is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Silva breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Akiyama takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Silva fails to land with a series of punches.

Akiyama scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Akiyama cracks Silva with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Silva tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Akiyama wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Silva managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Akiyama.
Silva is working to avoid the ground and pound but Akiyama connects with a decent elbow.
Akiyama cracks Silva with a big elbow.
Silva regains half guard.
Akiyama lands with a punch from half guard.
Silva is refusing to be controlled, as Akiyama sits in half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Akiyama stops Silva from getting back to his feet.
Silva makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Silva.

Akiyama gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yoshiro Akiyama comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I have no idea who won that fight. Let's wait and see whether the judges are as confused as me! Time for a split decision perhaps?!. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight for Yoshiro Akiyama!
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Yoshiro Akiyama!
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Yoshiro Akiyama!

Yoshiro Akiyama wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
72%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jaxson Leffler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hidoki Masawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Leffler
vs
Masawa

190 cm
21
225 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

200 cm
22
272 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Improved boxing
Good chin

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jaxson Leffler!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hidoki Masawa!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Yuuki Gou and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Masawa swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Leffler lands a slapping body shot.
Masawa checks the leg kick.
Leffler is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Masawa dodges the punch combination from Leffler.
Leffler throws a right and a left that both miss.
Masawa dodges the punch combination from Leffler.
A punch combination from Leffler misses.
Leffler will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Leffler uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Masawa.
Leffler lands with a nice combination. Masawa backs away looking to recover.
Masawa lands the left hand.
Leffler uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Masawa.
Good leg kick by Leffler there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Leffler throws a nice looking combination but Masawa bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Masawa keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Masawa checks a low kick from Leffler.
Masawa connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Masawa takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
A shot to de liver by Leffler. Beautiful body shot.
Leffler tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leffler throws a head kick that misses.
Masawa has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Leffler throws a body kick that misses.
Leffler misses with a low kick.
Masawa misses with a double jab.
Masawa has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

It looks like Hidoki Masawa has been cut.
Leffler misses with a series of wild punches.
Leffler swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Masawa counters with a nice double leg into side control. Leffler won't be happy with that.
Leffler is breathing heavily.
Masawa sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Leffler is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Leffler prevents Masawa from improving position.
Leffler taking a bit of punishment here - Masawa scoring with strikes.
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!
Leffler prevents Masawa from moving into mount.

Masawa working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Sloppy strikes there by Masawa.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masawa tries to score with some ground and pound. Leffler controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Masawa landing a few strikes.

Masawa wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Leffler, who protects the arm well.

Masawa tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Masawa throws an elbow but Leffler slips to the side and avoids it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Masawa goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Leffler rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Masawa's guard! Nice work there by Leffler!
Leffler won't allow Masawa to sweep him here.

Masawa isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Leffler stacks Masawa on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Leffler!
Masawa misses with a strike from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Masawa is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Masawa is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Masawa is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Leffler's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Leffler's back!
Leffler covers up after that shot from Masawa.

Masawa patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Masawa looking to break Leffler's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Leffler remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Masawa will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Leffler covers up after that shot from Masawa.
Masawa connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Leffler to escape the position.
Leffler finds himself mounted whilst avoiding strikes.
Leffler tries to buck Masawa off but he can't manage it.
Leffler in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Masawa has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Leffler is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Leffler tries to buck Masawa off but he can't manage it.
Masawa throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Leffler is trying to stand up.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Leffler bucks Masawa off and manages to get back to his feet!
Leffler avoids a punch combination nicely.
Leffler swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
No joy there for Leffler, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Leffler throws a combination. Masawa tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Leffler moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Masawa moves out of range of the leg kick from Leffler.
Jaxson Leffler is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Masawa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Leffler moves away.
Leffler attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Masawa shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Leffler as he avoids it easily.
Masawa misses with a wild body shot.
Leffler scores with a head kick.
Leffler misses with the combination.
Masawa bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Leffler's head backwards.

It looks like Jaxson Leffler has been cut.
Leffler with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Masawa to score with a decent uppercut.

Leffler is rocked!
Are you kidding me?! Masawa ducked down and unloaded an uppercut from hell that sent Leffler clean off his feet! Someone make me a GIF - that's knockout of the night for sure!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 7:03 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Hidoki Masawa!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
75%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Marmuro Takamura (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dave Herman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Takamura kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genuis that is Number One Son - Becoming. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Takamura
vs
Herman

192 cm
19
225 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

196 cm
22
240 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Improved boxing
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Counter striker
Very confident

Dark Storm Performance

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Marmuro Takamura!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dave Herman!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Kenichi Hosakawa and Shigeki Fujiwara.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Herman thows a body shot but no joy.
Herman keeps the fight on the outside.
Takamura throws a series of punches but Herman avoids them all with ease.
Takamura wants to clinch up but Herman keeps it at a distance.
A big right from Herman misses.
Herman just misses with a punch to the body.
Herman throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Takamura closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Herman to the mat! Herman manages to get full guard.
Herman trying to strike off his back.
Takamura trying to control the position from guard on top but Herman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Takamura lands a couple of digs.
Herman looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Herman has control of Takamura's left arm, preventing Takamura from doing any damage.
Herman wants to sweep here but Takamura controlling him for the moment.
Herman trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takamura tries to stand but Herman is controlling from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Takamura connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Herman's hands.

Herman feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Takamura tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Herman postures up and lands a big shot to Takamura's brow.
Herman won't allow Takamura to get back to his feet.
Herman controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Herman stops Takamura from standing up.
Herman passes Takamura's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Herman lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Herman content to control rather than advance.
Takamura is trying to stand up here but Herman is controlling him well.
Takamura is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Herman connects with a nice short shot to Takamura's temple.
Herman seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Herman with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Takamura tries to kick Herman off but Herman keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Herman takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Herman takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Herman is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Takamura is looking to improve his position.
Herman lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Herman is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takamura working to try and regain half guard.
Herman postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Takamura looks a forlorn figure.
Takamura is in all sorts of trouble here.
Takamura is working hard here to advance position.
Herman has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Takamura trying desperately to get to his feet.
Herman prevents Takamura from getting the reversal.
Herman blocks Takamura's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Herman controlling the pace for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
A nice elbow there by Herman.
Takamura wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Herman unloading with bombs!
Takamura is looking to improve his position but Herman isn't that keen on the idea.
Herman landing punches.
Takamura is trying to stand up.
Takamura is looking to get to half guard.
Herman lands a nice shot to the head.
Takamura is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Herman lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Herman scoring with strikes but Takamura is staying in there.
Herman lands a nice shot to the head.
Takamura slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Herman sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Takamura tries to roll over but Herman keeps him under control.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Herman slows the pace down in half guard.
Herman working the head and body with strikes.
Takamura taking some punishment here, with Herman in his half guard.
Herman lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Takamura scores with a few weak punches.
Herman passes the guard and advances to mount!
Herman raining down shots from the mount!
Herman blocks Takamura's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Herman takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Herman lands a heavy elbow.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Herman looking to control and managing it successfully.
Herman lands with some strikes.
Herman lands a big elbow.
Herman controlling the pace for now.
Takamura throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Herman lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
BOOM! Herman connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Herman with good strikes from the mount here!
Herman raining down shots from the mount!
Herman landing strikes from the mount and Takamura is in trouble!
Takamura in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Herman controlling from mount.
Herman working Takamura over with strikes here.
Takamura is in all sorts of trouble here.
Herman looking to control and managing it successfully.
Takamura slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.

Takamura has one foot on Herman's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Takamura misses with a low kick.
Takamura tries to clinch up.
Herman circles away from the clinch attempt.
Takamura tries for a takedown but Herman circles away easily

and Herman counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Herman sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Takamura looking for a sweep. Not yet Takamura, not yet.
Takamura is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Takamura has an active guard here but Herman has managed to pass into half guard.
Herman frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Takamura wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Takamura slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Takamura trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Herman content just to control the position here.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Herman cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Takamura in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Herman lands with some strikes.
Herman takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Herman unloading with bombs!
Takamura throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Takamura throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Takamura is looking to get to half guard.
Herman avoids the attempt from Takamura to control.
Takamura is looking to get to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dave Herman dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Takamura tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Herman counters with a lovely shot to the body.

Herman scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Takamura tries to kick Herman off but Herman keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Herman 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.
Herman content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Dave Herman has got the better of the ground game so far.
Takamura tries to get to full guard but Herman has control of the leg.
Takamura wants to control but Herman is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Herman 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.
Takamura is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Takamura tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Herman decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Takamura's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takamura is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Herman passes Takamura's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Takamura regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Herman.
Herman trying to control but Takamura is working from the bottom.

Takamura is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Takamura looking to hit a scissor sweep but Herman is one step ahead there.
Herman keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Takamura's head.
Herman won't allow Takamura to sweep him here.
Takamura keeping moving, preventing Herman from controlling successfully.

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.
Herman postures up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Takamura tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Herman counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Takamura!
A nice elbow there by Herman.
Herman controlling from mount.
Herman with shots to the head and body - Takamura looks very uncomfortable down there.
Takamura is desperately trying to improve his position but Herman has a good base and remains in mount.
Takamura wants to hold on but Herman pushes him away.
Herman breaks from Takamura's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Takamura is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Herman with good strikes from the mount here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Herman controlling his opponent.
Takamura wants to control but Herman is having none of it.
Herman content just to control the position here.
Takamura in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Takamura is trying to escape the mount.
Takamura gets back to half guard.
Takamura on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Takamura wants to get back to his feet.
Takamura is trying to get back to full guard.

Takamura makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takamura tries to clinch but Herman moves away

and Herman counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Takamura is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Herman scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Takamura looks like he's trying to stand up.
Takamura won't allow Herman to pass to mount.
Herman working over Takamura with some ground and pound. Takamura looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Herman is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Herman blocks Takamura's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Herman dominating with strikes here.
Herman working away from the top, dropping strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Herman working Takamura over with strikes here.
Takamura really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Herman controlling the position easily from mount.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Herman lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Takamura hang on?
Herman tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Herman unloading with bombs!
Takamura tries to get back to half guard but can't.
BOOM! Herman connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Herman scores with a couple of good head shots there.
BOOM! Herman connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Herman wants to control the pace but Takamura is squirming around nicely.
Takamura is looking to get to half guard.
Herman landing strikes, looking to finish!

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Herman cracks Takamura with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Herman pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Herman working the ground and pound effectively.
Takamura is wriggling around trying to escape.
Herman controlling from mount.
Takamura can't escape the position.
Herman content just to control the position here.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Takamura is trying to escape the mount.
Herman has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Takamura's face.
Herman raining down shots from the mount!
A nice elbow there by Herman.
BOOM! Herman connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Takamura wants to hold on but Herman pushes him away.
Herman lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Takamura throwing hammer fists to the chest of Herman. What's that going to do exactly?
Takamura is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Takamura can't escape the position.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Takamura manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Herman thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Takamura looks like he's trying to stand up.
Takamura trying to control but Herman postures up.
Takamura tries to kick Herman off but Herman keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Herman slips a nice elbow through Takamura's hands, connecting with Takamura's forehead.
Herman looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Herman prevents Takamura from improving his position.
Herman looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Takamura fails with the takedown.

Herman scores with a takedown into Takamura's guard.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Herman stops Takamura from standing up.
Herman passes Takamura's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Takamura on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Herman looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Herman slows the pace down in half guard.
Herman takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Marmuro Takamura has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Takamura is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Herman content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Takamura tries to roll over but Herman keeps him under control.
Herman lands strikes from half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dave Herman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Herman 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 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight for Dave Herman!
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight for Dave Herman!
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight for Dave Herman!

Dave Herman wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Takanori Sakurai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Daiki Hata (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Takanori Sakurai could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Daiki Hata's chin.

Sakurai
vs
Hata

176 cm
18
149 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

173 cm
22
151 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Urban Vandal fight gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Takanori Sakurai !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Daiki Hata!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sakurai tries to clinch but Hata is having none of it.
Sakurai tries to clinch up.
Hata blocks a low kick nicely.
Sakurai shoots in for a takedown but Hata shows good takedown defense.
Sakurai has a takedown stuffed.

Hata shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Hata really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sakurai . If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Sakurai 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.
Hata is looking to work some ground and pound but Sakurai has wrist control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sakurai is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hata makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Hata sitting in guard here, content to control.
Hata lands a couple of digs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakurai wants to sweep here but Hata controlling him for the moment.
Sakurai preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sakurai utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Sakurai preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sakurai looking for a sweep. Not yet Sakurai , not yet.
Hata working some strikes from top position.
Sakurai looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
No luck for Sakurai with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takanori Sakurai . That's going to take a lot out of him.
No joy there for Sakurai , who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A head kick misses from Hata.
Sakurai on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Sakurai is breathing heavily.
Hata stuffs the takedown.
Hata cracks Sakurai with an open hand slap.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakurai shoots in and drives through. Hata sprawls well.

Hata scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Sakurai trying to control here.
Sakurai wants to get back to his feet.
Sakurai on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Hata looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Sakurai wants to improve his position but Hata is controlling well.
Well, if Hata is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hata stops Sakurai from getting back to his feet.
Sakurai trying to control here.
Sakurai wants to get back to full guard.
Sakurai trying to control here.
Hata sitting and controlling from the half guard.

Sakurai actively working from the bottom here.

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.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Hata bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Sakurai 's head backwards.
Hata lands a body shot.
Sakurai tries to clinch up.
Hata scores with a punch to the head.
Sakurai tries to clinch but Hata moves out of range.
Sakurai misses with a takedown attempt
and Hata counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hata throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Hata clinches up with Sakurai and pushes him back against the cage.
Hata managing to block the knees to the body from Sakurai .
Sakurai fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Sakurai misses with a knee strike.
Come on Hata - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hata.
Hata lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sakurai trying to stall but Hata improves his position.

Hata manages to break the clinch.
Sakurai tries for a takedown but Hata sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Hata closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Sakurai drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sakurai has had enough of the clinch but Hata keeps him there for the moment.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Hata prevents the takedown attempt.

Hata escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Sakurai fails with the takedown
enabling Hata to counter with a crisp jab.
Sakurai wants to clinch up but Hata keeps it at a distance.
Hata keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Daiki Hata seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sakurai misses with a takedown attempt

and Hata counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Hata.
Hata stops a takedown attempt from Sakurai .
Hata blocks an elbow strike from Sakurai .
Hata lands a body punch.
Hata avoiding damage.
Sakurai fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Sakurai has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Hata is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Sakurai is looking to break free of the clinch but Hata has double underhooks.
Sakurai tries to stall but Hata uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Hata misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Sakurai .
Sakurai wants to break the clinch but can't.
Hata lands a right hand.
Hata is leaning against Sakurai and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Hata lands a body shot.
Hata keeps control of Sakurai as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Hata prevents the takedown attempt.
Hata prevents the takedown attempt.
Hata lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Sakurai blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Sakurai looking for a takedown.
Hata lands with a short shot to the head.
Sakurai jumps guard but Hata stands there with Sakurai around his waist. Sakurai gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Sakurai tries for a takedown but Hata manages to get underhooks.

Sakurai decides to pull guard.

Sakurai throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hata trying to control but Sakurai is working from the bottom.
Hata thows a big elbow that misses.
Hata in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hata stops Sakurai from standing up.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Sakurai lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Hata!
Hata wants to control but Sakurai is having none of it.

Sakurai stands up from mount. Strange move.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Hata.
Sakurai tries to control but Hata manages to take his back.
Sakurai trying to control the hands but Hata won't let him.
Sakurai rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Sakurai is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hata's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hata's back!
Sakurai not allowing Hata to control his hands.
Hata rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Sakurai trying to control the action but Hata is working from the bottom.
Sakurai stalling away here and it's allowed Hata to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.

Sakurai drops back looking for a leg! Hata is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Hata manages to kick Sakurai off! Sakurai jumps back into Hata's guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Hata can do anything to dispel that myth.
Hata wants to sweep here but Sakurai controlling him for the moment.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Sakurai trying to control but Hata is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sakurai passes into half guard.
Sakurai trying to control from half guard but Hata is working away.

Sakurai is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Sakurai decides to stand up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daiki Hata dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Sakurai looks for a takedown but Hata sprawls well.
Good work by Hata as he checks the leg kick.
Sakurai blocks a head kick by Hata.
Sakurai shoots in and drives through. Hata sprawls well.
Hata jabs at Sakurai 's body.
Hata scores with a head kick.
Sakurai throws a head kick but Hata moves out of range.
Sakurai tries to bum rush Hata with a series of wild strikes but Hata uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hata checks a leg kick nicely.
Sakurai shoots for a double leg takedown but Hata sprawls well. He's pushed Sakurai 's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Takanori Sakurai . That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hata throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Sakurai stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Hata will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Hata throws a right and a left that both miss.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hata throws a head kick that misses.
Hata looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Sakurai tries to clinch but Hata moves away
and Hata counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Hata throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Sakurai stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A punch lands to the side of Sakurai 's head but he takes it in his stride.

Hata bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Sakurai is not content to let Hata control the position.
Hata lands a nice forearm strike.
Sakurai manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Hata tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Sakurai works his way into full mount!
Hata is looking to improve his position but Sakurai isn't that keen on the idea.
Sakurai can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Hata is looking to escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sakurai is working for a guillotine from mount but Hata frees his head quite easily.
Hata working to try and regain half guard.
Hata wants to control but Sakurai is having none of it.
Sakurai looking to control but Hata is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Sakurai looking to finish Hata with some ground and pound. This is bad for Hata!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hata is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Hata working to try and regain half guard.
Sakurai throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Hata regains half guard.
Sakurai missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Sakurai wants to stand up but Hata is controlling the position.
Sakurai wants to control but Hata is keeping him busy.
Sakurai thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Hata's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Hata is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Sakurai 's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Sakurai 's back!
Hata lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.
Sakurai manages to reverse the position and now he's in Hata's guard. Nice work there by Sakurai .
Hata tries to strike from the bottom.
Sakurai stopping the sweep attempt from Hata.
Hata doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Hata manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Sakurai can't escape the position.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Hata scoring with strikes but Sakurai is staying in there.
Sakurai tries to lock up and control but Hata gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Hata trying to control but Sakurai is having none of it.
Sakurai working to try and regain half guard.
Sakurai tries to hold on but Hata postures up.
Sakurai is wriggling around trying to escape.
BOOM! Hata connects with a massive shot to the dome!

That's six minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Hata pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Sakurai is working to get back to half guard.
Hata controlling from the full mount.
Sakurai regains half guard.
Sakurai trying to hold on to Hata's head to control him but Hata postures up.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Sakurai gets back to full guard.
Sakurai controls Hata momentarily but Hata frees himself.
Hata stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Sakurai swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Sakurai has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hata can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Hata lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Sakurai tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Sakurai had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Hata is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Sakurai Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Hata's back instead.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Sakurai throwing damaging strikes from the back! Hata could be in trouble here!

Hata preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Sakurai .
Sakurai punches the canvas rather than the man.
A lull in the action here.

Sakurai is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Hata is defending well though. Sakurai let's go of the attempt for now.

Sakurai working from the back looking to end the fight with a rear naked choke. Hata is doing well to defend. Sakurai seems to have got his hand under the chin though and he's sunk the choke in! Hata is forced to tap and this one is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 9:03 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Takanori Sakurai !

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
38%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Margus Kadakas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Takehiko Rokuro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Takehiko Rokuro has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kadakas
vs
Rokuro

188 cm
22
177 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

169 cm
18
177 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

ChillOut Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Margus Kadakas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Takehiko Rokuro!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from Kadakas does it's job there.

It looks like Takehiko Rokuro has been cut.

Kadakas shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Kadakas was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Rokuro tries to reverse the position but Kadakas maintains control.
Kadakas looking to control but Rokuro is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
BOOM! Kadakas connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Rokuro wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Kadakas.
Kadakas will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Rokuro is looking to get to half guard.
Rokuro manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Rokuro wants to improve his position but Kadakas is controlling well.
Kadakas knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rokuro on the ground.
Kadakas is looking to take a break and control but Rokuro is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kadakas throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Rokuro is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kadakas wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rokuro keeps working.
Rokuro has hold of Kadakas's hands but Kadakas slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Kadakas winds up and cracks Rokuro with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Rokuro slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Kadakas postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Rokuro had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Kadakas is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Rokuro Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Kadakas's back instead.
Kadakas trying to control the position but Rokuro manages to sink in the hooks.

Rokuro is looking for a choke. Kadakas gets to his feet with his opponent on his back and slams him to the mat. Kadakas manages to squirm out of the attempted choke and turns into his opponent's guard.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Rokuro had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Kadakas is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Rokuro Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Kadakas's back instead.
Rokuro looks gassed!
Rokuro has the hooks in. Kadakas is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rokuro patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Kadakas has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.
Kadakas trying to control the hands but Rokuro won't let him.
Kadakas is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Rokuro is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

Rokuro is looking for the choke from the back position but Kadakas is controlling his hands well.
Kadakas can't escape the position.

Kadakas preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Rokuro.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Rokuro is working for the choke. It looks like he might have got it... has he...? Yes! Kadakas is tapping out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:03 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Takehiko Rokuro!