LEGENDS 2: Evolution PBP Commentary

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jay Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kazumi Yamamoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kazumi Yamamoto has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Jay Smith's chin.

Smith
vs
Yamamoto

185 cm
18
162 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

172 cm
20
153 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Solid 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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jay Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazumi Yamamoto!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Shigeki Sano and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Smith gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Yamamoto breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Smith throws a head kick that misses.
Smith tries to clinch there but Yamamoto circles away.
Smith throws a head kick but Yamamoto moves out of range.

Smith bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Yamamoto is trying to get back to half guard.

Smith is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Yamamoto knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Yamamoto manages to get back to half guard.
Yamamoto is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Yamamoto has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Smith is working away from the top position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Smith thows a huge punch but Yamamoto dodges it nicely.
Smith trying to pass the guard but Yamamoto defending well.
Smith knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Yamamoto on the ground.
Smith trying to control from half guard but Yamamoto is working away.
Smith is looking to stall here but Yamamoto recovers full guard.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Yamamoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

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.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Smith circles away from the clinch attempt.
A punch combination from Smith misses.

Smith scores with a takedown into Yamamoto's guard.
Smith wants to control from the top but Yamamoto keeps moving.
Yamamoto trying to keep a closed guard but Smith is proving a slippery customer.
Smith will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Yamamoto lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Smith!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith working to try and regain half guard.
Smith on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Smith tries to get out of the position.
Smith tries to hold on but Yamamoto pushes him away.
Yamamoto trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's four 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.
Smith wants to hold on but Yamamoto pushes him away.
Smith is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Smith is breathing heavily.
Smith working to try and regain half guard.

Yamamoto stands up from mount. Strange move.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Yamamoto gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Smith counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Smith wants to get up but he can't break Yamamoto's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jay Smith dominated that round.
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.

Yamamoto clinches up against the ropes.
Smith is trying to break free.
Smith is working for takedown but Yamamoto is calmly controlling the position for now.
Smith wants to get back to striking at distance but Yamamoto won't allow it.
Smith is looking to break free of the clinch but Yamamoto has double underhooks.

Yamamoto jumps guard and drags Smith to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Smith trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Yamamoto is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Yamamoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Yamamoto is keeping the position for now.
Smith wants to stand but Yamamoto has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith looking to sit in guard and control but Yamamoto gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Yamamoto from controlling successfully.
Smith is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Smith has a takedown stuffed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Smith tries to clinch there but Yamamoto circles away.
Smith fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jay Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Yamamoto misses with a takedown attempt - Smith sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Smith wants to clinch.
Smith with a lazy takedown attempt

and Yamamoto counters with a nice double leg into side control. Smith won't be happy with that.
Yamamoto postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Smith tries to improve position but can't.
Yamamoto working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith is trying to get back to half guard.
You can see the frustration on Smith's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Yamamoto fails in his attempt to clinch.
Smith misses with an uppercut. Yamamoto saw that one coming.

Smith drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Yamamoto working a defensive guard here.
Smith advances position into side control!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Smith decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Yamamoto has his takedown stuffed

and Smith counters with a nice double leg into side control. Yamamoto won't be happy with that.
Yamamoto trying to remain calm as Smith controls from the top position.
Yamamoto is trying to control Smith's posture but Smith avoids it.
Yamamoto manages to get back to half guard.
Yamamoto has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Smith is working away from the top position though.
Yamamoto is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jay Smith will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Smith scores a takedown into full mount!
Yamamoto is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Smith content just to control the position here.
Smith trying to control but Yamamoto is having none of it.
Yamamoto is working to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith controlling from mount.
Yamamoto wants to hold on but Smith pushes him away.
Smith cracks Yamamoto with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Smith is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Yamamoto can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Smith looking to control but Yamamoto is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Jay Smith overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Yamamoto is working to get back to half guard.
Smith wants to control the pace but Yamamoto is squirming around nicely.

That's two 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.
Smith controlling the position easily from mount.
Smith is looking to stand but Smith has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.

Smith goes for an armbar but Yamamoto turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Yamamoto.
Yamamoto tries to stand but Smith is controlling from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Yamamoto is now in half guard.
Yamamoto thows a huge punch but Smith dodges it nicely.
Smith is refusing to be controlled, as Yamamoto sits in half guard.
Smith trying to get back to full guard but Yamamoto takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Smith is in all sorts of trouble here.
Yamamoto tries to control but Smith wriggling away.

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.
Smith holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Yamamoto tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Yamamoto sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Smith trying desperately to get to his feet.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Smith is wriggling around trying to escape.
Kazumi Yamamoto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yamamoto avoids the attempt from Smith to control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jay Smith showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Smith, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jay Smith!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
36%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jonas Freeman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hossam Aziami (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Freeman
vs
Aziami

190 cm
18
220 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

192 cm
18
260 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jonas Freeman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hossam Aziami!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aziami takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Aziami throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Freeman's waist but Freeman gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Aziami off to one side.
Freeman blocks a head kick by Aziami.
Freeman throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Aziami's waist but Aziami gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Freeman off to one side.
Freeman looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Freeman doesn't manage to clinch there - Aziami circles away.

Freeman scores with a takedown into Aziami's guard.

Aziami looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Freeman has picked Aziami up and slammed him! Aziami can't keep hold of the triangle and Freeman manages to pass to side control!
Freeman is looking to take a break and control but Aziami is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
You can see the frustration on Aziami's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Aziami is looking to regain half guard here but Freeman keeps moving and retains side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Aziami sneaks out the side door and pushes Freeman away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Aziami looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Freeman is fending him off so far but Aziami persists. Nope, Freeman circles away and we're back to standing.
Aziami swats away the attempt to clinch by Freeman.
Freeman closes the distance and clinches up with Aziami, looking for a takedown. Freeman pushes Aziami against the ropes but Aziami circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jonas Freeman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Aziami looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Freeman is fending him off so far but Aziami persists. Nope, Freeman circles away and we're back to standing.
Freeman shoots for a takedown but Aziami saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Freeman has Aziami up against the ropes in a clinch.
Freeman has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Aziami avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Aziami gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Freeman.
Freeman is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aziami tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Freeman just stands there and leans against the ropes.
Aziami blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Freeman wants to stall.
Aziami tries for a takedown but Freeman manages to get underhooks.
Aziami fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Freeman manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Aziami wants to control from the top but Freeman keeps moving.
Freeman is trying to keep Aziami in close.
Aziami sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Freeman's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Freeman is looking to control Aziami's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Freeman avoid being mounted?
Aziami wants to stand up but Freeman has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Freeman is trying to control but can't.
Aziami content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Aziami thows a huge punch but Freeman dodges it nicely.
Freeman avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Aziami.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Aziami trying to control the pace.
Freeman is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Freeman tries for a takedown but Aziami sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Horrible takedown by Freeman or perhaps it was just good defense by Aziami which made him look bad.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Freeman tries to pull guard but Aziami holds him up against the ropes and eventually Freeman drops back down to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Aziami shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Freeman pinned against the cage. Freeman gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Freeman shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Aziami clinches up against the ropes.
Freeman tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Freeman is pressed up against the ropes. Aziami has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Freeman down to the mat. Freeman avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Jonas Freeman is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Freeman tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Aziami counters with a nice low kick that buckles Freeman's knee momentarily.
Aziami fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Jonas Freeman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hossam Aziami.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Freeman pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Freeman looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Aziami is fending him off so far but Freeman persists. Nope, Aziami circles away and we're back to standing.
Aziami shoots in looking for a takedown. Freeman tries to sprawl out of it but Aziami keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Freeman manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Freeman misses the shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aziami shoots in looking for a takedown. Freeman tries to sprawl out of it but Aziami keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Freeman manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Freeman looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Aziami is fending him off so far but Freeman persists. Nope, Aziami circles away and we're back to standing.
Aziami fails to land the takedown.
Freeman looks for the body kick but Aziami saw that one coming.
Aziami looks for a takedown but Freeman sprawls well.
Freeman fails with the takedown.

That's two 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.
Aziami throws a right and a left that both miss.
Freeman's corner calls for a 1-2. Freeman obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Freeman tries for a takedown but Aziami sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Freeman misses with a takedown attempt - Aziami sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Aziami circles away from the clinch attempt.
Freeman shoots in for a takedown but Aziami shows good takedown defense.
Freeman tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Aziami paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Freeman clinches.
Aziami is looking to control Freeman's arms but Freeman gets an underhook and turns him. Now Aziami has his back to the ropes.

Freeman successfully pulls guard.
Freeman is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aziami prevents Freeman from getting back to his feet.
Freeman looking to control.
Aziami trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Freeman pulls Aziami in to control the position.
Freeman thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Freeman tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Freeman wants to get back to his feet but Aziami is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Aziami shoots in but no luck this time.

Aziami tries to keep at a distance but Freeman has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's four 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.
Freeman is trying to break free.
Aziami has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Freeman is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Aziami pulls Freeman into guard.
Aziami bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Freeman's guard.
Aziami trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Aziami showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Aziami's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

Aziami stands up from guard. Let's bang!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Hossam Aziami will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Aziami tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Freeman counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Freeman.
Freeman wants to control from the top but Aziami keeps moving.
Aziami looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Aziami manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Freeman manages to get himself to full guard.
Freeman working a defensive guard here.
Aziami looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aziami 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.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Aziami wants to pass the guard but Freeman is keeping the position.
Aziami pushing down on Freeman's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Aziami trying to control the action but Freeman is working from the bottom.
Freeman is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Aziami not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Still in half guard, Aziami seems content to control.
Freeman is looking for a sweep. Aziami is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Freeman throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Aziami takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Freeman is staying active underneath Aziami, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Aziami stands up from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Freeman gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Freeman can't get the takedown.
Aziami tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Freeman just stands there and leans against the ropes.
Aziami tries to pull guard but Freeman won't allow it.

Aziami breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Aziami stuffs the takedown attempt from Freeman. Freeman gets slowly back to his feet.

Aziami rushes Freeman and presses him up against the ropes.
Freeman gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Aziami.
Jonas Freeman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hossam Aziami.

Freeman decides to pull guard.
Freeman is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Aziami is controlling him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aziami trying to control the position from guard on top but Freeman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Aziami wants to get up but he can't break Freeman's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Freeman keeping moving, preventing Aziami from controlling successfully.

Aziami decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Freeman, up you get!
Freeman tries to clinch up

and Aziami moves into the clinch.
Freeman crunches a lovely knee into Aziami's ribcage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Freeman.

Freeman has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Aziami uses from the top position.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Jonas Freeman.
Well Freeman has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jonas Freeman!