Legacy FC 3 - Movin' On Up PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Matsu Shozo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Karl Veneracion (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Shozo kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Five Ninety. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Shozo
vs
Veneracion

175 cm
20
155 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

179 cm
18
155 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Likes ground

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, Matsu Shozo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Karl Veneracion!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Taro Takaoka and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shozo jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.

Shozo has taken the fight to the clinch.

Shozo wants the takedown. Veneracion is fighting it off but Shozo persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Veneracion's guard against the cage.
Shozo wanted to stand there but Veneracion had control of the position.
Veneracion looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Shozo puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Shozo winds up and cracks Veneracion with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Veneracion slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Shozo cracks Veneracion with a solid left hand.
Shozo content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Shozo controls from within his opponent's guard.

Shozo decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Shozo lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Veneracion backs up against the cage.
Veneracion keeps the fight on the outside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shozo lands with a slapping head kick.
Veneracion showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Shozo.
Veneracion shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Shozo pinned against the cage. Shozo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Veneracion looks gassed!
Shozo throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Veneracion with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Shozo to score with a decent uppercut.
Some wild striking there from Shozo.
Veneracion dodges the punch combination from Shozo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shozo works over Veneracion's head and body with a nice combination.
The crowd cheers as Shozo lands an impressive looking overhand right. Veneracion doesn't seem phased though.
Veneracion misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Shozo wants to clinch up but Veneracion keeps it at a distance.
Shozo tries to clinch there but Veneracion circles away.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Shozo!
Shozo throws a nice looking combination but Veneracion bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Veneracion shoots in but Shozo avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Matsu Shozo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Karl Veneracion.
Veneracion takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Shozo.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Shozo. Veneracion shrugs it off though.
Shozo keeps Veneracion at a distance using the push kick.

Shozo drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Shozo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Shozo gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Shozo wants to clinch up but Veneracion keeps it at a distance.
Shozo fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice shot lands for Shozo.
Shozo works over Veneracion's head and body with a nice combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shozo fails with an attempt to clinch.
Veneracion takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Veneracion is trying desperately to land a takedown but Shozo is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Veneracion.

Shozo closes the distance and clinches.
Shozo tries to break the clinch but Veneracion is controlling the position.
Shozo has had enough of the clinch but Veneracion keeps him there for the moment.
Shozo is trying to break free.

Shozo pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Shozo will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Matsu Shozo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Shozo connects with a high kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Shozo doesn't manage to clinch there - Veneracion circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matsu Shozo dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Shozo lands a body shot.
Shozo connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Veneracion tries for a takedown but Shozo circles away easily
and Shozo counters with a body kick.
Matsu Shozo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Shozo wants to clinch up but Veneracion keeps it at a distance.
Shozo doesn't manage to clinch there - Veneracion circles away.
Veneracion doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Shozo counters with a body kick.
Veneracion is breathing heavily.
Shozo moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Shozo lands an overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veneracion takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Shozo swinging wilding here.
Shozo lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Veneracion circles away quickly and effectively.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Shozo.
Shozo scores with a one two! Veneracion had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Veneracion circles away from the clinch attempt.
Shozo lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Shozo throws a series of punches but Veneracion avoids them all with ease.
A head kick from Shozo lands but Veneracion takes it in his stride.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veneracion with a lazy takedown attempt
and Shozo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Matsu Shozo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Karl Veneracion.
Some wild striking there from Shozo.
Shozo moves in looking to clinch but Veneracion pushes him off.
Shozo tries to clinch but Veneracion is having none of it.
Shozo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Veneracion tries to move into range but Shozo moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Shozo lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Shozo scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Shozo lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Veneracion circles away quickly and effectively.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shozo tries to clinch but Veneracion is having none of it.

Shozo shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Shozo passes to full mount!
Shozo takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Veneracion is squirming around, avoiding Shozo's attempts to control the action.
Veneracion is looking to improve his position but Shozo isn't that keen on the idea.
Shozo controlling from mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veneracion is wriggling around trying to escape.
Shozo controlling from the full mount.
Veneracion is in all sorts of trouble here.
Shozo controlling his opponent.
Veneracion really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Shozo lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Shozo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Shozo throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Matsu Shozo is winning the standup battle so far.
Shozo is looking to clinch.
Shozo moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Decent striking displayed by Shozo there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shozo lands with a shot to the body.
Some wild striking there from Shozo.
Shozo moves in looking to clinch but Veneracion pushes him off.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shozo connects with a good right hand that stumbles Veneracion. Veneracion circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Shozo lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Shozo clobbers Veneracion with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Shozo scores with a decent looking hook.

Shozo darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Shozo working the head and body with strikes.
Veneracion misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Veneracion wants to improve his position but Shozo is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shozo tries to stand but can't do so whilst Veneracion controls his leg.
Shozo lands strikes from half guard.
Veneracion tries to get to full guard but Shozo has control of the leg.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Shozo shoots in and bounces Veneracion off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Veneracion wants to sweep but no luck.
Veneracion is trying to control the position but Shozo postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veneracion looking to hit a scissor sweep but Shozo is one step ahead there.
Shozo controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Shozo won't allow Veneracion to sweep him here.

Veneracion looking for a guillotine here but Shozo defends easily.
Shozo is looking to stand up but Veneracion won't let him.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Shozo shoots in for a double leg but Veneracion sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's four 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.
Shozo throws a nice looking combination but Veneracion bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Veneracion swats away the attempt to clinch by Shozo.

Veneracion closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Veneracion has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Shozo wants to try and get back to his feet.
Shozo tries to hold on but Veneracion pushes him away.
Shozo is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.

Veneracion is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Shozo has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Shozo!
Shozo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Veneracion swivels though and keeps the full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matsu Shozo showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Shozo 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 Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:26
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:26
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matsu Shozo!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Akemi Chang (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dee Brown (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Brown has chosen Evil by Interpol as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Dee Brown is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Chang
vs
Brown

170 cm
22
152 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

175 cm
23
163 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Good kicks
Intelligent

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Akemi Chang!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dee Brown!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Taro Takaoka and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Chang looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Brown is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Chang pulls his head out easily.
Chang is trying to control. Brown wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Chang is nestled in close to Brown, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Brown is looking for a sweep. Chang is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Brown trying to control here.
Brown wants to improve his position but Chang is controlling well.
Chang frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
A nice elbow there by Chang.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brown tries to reverse the position but Chang maintains control.
Chang wants to control the pace but Brown is squirming around nicely.
Brown is wriggling around trying to escape.
Chang trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Brown working to try and regain half guard.
Chang wants to control the pace but Brown is squirming around nicely.

That's two 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.
Brown is desperately trying to improve his position but Chang has a good base and remains in mount.
Brown is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Chang dominating with strikes here.
Chang tries to control but Brown wriggling away.
Chang manages to capitalize on a mistake by Brown to take his back!
Chang is not going to allow Brown to sit and survive in this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chang is hanging on to Brown's back as he tries to escape.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Chang is breathing heavily.
Chang wants to control but Brown manages to buck him off and is now in Chang's guard! Nice work there by Brown!

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Brown sizes up Chang with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Dee Brown seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Brown misses with a takedown attempt

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

Brown looking for a guillotine here but Chang defends easily.
Chang pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Brown is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chang stopping the sweep attempt from Brown.

Brown looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Brown manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Brown can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Chang is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Akemi Chang will probably get the nod.
That's time! Chang's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Brown throws out a leg kick but Chang moves out of range and Brown only half commits.
Chang with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Brown to score with a decent uppercut.
Chang blocks a head kick by Brown.
Brown walks into a stiff left hand from Chang.
Brown fails with the takedown

and Chang counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Chang.
A nice right hand lands inside from Chang.

Chang escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Brown on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Brown doesn't succeed with the takedown

so Chang counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Chang controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

Brown looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brown is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Akemi Chang overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Brown works his foot free and advances to mount.

Chang defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Brown.

Brown wants to finish this one by submission but Chang is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Brown.

Brown is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Chang is surviving well by controlling Brown's body position as best he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chang is wriggling around trying to escape.
Brown works his way to his opponent's back.

Brown is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Chang defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Brown is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Chang defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

Brown working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chang rolls, trying to escape but Brown keeps control of the position.
Brown trying to control.
Brown scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Chang is looking for a way out.

Brown has his arm under Chang's chin here. Game over son! Brown squeezes tightly and Chang is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:04 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Dee Brown!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
44%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between AW Stevens (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Toran Grape (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stevens comes to the cage accompanied by The Root Beer Song by Joeshmauer. Grape has chosen Mr. E's Beautiful Blues by Eels as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Stevens
vs
Grape

185 cm
23
185 lbs
0 - 4 - 0

185 cm
23
179 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, AW Stevens!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Toran Grape!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Sosuke Kotani and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stevens doesn't manage to clinch there - Grape circles away.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stevens paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Grape is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Grape is looking to clinch.

Grape closes the distance and clinches.
Stevens trying to control the position but instead, Grape has worked for underhooks and has pushed Stevens into the cage.
Stevens can't seem to implement his control oriented gameplan at the moment. That's no bad thing of course, for those of us who want to see a good fight.
Stevens missing with knees to the body.
Stevens is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Grape creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by AW Stevens.
Stevens avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stevens circles away from the clinch attempt.

Grape closes the distance and clinches.

Grape pulls guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grape 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.
Grape has a closed guard, preventing Stevens from standing up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stevens stops Grape from standing up.
Grape wants to sweep here but Stevens controlling him for the moment.
Grape has a closed guard, preventing Stevens from standing up.

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

Grape has taken the fight to the clinch.

Grape manages to break the clinch.
Grape is looking to clinch but Stevens is avoiding it.
Stevens tries to clinch but Grape is having none of it.
Grape tries to clinch but Stevens moves out of range.

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.

Grape has closed the distance and engaged Stevens in a clinch.
Stevens is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

Grape gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Stevens wants to stand and escape but Grape is having none of it.
Grape trying to control the position from guard on top but Stevens is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Stevens pushes Grape off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Grape is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Stevens looks to clinch

and Grape counters by moving into the clinch.
Still in the clinch, Grape scores with a nice short uppercut.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Stevens tries to stall but Grape uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Still in the clinch, Grape scores with a nice short uppercut.
Stevens is trying to maintain a safe position but Grape gets an underhook and turns Stevens into the cage.
Stevens blocks the elbow strike.

Grape breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Grape tries to clinch there but Stevens circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevens blocks a jab.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch but Stevens swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Grape is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Grape is looking to clinch.
Grape throws a big shot that misses.
Grape moves in looking to clinch but Stevens pushes him off.

Grape gets a clinch.
Stevens missing with knees to the body.
Stevens is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

Grape manages to break the clinch.
Stevens swats away the attempt to clinch by Grape.
Grape tries to clinch up.

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

Grape moves into range and clinches up with Stevens.
Grape lands with a light punch inside.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by AW Stevens.
Stevens tries to clinch but Grape is having none of it.
Toran Grape seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Grape doesn't manage to clinch there - Stevens circles away.
Grape wants to clinch up but Stevens keeps it at a distance.
Grape fails in his attempt to clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Grape takes the fight into the clinch.
Grape lands with a left to the head.
Grape lands with a light punch inside.
Grape pushes Stevens back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Grape lands an uppercut.
Grape lands a left hand that snaps the head of Stevens backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Toran Grape 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.

The fight stays on the outside here - Grape looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Grape swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
The fight stays on the outside here - Grape looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Grape moves in looking to clinch but Stevens pushes him off.
Grape is looking to clinch.
Grape doesn't manage to clinch there - Stevens circles away.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stevens swats him away and circles back towards the center.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Grape is looking to clinch but Stevens is avoiding it.
Stevens wants to clinch.
Grape jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grape clinches but Stevens breaks the clinch

and Stevens counters by moving into the clinch.

Grape gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Stevens regains guard.
Grape trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Grape trying to control but Stevens is working from the bottom.
Grape won't allow Stevens to get back to his feet.
Grape must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Grape trying to stand up but can't free himself from Stevens's guard.
Grape really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Stevens. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Grape missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Grape stops Stevens from standing up.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Grape tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grape is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Grape throws a looping overhand right but Stevens ducks down to avoid it.
Stevens tries to close the distance and clinch but Grape swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Grape tries to clinch but Stevens moves out of range.
Stevens keeps the fight on the outside.
A swing and a miss from Grape.
Stevens swats away the attempt to clinch by Grape.
Stevens avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Stevens fails in his attempt to clinch.
Grape is looking to clinch but Stevens is avoiding it.

Grape takes the fight into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

Grape breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stevens paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Grape throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Grape looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Grape tries to clinch up but Stevens circles away and keeps his distance.

Grape closes the distance and pushes Stevens back into the cage.
Stevens trying to stall but Grape improves his position.
Grape lands an uppercut.
Grape lands a nice uppercut.
Stevens trying to land knees to the body.
Stevens trying to land knees to the body.
Stevens is looking to control Grape's arms but Grape gets an underhook and turns him. Now Stevens has his back to the cage.
Grape lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Grape lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

Grape breaks from the clinch.
Grape tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Grape fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Stevens, pushing him back against the cage.
Stevens looking to stall.
A right handed body shot lands from Grape.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Grape has Stevens pressed against the cage.

Grape ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Grape no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Stevens stands up and waves to Grape to follow him.
Grape wants to clinch up but Stevens keeps it at a distance.
Stevens swats away the attempt to clinch by Grape.
Grape wants to clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Grape clinches up with Stevens and pushes him back against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Toran Grape showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Stevens's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Stevens keeps the fight on the outside.
AW Stevens has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stevens fails in his attempt to clinch.
Stevens keeps the fight on the outside.
Grape wants to clinch up but Stevens keeps it at a distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - Grape looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Stevens slips under a jab.
Grape fails with an attempt to clinch.
Grape wants to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Grape is looking to clinch but Stevens is avoiding it.
Grape tries to clinch up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Grape takes the fight into the clinch.
Stevens looking to stall.
Grape lands an uppercut.
Grape tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Stevens is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

Grape breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Grape fails in his attempt to clinch.
Stevens avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Grape has closed the distance and engaged Stevens in a clinch.

Grape breaks from the clinch.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stevens swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Grape tries to clinch up.

Grape closes the distance and clinches.
Stevens avoids the elbow strike from Grape, against the cage.
Stevens tries to stall but Grape uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

Grape breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Grape is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch but Stevens swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Stevens circles away from the clinch attempt.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stevens paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Grape tries to clinch but Stevens is having none of it.
Grape throws the left hand but Stevens avoids the punch easily.
Grape circles away from the clinch attempt.
Grape tries to clinch up.
Stevens wants to clinch.
Stevens slips under a jab.
Stevens avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grape wants to clinch up but Stevens keeps it at a distance.
Grape is looking to clinch but Stevens is avoiding it.
Stevens uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Grape.
Grape tries to clinch up but Stevens circles away and keeps his distance.
Grape fails in his attempt to clinch.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch but Stevens swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Grape tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Grape fails in his attempt to clinch.
Grape doesn't manage to clinch there - Stevens circles away.
Stevens uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Grape.
Grape is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Grape fails with an attempt to clinch.

That's four 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.
Stevens swats away the attempt to clinch by Grape.
Grape tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stevens swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Grape tries to clinch there but Stevens circles away.
Grape tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Grape tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Stevens makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Grape really felt that one!
Grape takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Stevens wants to clinch.
Grape is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Toran Grape is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Stevens avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Toran Grape.
I've got Grape winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Toran Grape!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
27%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Genki Sodo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Keisuke Atoshi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Keisuke Atoshi looks lathargic as he enters the arena. Wake up son, you're about to have a fight!

Sodo
vs
Atoshi

176 cm
23
154 lbs
4 - 5 - 1

170 cm
19
153 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Intelligent

5th Round
Malicious Intent Fight Gear - The Pit Inc

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Genki Sodo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Keisuke Atoshi!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Yuuki Gou and Shigeki Fujiwara.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sodo moves into range and clinches up with Atoshi.
Atoshi looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!

Sodo pulls guard effortlessly.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Atoshi preventing the sweep.
Sodo bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Atoshi's guard.
Sodo has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Sodo showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Sodo passes Atoshi's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Sodo is working for a kimura but Atoshi is defending it quite comfortably.
Sodo is controlling the pace.

Sodo is working for a submission of some sort.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sodo wants to pass the guard but Atoshi is defending well.

Sodo is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Atoshi has managed to free his arm - good work.
Sodo scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Atoshi is in trouble now - Sodo has advanced to mount!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
BOOM! Sodo connects with a massive shot to the dome!

Sodo is going olschool here, as he tries to force Atoshi to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Atoshi shrugs it off.

Sodo looking for a guillotine from mount but Atoshi is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Atoshi is desperately trying to improve his position but Sodo has a good base and remains in mount.
Sodo has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Atoshi's face.
Atoshi takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

Sodo working for a submission here. He's tucked his head under his opponent's arm, looking for an arm triangle. He's hopped off into side control, looking to tighten the submission... is it going to work? He's given up a good position looking for it. Atoshi looks OK. Oh, I spoke too soon, he's out! That must have been tighter than I thought! Excellent work there by Sodo! Submission of the night perhaps?

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Genki Sodo!