Valhalla 50: Tokyo PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Juan Tamad (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Luis Castillo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Juan Tamad had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Tamad
vs
Castillo

176 cm
22
163 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

175 cm
25
163 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Juan Tamad!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Luis Castillo!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Shigeki Sano and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Castillo misses with a two punch combination.
Castillo scores with a jab to the head.
Castillo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tamad.
Castillo throws a shot from downtown. Tamad moves away and avoids it.
Tamad avoids the body shot from Castillo.
Castillo misses with a straight left.
Castillo misses with a two punch combination.
Castillo throws out a powerful jab.
Tamad avoids the body shot from Castillo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tamad avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Castillo throws a hook but Tamad blocks it.
Castillo misses with a looping left.
Castillo just misses with a punch to the body.
Tamad bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Castillo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Castillo throws a hook but Tamad avoids it easily.
Luis Castillo is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Castillo misses with a straight left.
Luis Castillo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut lands for Castillo. That snapped Tamad's head back.
Castillo moves in looking to clinch but Tamad pushes him off.
Castillo throws a jab but it's blocked by Tamad.
Castillo swings for the body but Tamad moves out of range.
Castillo thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tamad tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Castillo is able to avoid easily.
Tamad has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Castillo finds it's way round the side to connect with Tamad's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tamad gets a takedown into half guard.
Castillo keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Tamad sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Castillo defending well though.
Tamad wants to lay and pray for a moment but Castillo keeps working.
Tamad frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Castillo is squirming around, avoiding Tamad's attempts to control the action.
Tamad thowing shots but they're missing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tamad lands a nice shot to the head.
Castillo is trying to escape the mount.
Castillo taking shots to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tamad unloads with some shots from mount but Castillo bucks and avoids them well.
Tamad sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tamad tries to control but Castillo wriggling away.
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 Juan Tamad will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

A clash of legs there as Castillo blocks the low kick.
Castillo connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Tamad's hands.
Tamad throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tamad shoots for a double leg takedown but Castillo sprawls well. He's pushed Tamad's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Castillo throws the left hand but Tamad avoids the punch easily.
Castillo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Castillo throws out a loose jab but Tamad uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Castillo misses with a hook. Tamad ducked under it nicely.
Castillo looks to land a left hand but Tamad moved out of range nicely.
Castillo with a hook.
Tamad displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Castillo throws out the jab.
Tamad pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A jab from Castillo misses.
No joy there for Castillo, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Castillo blocks a leg kick.
Castillo throws the left hand but Tamad avoids the punch easily.
Castillo misses with an uppercut.
Castillo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A slow jab from Castillo misses its intended target.
Castillo misses with a double jab.
Castillo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Castillo throws out a loose jab but Tamad uses good head movement to avoid it.
Castillo tries to clinch but Tamad moves out of range.
Castillo tries to clinch up.
Castillo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Castillo fails to land with a series of punches.
Castillo throws a jab when Tamad was well out of range.
Castillo swings for the body but Tamad moves out of range.
Tamad misses with a few strikes there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Castillo moves in looking to clinch but Tamad pushes him off.
Castillo misses with a looping left.
Tamad on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Tamad tries a head kick but it misses.
Castillo throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Castillo tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Tamad manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Castillo throws a hook but Tamad blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luis Castillo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Castillo throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tamad sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tamad slips a jab from Castillo.
Castillo tries to clinch up.
Tamad dodges the punch combination from Castillo.
Castillo takes a swing at Tamad's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sloppy strikes from Castillo. Those never looked like landing.
Tamad ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Castillo gets caught napping as Tamad dives in and scores a takedown. Castillo manages to retain guard.
Castillo really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Tamad. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Castillo utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Castillo can't keep his opponent in guard - Tamad advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Castillo avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Tamad.
Tamad passes to side control.
Tamad trying to control the action but Castillo is working from the bottom.
Tamad postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tamad working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
A lull in the action here.
Castillo avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Tamad.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Tamad advances nicely into full mount.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tamad looking to control but Castillo is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Tamad thowing shots but they're missing.
Tamad connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Castillo is bucking up trying to escape but Tamad cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

Castillo is rocked!
Tamad throws some wild stikes that Castillo manages to avoid easily.
Tamad scoring with strikes but Castillo is staying in there.
Castillo is still in real trouble! Can Tamad finish him?
Tamad scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Castillo?
Tamad controlling from mount.
Castillo takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tamad in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tamad unloading with bombs!
Castillo taking shots to the head.
A big strike lands for Tamad! That's really hurt Castillo and he's turned his back - Tamad keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Tamad jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Juan Tamad!
During a confident post fight interview, Juan Tamad thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Calviin Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yuki Zaki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Johnson
vs
Zaki

185 cm
21
145 lbs
2 - 0 - 1

173 cm
26
145 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Calviin Johnson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Yuki Zaki!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Sosuke Kotani and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fighters circling - Johnson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Zaki fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Johnson manages to avoid it.
Zaki moves away from the strike by Johnson.
Johnson throws a lazy uppercut
and Zaki counters with a left and a right that stings Johnson.
Zaki takes one on the chin but seems OK.

Johnson closes the distance and clinches.
Johnson wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Zaki has him pressed against the cage.
Zaki works on Johnson's body with a couple of short punches.
Johnson is trying to break free.
A short uppercut from Zaki.
Zaki keeps control of Johnson as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Zaki slows down the pace here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson can't break the clinch.

Zaki pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Johnson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Johnson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Johnson takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaki misses with a few strikes there.
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zaki was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
Zaki steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Johnson feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Zakis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Johnson swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Zaki counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Johnson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zaki goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

It looks like Calviin Johnson has been cut.
Zaki uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Zaki misses with the combination.

Zaki clinches up against the cage.
Johnson wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Johnson has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Zaki after a bit of a struggle.
Zaki lands a body punch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Zaki.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zaki lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zaki pushes Johnson back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Zaki has Johnson pressed against the cage, preventing Johnson from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Johnson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Zaki lands an uppercut.
A bit of stalling here from Zaki.
Zaki lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Zaki dodges an elbow strike from Johnson.
Zaki lands a nice uppercut.
Zaki is working Johnson over against the cage.
Zaki scores with a nice hook to the head.
Johnson tries to break the clinch but Zaki is controlling the position.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
A short right from Zaki.
Johnson has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Zaki after a bit of a struggle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaki lands a nice uppercut.
Nice body punch from Zaki - that landed with a thud.
Zaki is stalling here.
A shot in the inside from Zaki.

Zaki manages to break the clinch.
Zaki looks to score with a jab to the body but Johnson is just out of range.
A slow jab from Johnson misses its intended target.

Johnson rushes Zaki and presses him up against the cage.

Zaki breaks the clinch.
A jab from Johnson misses.
Johnson misses with a right hand
and Zaki counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Johnson paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

Zaki rushes Johnson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Johnson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Calviin Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to break free.

Zaki breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Zaki stuffs the takedown.
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!
Johnson cracks a nice hook into Zaki's ribs.
Nice shot by Zaki.
Johnson misses the body punch
and Zaki counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Johnson misses with a lunging right hand
and Zaki counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Zaki clinches up with Johnson and pushes him back against the cage.

Zaki breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A shot to the liver by Zaki. Beautiful body shot.

Zaki fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Johnson, pushing him back against the cage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Johnson drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zaki lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yuki Zaki dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Calviin Johnson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Zaki stalks Johnson and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Johnson's face. Johnson staggers backwards, shaken.
Yuki Zaki is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Zaki scores with a nice head shot.
Zaki lands a nice hook to Johnson's body. Johnson takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Johnson throws a combination that misses
and Zaki counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Johnson misses with a lunging right hand
and Zaki cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Johnson is rocked!
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!
Zaki cracks Johnson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Oh Johnson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Johnson takes a swing at Zaki's ribcage but misses.
Calviin Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zaki tests Johnson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Johnson throws a hook but Zaki avoids it easily.
Johnson misses with an uppercut.
Johnson seems to have got his legs back now.

Johnson tries to keep at a distance but Zaki has taken the fight into the clinch.
Zaki taking a breather.
Zaki gets through Johnson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaki lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Johnson backwards.
Johnson is working for takedown but Zaki is calmly controlling the position for now.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Zaki.

Zaki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
A combination from Zaki does no damage.
Johnson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Donk. Johnson catches Zaki right on the button with a cross.
Yuki Zaki is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Johnson throws the left hand but Zaki avoids the punch easily.
A slow jab from Johnson misses its intended target.

The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Zaki forces Johnson back against the cage and clinches.
Johnson tries to break the clinch but Zaki is controlling the position.
A head punch on the inside from Johnson fails to land.
Zaki lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Johnson is trying to break the clinch but Zaki is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to break the clinch but Zaki has him pressed against the cage.
Zaki content to slow the pace in the clinch.

Zaki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Zaki has taken the fight to the clinch.
Johnson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
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!
Zaki keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Johnson's efforts to push away.

Zaki pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Johnson stalks Zaki and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Zaki's face. Zaki staggers backwards, shaken.
Johnson lands with a nice body punch.
Johnson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zaki.

Johnson forces Zaki back against the cage and clinches.
A left hand lands to the body for Zaki.
Johnson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A right handed body shot lands from Zaki.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaki is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Zaki cracks Johnson with a nice body shot.
Zaki pushes Johnson back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Zaki slows down the pace here.

Zaki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Zaki gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Johnson misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zaki cracks Johnson with a nice body shot.
Nice body punch from Zaki.
Zaki scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Yuki Zaki seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

Zaki manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Zaki's head backwards.
Johnson looks to throw the jab but Zaki is out of range.
Yuki Zaki seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Johnson misses with a jab, cross combination.
Johnson throws a poor cross that misses

and Zaki counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Zaki breaks from the clinch.
Zaki slips under a jab.
Nice straight punches there by Zaki. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Zaki.

Zaki clinches.
Johnson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Zaki dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Zaki blocks a body shot from Johnson.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Johnson is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Zaki is defending well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Calviin Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zaki cracks Johnson with a nice body shot.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Zaki.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yuki Zaki showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Calviin Johnson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Zaki fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

Zaki closes the distance and pushes Johnson back into the cage.
Zaki scores with a shoulder strike.

Zaki escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Johnson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Zaki's waist but Zaki gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Johnson off to one side.
Some wild striking there from Zaki.

Zaki instigates a clinch.
Johnson tries to break the clinch but Zaki is controlling the position.

Zaki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Decent striking displayed by Johnson there.
Johnson cracks Zaki with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Johnson loads up on a big right hand but Zaki slips the punch.
Zaki lands a really nice looking cross but Johnson seems unphased.
Zaki gets cracked there but stands up to it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zaki gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Zaki has Johnson pushed against the cage.
Johnson is looking to take this one to the mat.

Zaki escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Zaki swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Johnson.

Zaki clinches with his opponent.
Johnson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Zaki stalling.
Johnson can't find room to land a body shot as Zaki controls the action.
Zaki works on Johnson's body with a couple of short punches.
Nice body punch from Zaki.
Zaki stalling against the cage.
Johnson wants to get back to striking at distance but Zaki won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaki has Johnson pressed against the cage, preventing Johnson from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Johnson wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A short right from Zaki on the inside.
A right handed body shot lands from Zaki.
Johnson wants to get back to striking at distance but Zaki won't allow it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zaki lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Zaki lands with a right to the head.

Zaki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Johnson misses with a series of wild punches.
A left lands for Zaki.

Zaki rushes Johnson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Zaki lands a shot to the body.
Johnson working hard to break the clinch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Zaki stalls.

Zaki breaks the clinch.
Johnson dives in and grabs Zaki's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zaki pushes down on Johnson's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Calviin Johnson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zaki fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Johnson misses with a right hand

and Zaki counters by clinching up.

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

Zaki closes the distance and pushes Johnson back into the cage.
Johnson looking for a takedown.
Johnson misses with a body punch.
Zaki digs a right hand underneath Johnson's ribcage. Johnson let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A short right from Zaki on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zaki breaks from the clinch.
Johnson throws a body punch but Zaki moves out of range.
Johnson lands an overhand right.
Johnson takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Nice jab there from Zaki.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Johnson shoots in but Zaki avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Zaki closes the distance and pushes Johnson back into the cage.
Yuki Zaki is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Zaki lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Zaki.
A hook to the body from Zaki.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Zaki takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Calviin Johnson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zaki gets through Johnson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yuki Zaki comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Zaki has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

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

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yuki Zaki!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Zeus Mesus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Victor Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Mesus
vs
Cruz

184 cm
27
180 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

173 cm
26
171 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Experienced

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Zeus Mesus!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Victor Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Sosuke Kotani and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz shoots and misses

and Mesus counters with a takedown into side control.
Cruz looks gassed!
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Cruz being controlled for a moment.
Cruz is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz wants to get back to full guard.
Cruz is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Mesus with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

We're going to have a standup here because Zeus Mesus wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Cruz checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Cruz misses with a takedown

and Mesus counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Cruz!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mesus controlling from mount.
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!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Zeus Mesus wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Cruz has his takedown stuffed
and Mesus counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Zeus Mesus has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Victor Cruz.

Mesus bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Mesus takes a little break here. Cruz wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mesus's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Mesus has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zeus Mesus dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Cruz gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Mesus counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Mesus's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Mesus passes Cruz's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Cruz is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mesus moves nicely into side control.
Mesus happy to just control the position for now.
Mesus advances to full mount.
Mesus sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mesus is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cruz can do to turn this around?

We're going to have a standup here because Zeus Mesus wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Mesus throws a leg kick but Cruz moved away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mesus misses with a jab, cross combination.
Cruz checks the leg kick.
Mesus wants to land a leg kick but Cruz is out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz with a lazy takedown attempt

and Mesus counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Cruz!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mesus controlling his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zeus Mesus dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. 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.

Mesus throws a leg kick that misses.
Zeus Mesus seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cruz doesn't succeed with the takedown

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

Cruz is rocked!
Mesus's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Cruz takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Zeus Mesus wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Mesus misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cruz.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Mesus throws a shot to the body.
Mesus looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A head kick misses from Mesus.
Cruz with a lazy takedown attempt

and Mesus counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Cruz being controlled here, momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Zeus Mesus wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Mesus misses with a low kick.
Mesus throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

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

Mesus throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Cruz was covering up waiting for the punch and Mesus finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Mesus is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Victor Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zeus Mesus is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

And that's the end of the fight!
Zeus Mesus showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Mesus has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 30:25
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:25
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zeus Mesus!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between John White (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tony Stark (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). White has a slight injury, which hopefully won't affect the fight too much. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

White
vs
Stark

184 cm
22
173 lbs
6 - 10 - 0

185 cm
20
175 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, John White!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Tony Stark!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Taro Takaoka and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stark dips to his left and cracks White with an uppercut!
Stark scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
A combination from Stark does no damage.
Stark stalks White and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into White's face. White staggers backwards, shaken.

It looks like John White has been cut.
White is breathing heavily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Stark changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Stark lands a jab to White's midsection.
White slips a jab and a cross from Stark.
White misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Stark misses with a series of wild punches.
Stark looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Stark with a hook.
Jab from Stark.
White tries to clinch there but Stark circles away.
Stark thuds his right hand into White's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

White is rocked!
Stark misses with a double jab

and White counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Stark wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stark has a hand on White's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. White takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Stark tries to lock up and control but White gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Stark can't escape the position.
Stark tries to hold on but White postures up.
Stark keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Stark is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stark is looking to improve his position but White isn't that keen on the idea.
Stark tries to hold on but White postures up.
White controlling from mount.
Stark tries to lock up and control but White gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Stark really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
White controlling the pace for now.
Stark is looking to improve his position but White isn't that keen on the idea.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Stark can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
White avoids the attempt from Stark to control.
Stark is looking to improve his position but White isn't that keen on the idea.
Stark wants to hold on but White pushes him away.
White tries to control but Stark wriggling away.
Stark tries to hold on but White pushes him away.
White controlling from the full mount.
Stark tries to lock up and control but White gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stark is trying to escape the mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stark is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Stark holds on for dear life.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Stark tries to hold on but White postures up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Stark is trying to escape the mount.
Stark tries to hold on but White pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tony Stark dominated that round.
The cut man is working on John White's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

White tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stark swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Tony Stark seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nice body punch from Stark.
Stark fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Stark misses with a few strikes there.
White drops his hands momentarily and Stark takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Stark lands a nice looking body shot.
Stark throws a nice looking combination but White bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Stark misses with a jab, cross combination.
Stark misses with the combination.
Stark works over White's head and body with a nice combination.
John White is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Left hook, right uppercut from Stark.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
White showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Stark.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Stark cracks a nice hook into White's ribs.
Stark throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stark throws a one two combo.
Tony Stark is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Stark swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by White.
Stark scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Oh White is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Stark with a nice cross.
Stark plants his feet and throws a brutal three punch combo that sends White swiftly into unconsciousness! Right, left, right! Boom, boom, boom! White face plants, battered and bloodied! He might never be the same again after that finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:24 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Tony Stark!
Tony Stark decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Atraeu Nelson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Igor Helsing (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nelson's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Sail by AWOL Nation. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Nelson
vs
Helsing

175 cm
26
170 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

178 cm
27
180 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Atraeu Nelson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Igor Helsing!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Taro Takaoka and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Good exchange - Helsing coming out on top.
Helsing throws an off balance right hand

and Nelson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Helsing is defending against the submission attempts here by Nelson.
Nelson is trying to control. Helsing wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Nelson looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Nelson wants to take a breather but Helsing is having none of it.
Helsing has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Nelson is working away from the top position though.
Nelson looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Helsing is trying to control but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Helsing has his hands clasped together around Nelson's back. He's all about the action.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Igor Helsing was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Nelson closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Helsing did well to prevent Nelson getting side control.

Nelson looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Nelson trying to control from half guard but Helsing is working away.

Nelson is trying to work for a kimura but Helsing is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nelson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Helsing keeps working.
Helsing controlling the position well.

Nelson is working for a submission of some sort.
Nelson wants to free his trapped foot but Helsing is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Nelson is looking for a kimura here.

Nelson wants to work for an arm triangle but Helsing is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Helsing trying to hold on to Nelson's head to control him but Nelson postures up.

Nelson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Helsing keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Nelson with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Helsing is staying active underneath Nelson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Helsing is defending against the submission attempts here by Nelson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Helsing trying to control from the bottom.

Nelson looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Helsing is concentrating on defense, preventing Nelson from advancing position.
Helsing moves into full guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Helsing holds on and takes a little breather.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nelson trying to control the position from guard on top but Helsing is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Helsing seems keen to control Nelson's posture.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Atraeu Nelson dominated that round.
That's time! Nelson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Helsing throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Nelson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Nelson looking to pass the guard.
Helsing is pulling down on Nelson's head to control his posture.
Nelson wants to stand and escape but instead Helsing has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Helsing trying to control the position from guard on top but Nelson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Nelson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Helsing sitting in guard, not really doing much.

Helsing got a little sloppy there for a moment and Nelson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Helsing has managed to get both his arms back between Nelson's legs - danger averted.
Helsing controlling from the top position.
Helsing trying to control the position from guard on top but Nelson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Atraeu Nelson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Helsing passes Nelson's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Nelson trying to control here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Helsing looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Nelson actively working from the bottom here.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Helsing in particular looking to stall.
Nelson tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Helsing manages to move to mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nelson tries to reverse the position but Helsing maintains control.
Helsing controlling his opponent.
Nelson tries to hold on but Helsing pushes him away.
Helsing prevents Nelson from getting the reversal.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Helsing controlling from mount.
Helsing looking to control but Nelson is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nelson is looking to improve his position but Helsing isn't that keen on the idea.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Igor Helsing showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Helsing misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Nelson.

Nelson fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Helsing sprawls well initially but Nelson persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Helsing is looking to improve his position.
Nelson misses with a head shot. Helsing uses the momentum to regain guard.
Nelson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Helsing swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Helsing is pulling down on Nelson's head to control his posture.
Helsing being controlled here, momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nelson wants to control from the top but Helsing keeps moving.
Helsing has control of Nelson's left arm, preventing Nelson from doing any damage.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Nelson pushes down on Helsing's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Nelson trying to pass the guard but Helsing defending well.
Nelson is just content to waste time from the top position. Helsing takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Helsing has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Nelson postures up.
Nelson wants to control from the top but Helsing keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Nelson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Helsing on his heels. He'll look to pass Helsing's guard now, I'm sure.
Nelson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Helsing working a defensive guard here.
Nelson wants to control from the top but Helsing keeps moving.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Helsing bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Nelson's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Helsing is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Nelson wants to sweep here but Helsing controlling him for the moment.
Nelson being controlled here, momentarily.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Nelson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Helsing.

Nelson feints and as Helsing raises his hands in defense, Nelson changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nelson trying to control the position from guard on top but Helsing is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Helsing looking to control.
Helsing keeping full guard, as Nelson tries to pass.
Nelson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Helsing managing to control the position.
Helsing is trying to control the position but Nelson postures up.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Igor Helsing wasn't active enough on the ground.
Nelson tries to clinch but Helsing moves away
and Helsing counters with a nice body shot.

Nelson 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.

And that's the end of the fight!
Atraeu Nelson showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Nelson has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 29:28
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 29:28
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Atraeu Nelson!
A very excited looking Atraeu Nelson made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kazushi Sakuraba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Orlando Sanchez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Kazushi Sakuraba has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Sakuraba
vs
Sanchez

183 cm
21
183 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

180 cm
26
180 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Very quick

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazushi Sakuraba!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Orlando Sanchez!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sanchez will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Sakuraba tries a head kick but it misses.
Sanchez displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba throws a sloppy head kick and Sanchez moves out of range easily.

Sakuraba gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Sanchez missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sanchez wants to control from the top but Sakuraba keeps moving.
Sanchez throws a big elbow that misses.
Sanchez looking to pass the guard.
Sanchez distracts Sakuraba with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Sanchez in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sakuraba wants to hit a switch here but Sanchez passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Sakuraba there!
Sakuraba is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Sanchez looking to control but Sakuraba is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sanchez connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Sakuraba is in all sorts of trouble here.
Sakuraba tries to hold on but Sanchez postures up.
Sakuraba keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba is working hard here to advance position.
Sanchez with shots to the head and body - Sakuraba looks very uncomfortable down there.
Sanchez loads up on a couple of big shots to the head that have Sakuraba scrambling to escape. He can't get free though and several more unanswered shots from Sanchez land to the head. The referee has no choice but to stop the fight. Sanchez stands and salutes the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Orlando Sanchez!
Orlando Sanchez thanked the fans post fight for their support.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
60%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Samuel Stone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Derric Rose (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stone's entrance music is Boom. A fine choice. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Stone
vs
Rose

168 cm
27
145 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

175 cm
27
154 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
KO power

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Samuel Stone!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Derric Rose!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stone shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Rose counter with a right hand.
Stone slips under a jab.
Stone fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Derric Rose seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rose bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Stone uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rose.
Rose cracks Stone with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Rose lands with a good body shot.
Stone takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Stone slips under a jab from Rose.
Stone looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Samuel Stone. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch combination from Rose misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stone has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Stone there as he acknowledges the shot.
Rose swings for the body but Stone moves out of range.
Rose jabs at Stone's body.
No luck for Stone with that takedown attempt.
Stone fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Rose misses with a looping right.
Rose scores with a three punch combo!
Rose loads up on a big right hand but Stone slips the punch.
Rose throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rose misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Stone.
Stone with a lazy takedown attempt
and Rose counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Rose scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Stone takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stone has his takedown stuffed
and Rose counters with a straight right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A big right from Rose misses.
Stone shoots for a takedown but Rose saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Stone uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rose.
A punch combination from Rose misses.
Derric Rose is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rose misses with a looping right.
Rose misses with a lunging right hand

and Stone counters with a takedown into side control.
Stone working the head and body with strikes.
You can see the frustration on Rose's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Stone sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Rose is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stone creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Rose sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Rose tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Stone working away.
Stone tries to score with some ground and pound. Rose controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Stone landing strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rose is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Stone working the body and head with strikes.
Stone tries to move to mount but Rose blocks the move with his legs.
Stone in side control, throwing shots but Rose defends.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rose is not content to let Stone control the position.
Rose can't do much from the bottom here.
Stone throws an elbow but Rose slips to the side and avoids it well.
Stone sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Rose is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Stone misses with the ground and pound.
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!
Stone tries to score with some ground and pound. Rose controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stone fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Rose manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Rose takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Stone regains full guard. Nicely done.
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 Samuel Stone will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Stone fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Stone has a takedown stuffed.
Stone shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Rose defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Samuel Stone. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch lands to the side of Stone 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Rose lands a glancing blow to the side of Stone's head.
Rose lands a lovely overhand right.
Stone displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rose throws out the jab.
Rose lands a lovely overhand right.
A big right from Rose misses.
Rose leaves Stone with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good exchange - Rose coming out on top.
Nice jab there from Stone.
Rose feints a jab promting Stone to slip. Rose then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Stone slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Rose uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Nice uppercut lands for Rose. That snapped Stone's head back.
Rose throws out a powerful jab.
Rose has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Rose stuffs the takedown.
Stone keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Rose.
A left and a right from Rose both land. Nice combination.

It looks like Samuel Stone has been cut.
Rose smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rose lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Rose throws the left hand but Stone avoids the punch easily.
Rose might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Stone tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nice straight punches there by Rose. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Rose.
Stone takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Jab, jab by Rose - just one landing.
Stone takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Rose scores with a body shot.
Rose misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Stone.
Rose bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Rose throws a lazy right hand but Stone sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rose jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Stone throws a shot from downtown. Rose moves away and avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stone fails with the takedown.
A slow jab from Rose misses its intended target.
Rose misses the jab.
A big right from Rose misses.
Rose throws the left hand but Stone avoids the punch easily.
A swing and a miss from Rose.
Rose tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Stone was well out of range. Poor timing from Rose.
Stone throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rose ducks under a wild hook from Stone.

Stone throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Rose was covering up waiting for the punch and Stone finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Rose avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stone pushing down on Rose's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Rose avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Stone.
Stone thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Rose tries to roll over but Stone keeps him under control.
Rose trying to control from the bottom.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Rose can do anything to dispel that myth.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rose moves into full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stone loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Stone throwing strikes from guard but Rose blocks nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Derric Rose showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Samuel Stone's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Rose throws a right hand that Stone ducks under and follows up with a left that Stone also avoids with ease.
Rose misses with a left hand

and Stone counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Stone works his way into side control.
You can see the frustration on Rose's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Stone is looking to take a break and control but Rose is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Stone working the body and head with strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rose tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stone throws a strike aimed at the side of Rose's head but Rose avoids it well.
Rose is looking for a sweep.
Stone lands a nice forearm strike.
Rose is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Rose can't do much from the bottom here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A control attempt from Rose but he's now mounted!
Rose is trying desperately to improve position.
Stone postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Rose looks a forlorn figure.
Rose is in a horrible position here. Stone smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.

Rose is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Whack. That's a big, big shot from Stone! Rose is out cold! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Samuel Stone!
A victorious Samuel Stone thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Samuel Dance (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kazushi Sakuraba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kazushi Sakuraba acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Dance
vs
Sakuraba

187 cm
21
185 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

182 cm
21
183 lbs
10 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

Broken Halo Pride Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Samuel Dance!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazushi Sakuraba!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sakuraba lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Dance thuds a left hand into Sakuraba's body.
Sakuraba looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Dance is fending him off so far but Sakuraba persists. Nope, Dance circles away and we're back to standing.
Sakuraba throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sakuraba will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Sakuraba scores with a takedown into Dance's guard.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

Sakuraba drops back, looking for a kneebar! Dance looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Dance looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Dance!
Sakuraba tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Dance stands up and beckons Sakuraba to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba fails with the takedown.
Samuel Dance has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kazushi Sakuraba.
Dance swings for the body but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Dance throws a lazy right hand but Sakuraba sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nice uppercut there from Dance.
Dance connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Dance works Sakuraba's body with a nice hook.
Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Dance.
Dance misses with a looping right.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dance connects with a solid leg kick.
Sakuraba throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Dance misses with a looping right.
Dance throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakuraba.

Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Dance is keeping the position for now.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing.
Dance is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Sakuraba is controlling him.
Sakuraba trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dance has his hands on Sakuraba's head, controlling the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Dance is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Sakuraba has gone for a leg lock! Dance slips out almost immediately though and dives into Sakuraba's guard.
Dance wants to stand but Sakuraba is controlling his posture from full guard.

Sakuraba is working an open guard so Dance takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Dance sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Dance tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Dance waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Nice defenses there by Sakuraba.
Dance connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Dance throws a big shot that misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dance throws an off balance right hand

and Sakuraba counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Dance's guard now.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sakuraba trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sakuraba is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
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 Samuel Dance will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Sakuraba uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Dance.
Dance misses with a straight left.

Sakuraba closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Sakuraba lands in his opponent's guard.
Dance keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully.

Dance pushes Sakuraba off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Dance keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba has a takedown stuffed.
Dance throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sakuraba swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
and Sakuraba takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sakuraba ducks under a wild hook from Dance.
Dance throws a body punch but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Dance stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Dance wants it to stay on the feet.
Samuel Dance has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kazushi Sakuraba.
Sakuraba uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Dance.
Sakuraba has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Dance finds it's way round the side to connect with Sakuraba's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Sakuraba takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Samuel Dance is winning the standup battle so far.
Sakuraba has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Sakuraba there as he acknowledges the shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Dance stuffs the takedown.
Dance throws a lazy uppercut

and Sakuraba counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Sakuraba is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Dance is just riding it out for now. Sakuraba eventually gives up the hold.
Dance trying to control but Sakuraba postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Dance is trying to stand back up but Sakuraba is controlling him
Dance won't allow Sakuraba to pass to mount.
Dance is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Dance is defending against the submission attempts here by Sakuraba.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Sakuraba lands a big elbow.
Dance trying desperately to get to his feet.

Sakuraba swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Dance is now in Sakuraba's guard. A big mistake from Sakuraba there, giving up the dominant position!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sakuraba wants to sweep here but Dance controlling him for the moment.
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 Samuel Dance will probably get the nod.
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.

Sakuraba jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Dance throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakuraba avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Sakuraba tries for a takedown but Dance sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Sakuraba shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Dance pinned against the cage. Dance gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Dance dodges the punch combination from Sakuraba.
Dance throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dance misses with a right hand

and Sakuraba counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Sakuraba seems to be looking for submissions.
Dance wants to get back to his feet.

Dance kicks off Sakuraba and gets to his feet.
Sakuraba fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Sakuraba shoots in and drives through. Dance sprawls well.
Samuel Dance has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kazushi Sakuraba.
Sakuraba fails with the takedown.
Dance lands a jab to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Dance connects with a body shot that sends Sakuraba's belly button to the back.
Jab by Dance.
Sakuraba slips under a jab.
Dance lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Dance displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sakuraba.
Samuel Dance is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Dance misses with a body shot.
A cross from Dance lands.
Dance misses the shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Dance. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Dance.
Dance misses with a wild body shot.

Sakuraba scores with a takedown into Dance's guard.
Sakuraba won't allow Dance to get back to his feet.
Sakuraba looking to sit in guard and control but Dance gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Dance preventing the sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dance wants to stand but Sakuraba has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Kazushi Sakuraba has got the better of the ground game so far.

Sakuraba looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Sakuraba looking for a sweep. Not yet Sakuraba, not yet.

Dance stands up and waves to Sakuraba to follow him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Dance throws a body punch but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Kazushi Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Samuel Dance is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dance attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.

And that's the end of the fight!
Samuel Dance showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Dance, 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 Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Samuel Dance!