AFN9 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Ainle Murphy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Above Kual (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Murphy comes to the cage accompanied by Break Stuff - limp bizkit. Above Kual has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Ainle Murphy's chin.

Murphy
vs
Kual

181 cm
18
130 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

172 cm
20
135 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ainle Murphy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Above Kual!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Shirou Masuda and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Murphy clinches up against the cage.
Kual wants a takedown.

Kual gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Murphy regains guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Kual pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Murphy is keeping the position for now.
Kual trying to control but Murphy is working from the bottom.
Murphy wants to stand but Kual is controlling the position.

Kual thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Kual thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Kual is pushing down on Murphy's leg trying to pass to half guard. Murphy is fighting to maintain full guard but Kual has managed to sneak the leg through.

Kual is looking for a kimura but Murphy is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kual to get the leverage.
Murphy is trying to stand up here but Kual is controlling him well.
Murphy is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kual is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Murphy defends it well.
Murphy tries to kick Kual off but Kual keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Kual is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Murphy has managed to free his arm - good work.

Kual is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Murphy is just riding it out for now. Kual eventually gives up the hold.
Kual wants to pass the guard but Murphy is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kual is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Murphy doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kual.

Murphy pushes Kual off and gets back to his feet.
Good shot there by Murphy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kual fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Murphy tries to clinch but Kual moves out of range.

Murphy closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kual has Murphy pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Murphy manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Ainle Murphy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Above Kual.
Murphy wants to get back to striking at distance but Kual won't allow it.
Murphy wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kual has him pressed against the cage.
Kual fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kual drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Murphy can't break the clinch.
Kual changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Murphy fights it off and pushes away nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murphy stuns Kual with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Murphy lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
No luck for Kual with that takedown attempt.

Murphy clinches up with Kual and pushes him back against the cage.

Murphy breaks the clinch.
Kual fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Above Kual seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Murphy forces Kual back against the cage and clinches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kual prevents Murphy from breaking the clinch.
Kual drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Murphy gets the underhooks and prevents it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Above Kual dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Murphy throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kual drops his hands momentarily and Murphy takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Ainle Murphy is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Murphy enables Kual to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Murphy manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

Kual is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Murphy wants to stand but Kual is controlling the position.
Above Kual has got the better of the ground game so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kual is pushing down on Murphy's leg trying to pass to half guard. Murphy is fighting to maintain full guard but Kual has managed to sneak the leg through.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Murphy tries to kick Kual off but Kual keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Kual in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Murphy tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Kual!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:18 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Above Kual!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
94%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jerzy Kosinski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kengo Watanabe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kengo Watanabe has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Jerzy Kosinski's chin.

Kosinski
vs
Watanabe

183 cm
23
185 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

182 cm
27
198 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
KO power

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jerzy Kosinski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kengo Watanabe!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Hirohito Nitta and Yuuki Gou.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Watanabe takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Nice takedown defense from Kosinski. No joy for Watanabe on that attempt.
Watanabe shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kosinski but Kosinski pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Watanabe shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kosinski sprawls well. Kosinski wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Watanabe gets slowly back to his feet.
Jerzy Kosinski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kengo Watanabe.
Watanabe misses with a hook.
Kosinski misses with a two punch combination.
Watanabe scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kosinski dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kosinski scores with a three punch combo!
Kosinski scores with a decent looking hook.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Watanabe is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kosinski sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Watanabe is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Kosinski.
Kosinski scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Watanabe misses with a shot to the body
and Kosinski counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kosinski lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Kosinski.
A cross from Kosinski lands.
Kosinski lands a body shot.
Watanabe throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kosinski cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Watanabe looks gassed!
Watanabe throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kosinski's waist but Kosinski gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Watanabe off to one side.
Kosinski punishes Watanabe's body with a nice straight punch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Watanabe takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Kosinski lands a nice hook to Watanabe's body. Watanabe takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Watanabe gets caught by a brutal right hook which buckles his knees! Watanabe tries to backpedal with his spaghettilegs but Kosinski is headhunting and goes for the kill. A jab and a right hook connect and Watanabe buckles badly as his eyes roll back. The referee steps in and saves Watanabe!! Watanabe is complaining but he was clearly out on his feet. Kosinski throws his mouthpiece into the crowd. Mmmm spit-tastic.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jerzy Kosinski!
Jerzy Kosinski spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
80%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nate Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Earl Sweatpants (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Diaz comes to the cage accompanied by A Day To Remember - The Downfall of Us All. Sweatpants is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Earl - Earl Sweatshirt. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Diaz
vs
Sweatpants

190 cm
27
163 lbs
10 - 2 - 1

180 cm
26
160 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Knockout power

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 10 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Nate Diaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Earl Sweatpants!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Sosuke Kotani and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diaz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sweatpants.

Diaz pushes Sweatpants up against the cage in a clinch.
Diaz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Sweatpants pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Sweatpants throws a series of punches but Diaz moves out of range.
Nate Diaz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Oooooh!!! Diaz has knocked Sweatpants down with a huge combo! Diaz steps away and waves a wobbly Sweatpants back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!

Sweatpants is rocked!

It looks like Earl Sweatpants has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Diaz lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Sweatpants at a distance.
Sweatpants is still on wobbly legs! Can Diaz finish him?

Diaz gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Diaz tries a body shot but Sweatpants blocks it.
Diaz really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Diaz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Sweatpants tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Diaz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Sweatpants or not.
Diaz lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Diaz misses with a punch to the body.
Diaz lands a body punch.
Diaz pushes Sweatpants back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Sweatpants looks gassed!
Diaz lands a nice shot to the body.

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

Diaz moves into the clinch successfully.
Diaz scores with a hook to the body.
Sweatpants tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Diaz smiles and moves away.
Sweatpants seems to have recovered his senses.
Diaz throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sweatpants.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Diaz gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Diaz lands a body shot.
Diaz struggles to land a body shot inside as Sweatpants controls his hands.
Diaz tries to throw a body punch but Sweatpants avoids it by throwing Diaz back against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Diaz.
Diaz is leaning against Sweatpants and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Diaz lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Diaz lands a left hand.
A body shot lands from Diaz.
Diaz misses with a punch to the body.
Diaz scores with a hook to the body.
Diaz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A nice right hand lands inside from Diaz.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
Diaz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diaz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A nice left hand lands by Diaz.
Diaz misses with a punch to the body.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Diaz.
A right handed body shot lands from Diaz.
Diaz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Sweatpants or not.
Diaz lands with a right to the head.
Diaz lands a shot to the body.
Good body shot from Diaz.
Good body shot from Diaz.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
Sweatpants prevents a body shot from Diaz.
Diaz can't find room to land a body shot as Sweatpants controls the action.
Diaz misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short body shot lands from Diaz as the two fighters clinch.
Diaz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A body shot lands from Diaz.
A left hand lands to the body for Diaz.
Diaz cracks Sweatpants with a nice body shot.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
Sweatpants prevents a body shot from Diaz.
A right hand to the body from Diaz.
Diaz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Diaz tries to throw a body punch but Sweatpants avoids it by throwing Diaz back against the cage.
Diaz presses Sweatpants against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Diaz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Diaz misses with a body punch.
Diaz lands a nice shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Diaz struggles to land a body shot inside as Sweatpants controls his hands.
Diaz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Nice body punch from Diaz - that landed with a thud.
Diaz throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Diaz tries to throw a body punch but Sweatpants avoids it by throwing Diaz back against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Diaz.
Diaz tries to throw a body punch but Sweatpants avoids it by throwing Diaz back against the cage.
Diaz scores with a shot to the side of Sweatpants's head.
Diaz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Diaz scores with a shoulder strike.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Diaz lands a shot to the body.
Diaz lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Diaz lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nate Diaz dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Earl Sweatpants's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Sweatpants gets tackled into the cage by Diaz. Diaz maintains the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Diaz.
Diaz misses with a hook to the ribs.

Sweatpants breaks the clinch.
Diaz is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sweatpants can do to turn this around?
Sweatpants looks to land a right hand but Diaz moved out of range.
Diaz misses with a jab, cross combination.

Sweatpants gets tackled into the cage by Diaz. Diaz maintains the clinch.
Diaz struggles to land a body shot inside as Sweatpants controls his hands.
Diaz lands with a light punch inside.
Diaz lands a hook to the side of the head.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Sweatpants in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Sweatpants wants to stall.
A frustrated look appears on Sweatpants's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Sweatpants tries for a takedown but Diaz manages to get underhooks.
Sweatpants is breathing heavily.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Diaz.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz misses with a body punch.
Sweatpants has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Diaz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Diaz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Diaz misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Sweatpants breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nate Diaz is winning the standup battle so far.

Diaz closes the distance and clinches.
Diaz working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Diaz tries to work over Sweatpants's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Diaz softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Diaz struggles to land a body shot inside as Sweatpants controls his hands.
Diaz scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Diaz is working Sweatpants over against the cage.
A hook to the body from Diaz.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diaz tries to work over Sweatpants's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
Diaz struggles to land a body shot inside as Sweatpants controls his hands.
Sweatpants wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Diaz tries to throw a body punch but Sweatpants avoids it by throwing Diaz back against the cage.
Diaz is leaning against Sweatpants and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Sweatpants takes a shot to the head.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
Diaz misses with a body punch.
Diaz digs a right hand underneath Sweatpants's ribcage. Sweatpants let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Diaz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Diaz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Diaz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Sweatpants or not.
Nice body punch from Diaz - that landed with a thud.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz misses with a body punch.
A short body shot lands from Diaz as the two fighters clinch.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
Diaz lands a hook to the side of the head.
Diaz works on Sweatpants's body with a couple of short punches.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
Sweatpants can't break the clinch.
Diaz is leaning against Sweatpants and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Diaz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sweatpants's elbow.
Diaz scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
A short right from Diaz on the inside.
Diaz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Diaz misses with a punch to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Sweatpants wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Diaz makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A shot in the inside from Diaz.
Diaz lands a body punch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A nice right hand lands inside from Diaz.
Diaz scores with a hook to the body.
Diaz lands a shot to the body.
A body shot lands from Diaz.
Diaz digs a right hand underneath Sweatpants's ribcage. Sweatpants let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Diaz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Sweatpants.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Diaz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nate Diaz has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Diaz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Diaz can't find room to land a body shot as Sweatpants controls the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nate Diaz dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Earl Sweatpants's cut.
That's time! Diaz's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Diaz pushes Sweatpants up against the cage in a clinch.
Diaz throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Diaz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Sweatpants or not.
Diaz lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Diaz struggles to land a body shot inside as Sweatpants controls his hands.
Diaz lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Diaz misses with a hook to the ribs.
A nice right hand lands inside from Diaz.
Sweatpants prevents a body shot from Diaz.
Sweatpants prevents a body shot from Diaz.
Diaz struggles to land a body shot inside as Sweatpants controls his hands.
Diaz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Diaz makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Diaz lands a nice shot to the body.
Sweatpants takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Diaz can't find room to land a body shot as Sweatpants controls the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz pushes Sweatpants back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Diaz lands a body punch.
Diaz tries to work over Sweatpants's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Diaz tries to throw a body punch but Sweatpants avoids it by throwing Diaz back against the cage.
Sweatpants prevents a body shot from Diaz.
Diaz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Diaz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sweatpants's elbow.
Diaz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Diaz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Diaz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sweatpants's elbow.
Diaz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Sweatpants.
Diaz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Diaz can't find room to land a body shot as Sweatpants controls the action.
Diaz misses with a body punch.
Sweatpants wants to break the clinch but can't.
Diaz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Diaz lands a left hand.
Diaz can't find room to land a body shot as Sweatpants controls the action.
Diaz lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Diaz struggles to land a body shot inside as Sweatpants controls his hands.
Diaz lands a shot to the body.
Sweatpants is trying to break free.
Diaz tries to throw a body punch but Sweatpants avoids it by throwing Diaz back against the cage.
Diaz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sweatpants's elbow.
Diaz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Diaz tries to throw a body punch but Sweatpants avoids it by throwing Diaz back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Diaz.
Diaz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Diaz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sweatpants's elbow.
Diaz lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Sweatpants or not.
Diaz lands a body shot.
Diaz lands with a light punch inside.
Diaz tries a body shot but Sweatpants blocks it.
Diaz cracks Sweatpants with a nice body shot.
Diaz can't find room to land a body shot as Sweatpants controls the action.
Diaz tries to work over Sweatpants's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Diaz gets through Sweatpants's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A right hand to the body from Diaz.
Diaz is leaning against Sweatpants and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A right handed body shot lands from Diaz.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Diaz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Diaz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Sweatpants prevents a body shot from Diaz.
A right handed body shot lands from Diaz.
Diaz is working Sweatpants over against the cage.
Sweatpants blocks a body shot from Diaz.
Diaz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Sweatpants.
Diaz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Nate Diaz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Diaz keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Sweatpants's efforts to push away.
Earl Sweatpants has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Diaz lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Sweatpants.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nate Diaz showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Diaz 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 30:25
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 30:25
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nate Diaz!
After the fight, Nate Diaz was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
90%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Donald Gaskins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Justin Ruiz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gaskins comes to the cage accompanied by Killing In The Name Of. Ruiz has chosen jukebox hero as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Gaskins
vs
Ruiz

188 cm
20
213 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

170 cm
27
205 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

5th Round Clothing
TFP Graphics - Pit Inc

Ultimate Fighting Gear
Elite Fighter© w/$10-$35 Clothing and 90% LAUNDRY!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Donald Gaskins!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Justin Ruiz!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Taro Takaoka and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gaskins is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

It looks like Justin Ruiz has been cut.
Gaskins keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ruiz.
Gaskins comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Ruiz ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Gaskins throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Gaskins connects with an inside leg kick.
Ruiz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gaskins avoids it really well and circles away.
Nice sprawl there from Gaskins as Ruiz shoots in.

Ruiz gets a double leg takedown into Gaskins's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Ruiz stopping the sweep attempt from Gaskins.
Gaskins looking to control.
Ruiz working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Gaskins's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gaskins tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruiz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ruiz trying to control but Gaskins is working from the bottom.
Ruiz with a flurry of punches that miss.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ruiz trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Gaskins trying to keep a closed guard but Ruiz is proving a slippery customer.
Gaskins tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Gaskins on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Gaskins tries to get out of the position.
Ruiz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Ruiz trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ruiz postures up in Gaskins's guard and throws a big left but Gaskins blocks it.
Ruiz looking to pass the guard.
Ruiz postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ruiz throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Gaskins pulls Ruiz in close to prevent any damage.
Ruiz passes easily into side control. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ruiz in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Gaskins gets back to half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gaskins is trying is best to control the position here.
Ruiz is thwarting Gaskins's attempts to control the position.
Gaskins is refusing to be controlled, as Ruiz sits in half guard.
Ruiz takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Gaskins is staying active underneath Ruiz, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Gaskins is controlling Ruiz's trapped leg to prevent Ruiz from advancing to side control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Donald Gaskins.
Ruiz thows a body shot but no joy.
Ruiz misses with a takedown attempt - Gaskins sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Donald Gaskins has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin Ruiz.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruiz avoids the head kick by Gaskins.
Ruiz fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Gaskins keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ruiz misses with a takedown attempt - Gaskins sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Ruiz shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Gaskins is looking to sweep but instead, Ruiz has passed into half guard.
Gaskins keeping hold of Ruiz's head, controlling as best he can.
Gaskins trying to control here.
Gaskins blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ruiz.
Gaskins is not content to let Ruiz control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ruiz sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gaskins defending well though.
Ruiz throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ruiz throwing shots but Gaskins is blocking nicely.
Ruiz working Gaskins over with strikes.
Ruiz looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Gaskins with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gaskins avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Ruiz.

Ruiz is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Gaskins sees it coming and defends easily.
Ruiz working the head and body with strikes.
Ruiz is looking to take a break and control but Gaskins is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Ruiz lands with a punch from half guard.
Ruiz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Ruiz throwing shots but Gaskins is blocking nicely.
Gaskins tries to get to full guard but Ruiz has control of the leg.
Ruiz looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Ruiz dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Justin Ruiz's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Good shot there by Gaskins.
Gaskins misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ruiz.

Ruiz drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Ruiz preventing the sweep.
Ruiz trying to control the position from guard on top but Gaskins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gaskins wants to sweep here but Ruiz controlling him for the moment.
Ruiz is in close to Gaskins's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Ruiz won't allow Gaskins to sweep him here.
Ruiz trying to control the position from guard on top but Gaskins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Ruiz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gaskins lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Ruiz!
Ruiz tries to lock up and control but Gaskins gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gaskins looking to ground and pound but Ruiz is blocking nicely.
Ruiz is trying to escape the mount.
Ruiz tries to lock up and control but Gaskins gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Ruiz bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Gaskins is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Ruiz slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Gaskins has his hands on Ruiz's head, controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gaskins is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Ruiz moves into full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Ruiz is on top in guard.
Ruiz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gaskins not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ruiz throwing strikes from guard but Gaskins blocks nicely.
Ruiz controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Gaskins 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gaskins keeping full guard, as Ruiz tries to pass.
Gaskins working a defensive guard but Ruiz passes into half guard.
Ruiz is looking to take a break and control but Gaskins is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gaskins has hold of Ruiz's hands but Ruiz slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Gaskins is staying active underneath Ruiz, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Gaskins trying to control but Ruiz postures up.
Ruiz prevents Gaskins from improving his position.
Gaskins wants to control but Ruiz is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Gaskins keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Justin Ruiz has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ruiz sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gaskins defending well though.
Gaskins is not content to let Ruiz control the position.
Ruiz passes to side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gaskins sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Gaskins trying to control but Ruiz postures up.
Ruiz throwing shots but Gaskins is blocking nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gaskins tries to get to full guard but Ruiz has control of the leg.
Gaskins keeping hold of Ruiz's head, controlling as best he can.
Gaskins has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Ruiz is working away from the top position though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Donald Gaskins just wasn't active enough.
Gaskins scores with a jab to the head.
Ruiz shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Gaskins defends it nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Justin Ruiz will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Justin Ruiz's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Gaskins throws a low kick but Ruiz moves out of range easily.
Gaskins defending well as Ruiz loads up on a big left hand.

Ruiz shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Gaskins's guard.
Ruiz stands up over Gaskins, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Ruiz throwing strikes from guard but Gaskins blocks nicely.
Ruiz trying to control but Gaskins is working from the bottom.
Gaskins controls Ruiz momentarily but Ruiz frees himself.
Gaskins will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Gaskins wants to stand but Ruiz is controlling the position.
Ruiz missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Ruiz wants to pass the guard but Gaskins is keeping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gaskins manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Ruiz is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Ruiz wants to control but Gaskins is having none of it.
Poor strikes thrown by Gaskins there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Ruiz tries to lock up and control but Gaskins gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Ruiz wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Gaskins.
Ruiz wants to control but Gaskins is having none of it.
Ruiz avoids a strike by Gaskins and manages to complete a very nice reversal in the process, to end up in Gaskins's guard! Fantastic escape!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ruiz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Gaskins is keeping the position for now.
Gaskins is trying to control the position but Ruiz postures up.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Gaskins jabs Ruiz to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Ruiz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Gaskins tries to close the distance and clinch but Ruiz swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Gaskins lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ruiz's sensitive parts.
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!
The fighters circle momentarily. Gaskins darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Ruiz dives in and grabs Gaskins's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gaskins pushes down on Ruiz's head and hops out.
Gaskins lands with a right hand.
Gaskins lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Ruiz takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gaskins lands with a cross.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Ruiz.
Gaskins prevents Ruiz from moving into mount.
Ruiz working away.
Gaskins tries to buck Ruiz off but Ruiz is having none of it.
Gaskins is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Ruiz's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Gaskins is pressing down on Ruiz's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Ruiz trying to control but Gaskins is working from the bottom.
Gaskins trying to control the position.
Ruiz wants to control from the top but Gaskins keeps moving.
Ruiz stopping the sweep attempt from Gaskins.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ruiz wants to control from the top but Gaskins keeps moving.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Gaskins is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

We're going to have a standup here because Donald Gaskins wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Ruiz misses with a hook.
Ruiz drops his hands momentarily and Gaskins takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ruiz blocks a head kick by Gaskins.
Gaskins misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ruiz.
Donald Gaskins is winning the standup battle so far.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Gaskins.
Gaskins keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Gaskins throws a head kick but Ruiz moves out of range.
Ruiz looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Gaskins uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ruiz.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Donald Gaskins clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Justin Ruiz's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Gaskins slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

Gaskins has closed the distance and engaged Ruiz in a clinch.
Ruiz blocks an uppercut.
Gaskins throws a punch but it's blocked by Ruiz.
Gaskins lands with a left to the head.
Ruiz blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Gaskins tries to work over Ruiz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Gaskins tries to throw a body punch but Ruiz avoids it by throwing Gaskins back against the cage.
Gaskins lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Gaskins doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A nice right hand lands inside from Gaskins.
Nice body punch from Gaskins - that landed with a thud.
Gaskins working aggressively here.
Gaskins swings wildly with an uppercut but Ruiz uses good head movement to avoid it.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gaskins misses with some punches.
Gaskins working aggressively here.
Gaskins lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That has opened up Justin Ruiz's cut even more.

Ruiz has hold of one of Gaskins's legs. Gaskins is fighting the takedown attempt but Ruiz gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Ruiz throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Gaskins wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Ruiz trying to control but Gaskins is working from the bottom.
Gaskins controls Ruiz momentarily but Ruiz frees himself.

We're going to have a standup here because Donald Gaskins wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Gaskins goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Gaskins is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ruiz will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Donald Gaskins is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ruiz takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Gaskins slaps away a takedown attempt from Ruiz, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Ruiz is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

Ruiz scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Gaskins gets back to half guard.
Gaskins wants to control but Ruiz is keeping busy.
Gaskins works his way to full guard. Good work.
Gaskins is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Ruiz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gaskins swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ruiz trying to control but Gaskins is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gaskins is on top in guard.
Gaskins wants to control from the top but Ruiz keeps moving.
Gaskins works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Ruiz avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gaskins.
Ruiz trying to control here.
Gaskins keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Gaskins tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Gaskins thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ruiz wants to get back to full guard.
Gaskins blocks the strikes from Ruiz.

Ruiz kicks off Gaskins and gets to his feet.
Gaskins throws a solid leg kick but Ruiz takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Gaskins.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ruiz is defended easily by Gaskins.
Donald Gaskins has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin Ruiz.
Gaskins fails with an attempt to clinch.
Good leg kick by Gaskins there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ruiz shoots in and drives through. Gaskins sprawls well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Ruiz fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gaskins avoids it really well and circles away.
Gaskins throws out a powerful jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Donald Gaskins had his way with Justin Ruiz in that round.
The cut man is working on Justin Ruiz's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Ruiz throws a hook to the side of Gaskins's head but Gaskins sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Gaskins displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ruiz.
Ruiz shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Gaskins as he jumps to the side.
Gaskins displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ruiz.
Donald Gaskins has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin Ruiz.
Gaskins scores with a head kick.
Gaskins scores with a jab to the head.
Good shot there by Gaskins.
Ruiz misses with a few strikes there.
Ruiz slips a jab and a cross from Gaskins.
Ruiz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice body kick there by Gaskins.
A nice inside leg kick there by Gaskins. That's going to slow Ruiz down.
Gaskins lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

The cut above Justin Ruiz's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Ruiz is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gaskins lands with a thumping leg kick.
Left hook, right uppercut from Gaskins.
Gaskins throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

Ruiz is rocked!
Gaskins looks for a left high kick but can't connect. Gaskins backs up to catch a breather... no he lunges forward with a huge flying knee that smacks Ruiz's temple! It sends Ruiz violently to the canvas! The crowd goes nuts as Gaskins celebrates and the doctors try to help Ruiz!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:20 of round 5, we have a winner by way of KO (Flying Knee). Donald Gaskins!
Donald Gaskins is the new light heavyweight champion!
A victorious Donald Gaskins 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 middleweight MMA rules bout between Jaius Garcius (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tom Hagen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Garcius's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Meshuggah's Pravus. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Garcius
vs
Hagen

183 cm
26
184 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

178 cm
27
195 lbs
10 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jaius Garcius!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tom Hagen!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Hirohito Nitta and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Garcius tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Hagen manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hagen shoots in for a double leg but Garcius sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Garcius shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Hagen manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Garcius keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Hagen's head.
Hagen wants to sweep but no luck.
Garcius postures up and lands a big shot to Hagen's brow.
Garcius throwing strikes from guard but Hagen blocks nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Hagen is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Garcius defends well.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hagen is trying to control the position but Garcius postures up.
Garcius throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hagen works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hagen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Garcius.
Hagen trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Garcius throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hagen works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Garcius in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hagen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Garcius.

Hagen has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Garcius doesn't defend quickly enough and Hagen has managed to lock this one up! Can Garcius escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Hagen on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Tom Hagen! Tom Hagen retains his middleweight title!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Tom Hagen made sure he mentioned [CBK] LEGAL HIGHS « AJFC↑ TRIPLE 160Q ®, along with how happy he was to win his fight.