Prelude to A CHAMPION 4 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between James Edwards (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Totoy Bato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bato has chosen Man from Manila as his entrance music. Totoy Bato has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Edwards
vs
Bato

196 cm
21
255 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

185 cm
21
220 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, James Edwards!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Totoy Bato!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Edwards shoots in for a takedown but Bato shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Bato shoots and misses

and Edwards counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Edwards pulls guard.
Bato trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Bato has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Edwards keeping full guard, as Bato tries to pass.
Bato is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Bato is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Bato drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Bato jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Edwards looking for a guillotine here but Bato defends easily.

Bato drops back looking for a leg! Edwards is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Edwards manages to kick Bato off! Bato jumps back into Edwards's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bato keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Edwards's head.

Bato is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Edwards is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Edwards has escaped and now he's on top!
Edwards not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Edwards won't allow Bato to sweep him here.

Bato is looking for a triangle but Edwards pushes his legs off easily.
Bato looks gassed!
Bato wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bato keeping full guard, as Edwards tries to pass.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Edwards is pushing down on Bato's leg trying to pass to half guard. Bato is fighting to maintain full guard but Edwards has managed to sneak the leg through.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Bato is staying active underneath Edwards, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Edwards not doing much here.
Edwards seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Bato does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Bato avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Edwards.

Bato looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Bato tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Bato is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Bato takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Bato tries for a takedown but Edwards sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

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

Edwards gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Edwards.

Bato gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Edwards to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Bato keeping moving, preventing Edwards from controlling successfully.
Edwards will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Bato has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Edwards can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Edwards stands and steps away. Bato gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Edwards throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Edwards misses with a takedown attempt

and Bato counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
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!

Bato is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Edwards has one foot on Bato's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Edwards stalks Bato and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Bato's face. Bato staggers backwards, shaken.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Edwards dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Edwards tries for a takedown but Bato circles away easily

so Bato counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Bato postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Edwards is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Bato, into his guard.

Bato is looking for a triangle but Edwards pushes his legs off easily.
Edwards trying to control but Bato is working from the bottom.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Bato 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.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Edwards in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Edwards trying to control the position from guard on top but Bato is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Edwards slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Bato wants to sweep but no luck.

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

Edwards changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Bato looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Edwards is looking to take a break and control but Bato is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Bato is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Edwards is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Bato will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Bato is not content to let Edwards control the position.

Edwards stands up and beckons Bato to his feet.
Edwards lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Bato backs up against the cage.
Bato shoots and misses
and Edwards counters with a good, hard body kick but Bato shrugs it off.

Edwards scores with a takedown into Bato's guard.
James Edwards overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Edwards postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Edwards's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Edwards wants to stand but Bato is controlling his posture from full guard.
Bato 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.
Bato looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Edwards puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Edwards takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Bato manages to get to full guard.
Edwards trying to control but Bato is working from the bottom.
Edwards passes Bato's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Edwards controlling the action here.
Bato wants to get back to full guard.
Edwards is looking to take a break and control but Bato is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Bato moves into full guard.
Bato looking for a sweep. Not yet Bato, not yet.
Edwards controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Edwards looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Edwards dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Edwards drives through and clinches with Bato against the cage.

Edwards escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Bato takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Bato with a lazy takedown attempt
and Edwards counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Edwards.
Bato takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
No joy there for Edwards, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Bato doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Edwards misses with a takedown attempt

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

Bato is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Bato is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Edwards actively working from the bottom here.

Bato seems to be working for a kimura but Edwards defends the submission attempt.
Bato missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Edwards is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Bato pulls his head out easily.

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

Bato 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.

Edwards looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Bato is working for a kimura but Edwards is defending it quite comfortably.

Bato is looking for a kimura but Edwards is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Bato to get the leverage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bato tries to stand but his arm is trapped.

Edwards looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Bato is working for a kimura here but Edwards manages to reverse the position and he's now in Bato's guard.
Edwards would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Bato is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Edwards is aware though and is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Edwards decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Bato, up you get!

Edwards rushes Bato and presses him up against the cage.
Edwards landing knees to the body.
Bato drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Edwards gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Bato's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nice takedown defense from Bato. No joy for Edwards on that attempt.
Edwards shoots and misses

and Bato counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Edwards!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James Edwards. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Bato with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bato pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Totoy Bato comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Edwards 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Edwards!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
65%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Fabiano Costa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tay Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Smith's choice of entrance music: Let It Rock. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Costa
vs
Smith

180 cm
21
180 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

179 cm
26
180 lbs
6 - 9 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Knockout power

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Fabiano Costa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Tay Smith!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith leaves Costa with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Smith rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Costa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Tay Smith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Smith lands a really nice looking cross but Costa seems unphased.

It looks like Fabiano Costa has been cut.
Smith sizes up Costa with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Costa moves in looking to clinch but Smith pushes him off.
Smith bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Costa's head backwards.
Costa shoots in for a double leg but Smith sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A shot to de liver by Smith. Beautiful body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smith tries a head kick but it misses.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Costa checks a leg kick.
Smith connects with a good straight punch right through the guard and follows up with a right hook and a left hook! That last one sent Costa tumbling to the canvas! Smith pours on the pressure with more strikes and the referee has no hesitation diving in to stop the fight! Costa was done - good stoppage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Tay Smith!

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 light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Andal Ampatuan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Isamu Takeru (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Ampatuan
vs
Takeru

180 cm
18
200 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

187 cm
22
205 lbs
2 - 1 - 1

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Andal Ampatuan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Isamu Takeru!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Ren Mimura and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ampatuan scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Takeru tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Ampatuan tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Takeru avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Ampatuan.
Takeru is looking for a sweep.
Ampatuan moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ampatuan cracks Takeru with a big elbow.

Ampatuan stands up.
Ampatuan on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Takeru moves out of range of the body kick from Ampatuan.
Ampatuan scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Ampatuan shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Takeru as he avoids it easily.
Takeru looks for a takedown but Ampatuan sprawls well.
Takeru will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takeru pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Isamu Takeru seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ampatuan has a takedown stuffed.

Ampatuan shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Takeru looks gassed!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ampatuan raining down shots from the mount!
Ampatuan fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Ampatuan landing strikes from the mount and Takeru is in trouble!

Ampatuan jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Takeru manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Takeru is looking to regain half guard here but Ampatuan keeps moving and retains side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ampatuan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Takeru keeps working.
Takeru gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Ampatuan is stalling here. Takeru is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Ampatuan seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Takeru has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Ampatuan is not content to let Takeru control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Ampatuan is trying to get back to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Takeru stands up and beckons Ampatuan to his feet.
Ampatuan is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ampatuan dives in and grabs Takeru's left leg, looking for a takedown. Takeru pushes down on Ampatuan's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andal Ampatuan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Takeru throws a body punch but Ampatuan moves out of range.
Takeru looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Ampatuan is fending him off so far but Takeru persists. Nope, Ampatuan circles away and we're back to standing.
Takeru shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Ampatuan sprawls well. Ampatuan wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Takeru gets slowly back to his feet.
Takeru moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andal Ampatuan dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Ampatuan closes the distance and clinches up with Takeru, looking for a takedown. Ampatuan pushes Takeru against the cage but Takeru circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Ampatuan tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Andal Ampatuan is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Takeru shoots in but no luck this time.
Ampatuan missing with a left hand there. Takeru was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Takeru scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Ampatuan moves out of range as Takeru throws a body kick.
Takeru fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Ampatuan throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Takeru was covering up waiting for the punch and Ampatuan finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Takeru can't keep his opponent in guard - Ampatuan advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ampatuan frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ampatuan landing strikes from the mount.
Ampatuan controlling the position easily from mount.
Ampatuan can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Takeru is looking to escape.
Ampatuan lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Takeru hang on?

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.
Takeru is just holding on here. Ampatuan manages to take his back.
Ampatuan trying to control momentarily.
Takeru is really stuck here.
Takeru has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.
Ampatuan lands with a big left hand that may well have hurt his opponent. Can Takeru hold on?!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Ampatuan's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Takeru tries to escape the position.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Ampatuan seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Takeru for as long as he can get away with.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Ampatuan keeps control of the position as Takeru tries to break free.
Ampatuan just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.

Ampatuan looking for the choke but no joy.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Ampatuan's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andal Ampatuan dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Ampatuan shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Takeru's guard.
Takeru is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Takeru not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ampatuan's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Takeru keeping full guard, as Ampatuan tries to pass.
Takeru has his hands on Ampatuan's head, controlling the position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ampatuan wants to control from the top but Takeru keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takeru looking to control.
Ampatuan being controlled here momentarily.
Ampatuan trying to control but Takeru is working from the bottom.
Ampatuan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Takeru swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Ampatuan slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Ampatuan throwing strikes but missing.
Takeru is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Ampatuan throws a lazy head kick
and Takeru counters with a head kick.

Ampatuan gets the takedown into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takeru can't do much from the bottom here.

Ampatuan decides to stand back up. Ampatuan steps back and let's Takeru get back to his feet.
An inside leg kick lands from Takeru.
Ampatuan with a poor takedown

and Takeru moves into the clinch.

Takeru breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Takeru tries to clinch

and Ampatuan counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Ampatuan throwing strikes from guard but Takeru blocks nicely.
Ampatuan controls from within his opponent's guard.
Isamu Takeru has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takeru is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Ampatuan is controlling him.

And that's the end of the fight!
Andal Ampatuan showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Ampatuan, 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 Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Andal Ampatuan!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Dakota Finley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Penny Kimura (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Finley's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Bad Company. Penny Kimura will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Finley
vs
Kimura

182 cm
18
170 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

182 cm
22
171 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Very confident

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dakota Finley!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Penny Kimura!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Finley gets caught flat footed, as Kimura shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Finley pulls Kimura in close to his closed guard and prevents Kimura from doing any damage or advancing position.
Finley avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Kimura in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Finley controlling Kimura's posture.
Finley manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Kimura is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Finley punching from mount but Kimura doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Kimura takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kimura tries to hold on but Finley postures up.
Finley connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Kimura is trying to escape the mount.

Finley moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kimura has worked his arm free - good work by Kimura!
Finley wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kimura keeps working.
Finley is chipping away with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kimura sneaks out the side door and pushes Finley away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Kimura fails with a takedown attempt.
Finley slaps away a takedown attempt from Kimura, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kimura checks a leg kick.
Kimura wants to clinch up but Finley keeps it at a distance.

Finley closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Kimura managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Finley.
Finley in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Kimura gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimura keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Kimura looks gassed!
Finley unloading with bombs!
Finley landing strikes from the mount and Kimura is in trouble!
Poor strikes thrown by Finley there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Kimura is looking to get to half guard.
BOOM! Finley connects with a massive shot to the dome!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Finley throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
BOOM! Finley connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Kimura wants to get back to his feet.
Finley connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Finley in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Finley postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Kimura looks a forlorn figure.
A nice elbow there by Finley.
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.
Finley lands a heavy elbow.
Finley postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Kimura looks a forlorn figure.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Finley decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Kimura wants to control but Finley is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kimura blocking the ground and pound attempt from Finley.
Finley thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Kimura is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Finley thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kimura's head.
Finley is looking to take a break and control but Kimura is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Finley looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kimura is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Finley trying to control from half guard but Kimura is working away.

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

Finley forces Kimura back against the cage and clinches.
Kimura drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Finley gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Finley prevents the takedown attempt.
Kimura is trying to drag Finley to the mat but Finley just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Dakota Finley has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Penny Kimura.
Kimura tries for a takedown but Finley manages to get underhooks.
Kimura creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Kimura drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Finley gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Finley is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Kimura gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Finley gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Finley slips a nice elbow through Kimura's hands, connecting with Kimura's forehead.
Kimura blocking the ground and pound attempt from Finley.

Finley stands up and beckons Kimura to join him on the feet.

Finley closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Kimura is not content to let Finley control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Finley decides to stand up, so the ref orders Kimura to his feet.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Kimura gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Finley regains guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kimura accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Finley is trying to keep Kimura in close.
Finley wants to stand but Kimura is controlling the position.
Finley has a closed guard, preventing Kimura from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kimura being controlled here momentarily.
Finley lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kimura!
Finley raining down shots from the mount!
Finley scoring with strikes but Kimura is staying in there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dakota Finley dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Kimura showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Finley.
Kimura doesn't succeed with the takedown
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.

Kimura closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Finley did well to prevent Kimura getting side control.
Finley trying to control from the bottom.
The fighters are battling for position here. Finley manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Kimura won't allow Finley to sweep him here.

Finley pushes Kimura off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

Finley shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Kimura is trying to defend but Finley finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Finley seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Kimura does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kimura has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Finley is working away from the top position though.
Kimura tries to kick Finley off but Finley keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Kimura is looking to improve his position.
Nice strikes from Finley there.

Finley is working for a submission of some sort.
Kimura won't allow Finley to pass to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Finley thows a huge punch but Kimura dodges it nicely.

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

Finley drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

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

Finley stands up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimura doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Finley counters by clinching up.
Finley gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kimura.
Dakota Finley has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Penny Kimura.
Finley lands a knee to the head.

Finley tightens his grip and picks Kimura up, before dumping him to the ground. Kimura manages to land in guard.
Finley wants to control from the top but Kimura keeps moving.
Kimura working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Finley.
Kimura keeping moving, preventing Finley from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Finley looking to sit in guard and control but Kimura gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

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

Finley fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Kimura sprawls well initially but Finley persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Finley prevents Kimura from standing back up.
Finley wants to pass the guard but Kimura is defending well.
Kimura moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dakota Finley showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Finley 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 Taro Takaoka 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... Dakota Finley!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Pull Over (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dave Dickinson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over comes to the cage accompanied by Insane Clown Posse - In Yo Face. Dickinson has chosen Harvester of Sorrow as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Over
vs
Dickinson

170 cm
20
205 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

179 cm
18
200 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Pull Over!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dave Dickinson!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Hirohito Nitta and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dickinson shoots in for a takedown but Over shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Dickinson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Over's waist but Over gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Dickinson off to one side.

Over closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Dickinson did well to prevent Over getting side control.
Dickinson won't allow Over to pass to mount.
Over content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Over decides to return to a standing position.
Dickinson avoids the head kick by Over.
Dickinson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Dickinson tries to clinch but Over moves out of range.
Dickinson doesn't succeed with the takedown

so Over counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Pull Over has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dave Dickinson.
Over missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Over drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Over jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Over could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.

Dickinson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Over thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Over has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Dickinson working for a triangle but Over defends it easily.
Over lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Dickinson isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Over stacks Dickinson on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Over!
Dickinson tries to improve position but can't.
Dickinson looks gassed!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Over is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Dickinson is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Dickinson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Over wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Dickinson is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Over prevents Dickinson from improving his position.

Over is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Dickinson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Over thows a huge punch but Dickinson dodges it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dickinson wants to get back to full guard.

Over is looking for a kimura but Dickinson is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Over to get the leverage.

Dickinson looking for submissions off his back.

Dickinson with the active half guard here but Over passes nicely into side control.
Dickinson tries to buck Over off but Over is having none of it.

Over is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Dickinson has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dickinson is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Over off and has taken his back!
Over manages to reverse the position and now he's in Dickinson's guard. Nice work there by Over.
Dickinson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Over is one step ahead there.
Over thows a big elbow that misses.
Over is pushing down on Dickinson's leg trying to pass to half guard. Dickinson is fighting to maintain full guard but Over has managed to sneak the leg through.
Dickinson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Dickinson.

Dickinson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Over defends well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pull Over dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Dickinson closes the distance and pushes Over back into the cage.

Dickinson pulls guard effortlessly.
Over sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Dickinson's guard.

Dickinson looking for submissions off his back.
Dickinson misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Dickinson regains full guard. Nicely done.
Over trying to control but Dickinson is working from the bottom.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Over throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Over 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.

Dickinson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Over can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Over scoring with some ground and pound.

Over drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Over jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Dickinson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Over defends well.
Dickinson wants to sweep here but Over controlling him for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Dickinson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Over defends well.
Over trying to control the position from guard on top but Dickinson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Dickinson looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Over passes into side control.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dickinson manages to get back to half guard.
Over prevents Dickinson from improving his position.

Over decides to return to a standing position.
Over fails with a takedown attempt.
Dickinson tries for a takedown but Over circles away easily

so Over counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Over thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Over looking to pass the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Over avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Over stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Dickinson slips a straight right by Over.
Dickinson fails with the takedown

and Over counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Dickinson!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pull Over dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Over tries for a takedown but Dickinson circles away easily

and Dickinson counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Over!
Dickinson is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Over tries to hold on but Dickinson pushes him away.
BOOM! Dickinson connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Dickinson avoids the attempt from Over to control.

Dickinson is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Over is surviving well by controlling Dickinson's body position as best he can.
Over tries to lock up and control but Dickinson gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Dickinson is working for a guillotine from mount but Over frees his head quite easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Dickinson moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Over has worked his arm free - good work by Over!
Over tries to escape but Dickinson is in control.

Dickinson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Over is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Over tries to buck Dickinson off but Dickinson is having none of it.

Dickinson is trying to get an arm triangle but Over is defending well.

Dickinson tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Over is looking to regain half guard here but Dickinson keeps moving and retains side control.
Dickinson advances nicely into full mount.
Pull Over overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Dickinson tries to control but Over wriggling away.
Over working to try and regain half guard.
Over wants to hold on but Dickinson pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dickinson looking for a guillotine from mount but Over is having none of it.
Over tries to reverse the position but Dickinson maintains control.

Dickinson goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Over is on top in guard.
Dickinson wants to sweep here but Over controlling him for the moment.
Over trying to control but Dickinson is working from the bottom.
Dickinson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's four 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.
Dickinson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Over's guard.
Dickinson passes Over's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Over gets full guard.

Dickinson stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Dickinson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Dickinson showed some decent athleticism there.
Dave Dickinson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Dickinson works his way into side control.
Over tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Dickinson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Pull Over is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Dickinson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Over knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dave Dickinson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Over 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 Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pull Over!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gigante Guerreiro Daileon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hiro Aoki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Daileon comes to the cage accompanied by Akira Kushida - Chou Wakusei Sentou Boukan Daileon. Gigante Guerreiro Daileon has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Guerreiro Daileon
vs
Aoki

197 cm
20
257 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

180 cm
18
220 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Gigante Guerreiro Daileon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hiro Aoki!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Hirohito Nitta and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aoki shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Daileon defends it nicely.
Aoki fails in his attempt to clinch.

Daileon darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Daileon is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Aoki is just riding it out for now. Daileon eventually gives up the hold.

Daileon is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Aoki sees it coming and defends easily.

Daileon is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Aoki doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Daileon.
Aoki tries to roll over but Daileon keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Daileon controlling the pace.
Aoki is trying to get back to full guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Daileon in particular looking to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Daileon trying to control from Aoki's half guard. Aoki has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Aoki keeping moving, preventing Daileon from controlling successfully.
Daileon slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Gigante Guerreiro Daileon just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.
Aoki shoots and misses

and Daileon counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Daileon drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Daileon jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Daileon has gone for a leg lock! Aoki slips out almost immediately though and dives into Daileon's guard.
Aoki working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Daileon trying to control the position here.
Aoki trying to control but Daileon is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Daileon is trying to control the position but Aoki postures up.
Daileon looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Aoki must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Daileon 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.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Aoki wants to clinch but Daileon slips to the side

and Daileon counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Daileon is working for a submission of some sort.
Daileon seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Daileon looks to land a strike but Aoki avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Aoki keeping moving, preventing Daileon from controlling successfully.
Daileon is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Daileon closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Aoki to the mat! Aoki manages to get full guard.
Daileon trying to control but Aoki is working from the bottom.
Daileon controls from within his opponent's guard.
Daileon trying to control the position from guard on top but Aoki is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Daileon 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.
Daileon content to stall in guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Gigante Guerreiro Daileon just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.
Aoki tries for a takedown but Daileon circles away easily

and Daileon counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Aoki is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Aoki trying to control here.
Aoki moves into full guard.
Daileon trying to control but Aoki is working from the bottom.
Daileon content to stall in guard here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Daileon drops back, looking for a kneebar! Aoki looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Aoki looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Aoki!
Daileon is looking to reverse the position.
Daileon manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Aoki wants to get back to his feet.
Daileon controlling the pace.
Daileon is trying to control the action in half guard but Aoki is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Daileon looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

Daileon is looking for a kimura here.

Daileon is looking for a kimura here.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Daileon not doing much here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Aoki wants to improve his position but Daileon is controlling well.
Daileon prevents Aoki from standing back up.
Daileon trying to control from half guard but Aoki is working away.
Daileon not doing much here.
Aoki is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gigante Guerreiro Daileon dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Aoki has his takedown stuffed

and Daileon counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Daileon thows a big elbow that misses.
Daileon wants to control from the top but Aoki keeps moving.

Daileon drops back looking for a leg! Aoki is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Aoki manages to kick Daileon off! Daileon jumps back into Aoki's guard.
Gigante Guerreiro Daileon overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Daileon showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Daileon wants to control from the top but Aoki keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Gigante Guerreiro Daileon just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.
Aoki shoots and misses

and Daileon counters with a single leg into guard. Aoki didn't expect that.
Daileon missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Daileon has gone for a leg lock! Aoki slips out almost immediately though and dives into Daileon's guard.
Daileon looking to control.
Aoki wants to control from the top but Daileon keeps moving.
Aoki wants to pass the guard but Daileon is keeping the position.
Aoki trying to control but Daileon is working from the bottom.
Aoki sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Aoki takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Daileon 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 two minutes gone in the round.
Daileon has control of Aoki's left arm, preventing Aoki from doing any damage.
Daileon 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.
Daileon has a closed guard, preventing Aoki from standing up.

Daileon throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Aoki escapes and throws Daileon's legs to the side, diving into side control!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Daileon tries to buck Aoki off but Aoki is having none of it.
Daileon struggling a bit here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Daileon scores with a takedown into Aoki's guard.
Daileon will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Daileon is stalling in the full guard.
Daileon trying to control but Aoki is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aoki can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Daileon controls the pace.
Daileon'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.
Gigante Guerreiro Daileon is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Gigante Guerreiro Daileon just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.

Daileon shoots in and bounces Aoki off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Hiro Aoki has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Daileon looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gigante Guerreiro Daileon showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Daileon 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 Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gigante Guerreiro Daileon!