ZAN 31 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Perro Loco (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mr Woo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Loco
vs
Woo

193 cm
26
263 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

192 cm
22
260 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Perro Loco!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mr Woo!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Woo shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Woo not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Woo missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Woo is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Loco trying to control but Woo postures up.
Woo wants to pass to mount but Loco is defending the position.
Woo lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Loco punching from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Loco is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Loco tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Woo uses his free foot to push down on Loco's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Loco.
Loco wants to hold on but Woo pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Loco stops Woo from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.
Loco is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Loco is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.

Woo has hold of Loco's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Loco manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Loco can't escape the position.
Woo has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Loco sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Loco wants to get back to full guard.

Woo is working for a submission here. He's got hold of the far side arm and he's looking for a kimura. He's cranking on the arm and he's got it! Loco is tapping out! Ouch, that looked like it hurt!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:01 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Mr Woo!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Bruce Lee (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jhonny Cage (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Lee
vs
Cage

182 cm
19
179 lbs
2 - 3 - 1

186 cm
19
168 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Bruce Lee!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jhonny Cage!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Sosuke Kotani and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Cage decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cage has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

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

Cage with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Lee is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Lee has given up his back.
Lee looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Lee tries to escape the position.

Cage has managed to slip his arm under Lee's chin. This could be all over... yep, Lee is tapping out! Submission win for Cage.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Jhonny Cage!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
59%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Travis Pintravon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bas Duran (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Duran has a niggling injury. He would have liked to come in 100% fit but that's not always possible. Bas Duran has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Travis Pintravon's chin.

Pintravon
vs
Duran

178 cm
24
178 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

182 cm
19
179 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Tianada's Nutrition Superstore

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Travis Pintravon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Bas Duran!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yukihiro Shimada and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pintravon throws a series of punches but Duran moves out of range.
Duran blocks a jab.

Pintravon drops Duran with a beautiful combination! Duran stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Pintravon is looking for the KO!

Duran is rocked!

It looks like Bas Duran has been cut.
Duran looks gassed!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Pintravon lands a nice leg kick that just misses Duran's sensitive parts.
Duran is still on wobbly legs! Can Pintravon finish him?
Duran lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Pintravon circles away quickly and effectively.
Duran seems to have recovered his senses.
A head kick misses from Pintravon.

Pintravon lands a big head kick that sends Duran tumbling to the mat! Pintravon takes a step backwards and waves Duran back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Look low, kick high! Pintravon uses the oldest trick in the book to send Duran tumbling to the canvas, in a truly brutal knockout! Pintravon is absolutely delighted - when Duran wakes up, I doubt he'll be quite so happy!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:25 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Travis Pintravon!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Okaohose Monuwe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricardo Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Monuwe
vs
Gracie

177 cm
24
170 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

174 cm
24
169 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Okaohose Monuwe!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ricardo Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Shigeki Fujiwara and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gracie tries to score a power double leg takedown but Monuwe sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gracie somewhat.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Gracie.
Gracie is trying hard to land a takedown here. Monuwe sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Okaohose Monuwe has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Gracie.
Gracie closes the distance and clinches up with Monuwe, looking for a takedown. Gracie pushes Monuwe against the cage but Monuwe circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

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

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

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Monuwe is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Monuwe is looking for a kimura here.
Gracie trying to control but Monuwe postures up.

Monuwe is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Gracie defends it well.
Gracie is looking for a sweep. Monuwe is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

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.

Gracie is defending against the submission attempts here by Monuwe.

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

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Gracie shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Gracie is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Monuwe looking for submissions off his back.

Gracie is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Monuwe sees it coming and defends easily.

Monuwe actively working from the bottom here.

Gracie is looking for a kimura here.

Gracie is trying to work for a kimura but Monuwe is defending well.

Monuwe is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Monuwe wants to get back to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Monuwe looking for submissions off his back.

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

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

Monuwe looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Gracie is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Monuwe looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Monuwe looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Monuwe tries to roll over but Gracie keeps him under control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Okaohose Monuwe will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Gracie shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Monuwe is trying to defend but Gracie finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Monuwe looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Monuwe actively working from the bottom here.

Monuwe looking for submissions off his back.
Gracie seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Monuwe does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gracie is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Gracie is working for a submission of some sort.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Monuwe is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.

Monuwe has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Gracie escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Gracie!
Monuwe tries to improve position but can't.

Gracie is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Monuwe is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Monuwe is trying to improve his position.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Monuwe sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Monuwe looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Gracie is working for a submission of some sort.

Gracie is working for a kimura but Monuwe is defending it quite comfortably.

Monuwe actively working from the bottom here.

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

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Monuwe looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Monuwe looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Monuwe is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.

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

Monuwe actively working from the bottom here.

Gracie is working for a submission of some sort.

That's four 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.

Monuwe actively working from the bottom here.

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

Monuwe looking for submissions off his back.

Gracie is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Monuwe is just riding it out for now. Gracie eventually gives up the hold.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Monuwe works his way to full guard. Good work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Gracie showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Monuwe tries for a takedown but Gracie circles away easily

and Gracie counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Gracie.

Monuwe looking for a guillotine here but Gracie defends easily.
Gracie must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Monuwe had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gracie defends it easily.
Gracie passes Monuwe's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Gracie is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Monuwe is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gracie seems to be looking for submissions.

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

Monuwe looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Monuwe is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.
Monuwe wants to improve his position but Gracie is controlling well.

Monuwe actively working from the bottom here.

Monuwe looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Monuwe gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Gracie to score an easy takedown into full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

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

Gracie got a little sloppy there for a moment and Monuwe has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Gracie has managed to get both his arms back between Monuwe's legs - danger averted.

Monuwe is looking for a triangle but Gracie pushes his legs off easily.

Monuwe is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Monuwe had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Gracie defends it easily.

Monuwe working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gracie doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gracie manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Monuwe actively working from the bottom here.

Gracie is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Monuwe defends it well.

Monuwe is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Gracie pulls his head out easily.

Monuwe actively working from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Monuwe looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Monuwe won't allow Gracie to pass to mount.

Monuwe looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Gracie has his takedown stuffed

and Monuwe counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Monuwe drops back, looking for a kneebar! Gracie looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Gracie looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Gracie!
Monuwe is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Gracie off and has taken his back!
Gracie is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Monuwe off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

Monuwe working for a choke but Gracie is defending well.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Okaohose Monuwe.
I think Monuwe 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 Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Okaohose Monuwe!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gilbert Aoki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Art Browley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Aoki comes to the cage accompanied by Prodigy - Breathe. Gilbert Aoki is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Aoki
vs
Browley

188 cm
20
200 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

180 cm
23
211 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Experienced

Tianada's Nutrition Superstore

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 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Gilbert Aoki!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Art Browley!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Browley gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Aoki's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A right hand to the body from Browley.
Aoki tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Browley just stands there and leans against the cage.

Browley's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Browley doesn't manage to clinch there - Aoki circles away.
Browley tries to clinch there but Aoki circles away.
Browley tries to clinch up but Aoki circles away and keeps his distance.
Browley tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Browley tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A punch combination from Browley misses.

Aoki shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Aoki trying to control the position from guard on top but Browley is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Browley wants to stand up but Aoki is controlling him.
Aoki wants to control from the top but Browley keeps moving.
Browley wants to stand up but Aoki is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aoki controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Browley is looking to stand up but Aoki isn't so interested in that idea.

Aoki 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.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Browley wants to stand and escape but Aoki is having none of it.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Browley tries to close the distance and clinch up but Aoki swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Browley tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Aoki paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Browley swats away the attempt to clinch by Aoki.
Browley tries to grapple but his opponent circles

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aoki stops Browley from getting back to his feet.

Browley pushes Aoki off, looking to escape but Aoki dives into side control. He's locked up a kimura now - that was fast! He's cranking on it and Browley is forced to tap! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Gilbert Aoki!
Gilbert Aoki is the new light heavyweight champion!