PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Michael Howardson (ranked 2146 p4p, 2976 weight class) and Jubei Akechi (ranked 319 p4p, 434 weight class). Jubei Akechi has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Howardson
vs
Akechi

183 cm
26
175
5 - 2 - 0

182 cm
19
159
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Experienced

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 New York, Michael Howardson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Jubei Akechi!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, John Roberts and Chad Campbell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akechi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Howardson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Akechi somewhat.
Howardson misses with a series of wild punches.
Howardson looks to land a combination but Akechi avoids it well.

Akechi fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Howardson to the ground. Akechi is now in Howardson's guard.
Akechi in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Akechi working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Howardson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Akechi is controlling him.
Howardson keeping moving, preventing Akechi from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Akechi with a flurry of punches that miss.
Akechi makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Akechi postures up and lands a big shot to Howardson's brow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akechi lands a couple of elbows.
Howardson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Akechi.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Akechi working his ground and pound in the gym.
Akechi works over Howardson with some ground and pound from guard.
Akechi distracts Howardson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Akechi trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Akechi lands a couple of elbows.
Akechi engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Akechi stops Howardson from standing up.
Akechi makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Akechi scoring with punches to the head and body.
Akechi loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akechi with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Akechi lands a couple of digs.
Akechi showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Akechi scoring with punches to the head and body.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Akechi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Akechi lands a couple of elbows.
Howardson on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Howardson tries to get out of the position.
Akechi scoring with some ground and pound.
Akechi forces his way 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!
Akechi is controlling the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akechi passes the guard and advances to mount!

Akechi is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Howardson to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Howardson shrugs it off.
Howardson taking shots to the head.
Akechi raining down shots from the mount!
Akechi working the ground and pound effectively.
Akechi controlling the position easily from mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akechi lands a couple of good shots and Howardson has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Akechi landing with strikes.
Howardson takes a big shot to the side of the head.

Howardson is rocked!
Howardson knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Akechi on the ground.
Howardson grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Oh Howardson is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Akechi is punishing Howardson with strikes - can he finish him?!
Akechi is raining down hard shots and and Howardson has had enough - he's tapped out due to the strikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Jubei Akechi!
Michael Howardson spoke after the fight, saying 'I apologize to my fans for this defeat, I will continue training hard and come back stronger. '.