PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tomomisan Tsuruta (ranked 1030 p4p, 2288 weight class) and Eliott Leighton (ranked 147 p4p, 286 weight class). Leighton has chosen Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood as his entrance music. Tomomisan Tsuruta has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Tsuruta
vs
Leighton

192 cm
30
209
16 - 9 - 1

191 cm
33
204
16 - 18 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter
Voodoo Nutrition

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 16 - 9 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Tomomisan Tsuruta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 18 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Eliott Leighton!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Wesley Smith and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tsuruta has closed the distance and engaged Leighton in a clinch.
Tsuruta is leaning against Leighton and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Tsuruta is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Leighton is keeping busy.
A nice left hand lands by Tsuruta.
I was talking to Tsuruta's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
A short body shot lands from Tsuruta as the two fighters clinch.
Tsuruta lands a body shot in the clinch.
Leighton wants to break the clinch but can't.
Tsuruta doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Tsuruta slows down the pace here.
Tsuruta stalling against the cage.
Tsuruta lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tsuruta misses with a punch to the body.
Leighton drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A hook to the body from Tsuruta.

Leighton breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Tsuruta cracks Leighton with a good jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leighton looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Tomomisan Tsuruta seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tsuruta swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And Leighton tries to counter it with a takedown but Tsuruta pushes his down on his head and steps out.

Tsuruta drives through and clinches with Leighton against the cage.
Tsuruta makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Leighton is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Tsuruta gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Leighton being controlled against the cage.
Tsuruta misses with a punch to the body.

Leighton breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Tsuruta moves into range and clinches up with Leighton.
Tsuruta lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Leighton tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Tsuruta avoids it.
Tsuruta can't find room to land a body shot as Leighton controls the action.
Tsuruta lands a right hand.
Tsuruta working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Leighton is working for takedown but Tsuruta is calmly controlling the position for now.
Tomomisan Tsuruta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Eliott Leighton.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tsuruta is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Tsuruta tries a body shot but Leighton blocks it.
Tsuruta tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A left hand lands to the body for Tsuruta.
Leighton is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Tsuruta is keeping busy.
Leighton misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Tsuruta.
Leighton drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tsuruta tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Leighton is working for takedown but Tsuruta is calmly controlling the position for now.
Tsuruta has Leighton pressed against the cage, preventing Leighton from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Tsuruta working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Tsuruta is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Tsuruta lands a body shot in the clinch.
Leighton looks winded!
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Tsuruta takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Tsuruta doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Leighton has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Tsuruta after a bit of a struggle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Tsuruta.
Tsuruta lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A body shot lands from Tsuruta.
Tsuruta lands a left hand that snaps the head of Leighton backwards.
Tsuruta lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Leighton backwards.
Tsuruta stalling the fight.
Leighton wants to take the fight to the mat but Tsuruta manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Tsuruta working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Tsuruta lands a body punch.
Tsuruta lands with a left to the head.
Tsuruta lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Leighton.
Tsuruta tries a body shot but Leighton blocks it.
A short left from Tsuruta.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tsuruta lands with a left to the head.

Leighton is rocked!
Tsuruta lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Leighton is still on wobbly legs! Can Tsuruta finish him?
Leighton being controlled against the cage.
Tsuruta avoiding damage.
Tsuruta misses with a body punch.
Leighton seems to have recovered his senses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Tsuruta tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Leighton's elbow.
A left hand lands to the body for Tsuruta.

Leighton lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Tsuruta pushes Leighton off and gets back to his feet.
A jab lands there for Tsuruta.
Tsuruta lands with a cross.
Leighton with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Tsuruta to score with a decent uppercut.
Tsuruta lunges at Leighton with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Leighton's hand.
Tsuruta misses with a straight right.
Leighton drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Tsuruta defends it well.
Tsuruta cracks Leighton with a right hand to the side of the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tsuruta connects with a body shot that sends Leighton's belly button to the back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tomomisan Tsuruta dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Tsuruta throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tsuruta connects with a right hand. Leighton shakes it off.
Leighton displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Tsuruta throws out the jab.
Nice cross by Tsuruta.
Tsuruta cracks Leighton with a right hand to the side of the head.
Tsuruta looks to land a left hand but Leighton moved out of range nicely.
Tsuruta works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Tsuruta scores with a jab to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tsuruta throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Tsuruta swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Leighton is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Leighton steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tsuruta.
Leighton is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Tsuruta is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Leighton tries to score a power double leg takedown but Tsuruta sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Leighton somewhat.
Tomomisan Tsuruta is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tsuruta getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Tsuruta cracks a nice hook into Leighton's ribs.
Tomomisan Tsuruta is winning the standup battle so far.
Leighton walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Tsuruta stuns Leighton with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Leighton keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tsuruta.
Tsuruta is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Leighton can do to turn this around?
Tsuruta scores with a hook to the body. Leighton takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Tsuruta ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Leighton moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta scores with a shot to the body.
Leighton steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tsuruta.
Leighton wants to counter the offense by Tsuruta and move into the clinch position.
The fighters circle momentarily. Tsuruta darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Tsuruta cracks a nice hook into Leighton's ribs.
Leighton drops his hands momentarily and Tsuruta takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
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!
Leighton keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Tsuruta wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Tsuruta misses with a straight left.
Tsuruta misses with an uppercut. Leighton saw that one coming.
And Leighton tries to counter it with a takedown but Tsuruta pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Tsuruta dips to his left and cracks Leighton with an uppercut!
Leighton shoots for a double leg takedown but Tsuruta sprawls well. He's pushed Leighton's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tsuruta lands a nice looking body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Leighton tries to move into range but Tsuruta moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Tsuruta connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Tsuruta gets underhooks to prevent Leighton's takedown attempt.
Tomomisan Tsuruta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Eliott Leighton.
Leighton has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tsuruta is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Tsuruta doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Tsuruta slows down the pace here.
Tsuruta slows down the pace here.
Tsuruta being controlled against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta is looking to control Leighton's arms but Leighton gets an underhook and turns him. Now Tsuruta has his back to the cage.
Leighton can't break the clinch.
A short right from Tsuruta on the inside.
Tsuruta throws a head punch that misses.
Leighton wants a takedown.
Tsuruta lands a shoulder strike.
Tsuruta lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Tsuruta prevents the takedown attempt.
Leighton is breathing heavily.
Leighton can't get the takedown.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A hook to the body from Tsuruta.
Tsuruta lands a left hand.
Tsuruta lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Leighton backwards.
Tsuruta misses with a body punch.
Tsuruta misses with a punch to the body.
Leighton working hard to break the clinch.
Tsuruta stalling.
Tsuruta struggles to land a body shot inside as Leighton controls his hands.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tomomisan Tsuruta 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!

Tsuruta throws out a loose jab but Leighton uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tsuruta dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Tsuruta scores with a nice strike.
Tsuruta defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Leighton.
Tsuruta looks to land a left hand but Leighton moved out of range nicely.
Leighton tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Leighton takes one to the chin there.
Nice takedown defense from Tsuruta. No joy for Leighton on that attempt.
Tsuruta throwing a counter right hand but Leighton manages to avoid it.
A punch lands to the side of Leighton 's head but he takes it in his stride.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tsuruta looks to throw the jab but Leighton is out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tsuruta. Leighton does a little dance to reset his feet.

Leighton shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
My spies in The Factory inform me that Leighton has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Leighton takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tsuruta is controlling Leighton's posture.
Tsuruta keeping moving, preventing Leighton from controlling successfully.
Leighton trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Tsuruta manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Tsuruta is stalling in the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tsuruta has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Tsuruta'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.
Tsuruta forces his way into half guard.
Tsuruta looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Leighton with the active half guard here but Tsuruta passes nicely into side control.
Tsuruta controlling the position from side mount.
Eliott Leighton has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tsuruta cracks Leighton with a big elbow.
Tomomisan Tsuruta is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tsuruta slows the pace down.

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.

Tsuruta decides to stand up, so the ref orders Leighton to his feet.
Tsuruta connects with the punch.
A jab from Tsuruta misses.
Tsuruta jabs Leighton right on the nose. Leighton blinks but takes it well.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tsuruta. Leighton does a little dance to reset his feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tsuruta punishes Leighton's body with a nice straight punch.
Tsuruta lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Tsuruta lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tomomisan Tsuruta showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Tsuruta 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 Robert Twigg scores the fight 30:25
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 30:25
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tomomisan Tsuruta!
Tomomisan Tsuruta very nearly forgot to thank Voodoo Nutrition amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.