PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Thomas Maeda (ranked 1627 p4p, 761 weight class) and Lazuran Riku (ranked 197 p4p, 97 weight class). Maeda comes to the cage accompanied by Submission. 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.

Maeda
vs
Riku

169 cm
32
164
24 - 15 - 0

175 cm
43
163
42 - 15 - 2

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Vegan Gains

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Thomas Maeda!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 42 - 15 - 2, fighting out of New York, Lazuran Riku!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Russell Pearce and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maeda doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Riku counters with an outside leg kick.
Riku takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Maeda shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Riku as he avoids it easily.
A lazy left from Riku finds it's target.
Maeda misses with a hook to the body
and Riku counters with a head kick.
Maeda has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Roosters Coop in the buildup to the fight.

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

Maeda is rocked!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Riku throws a quick head kick that knocks Maeda silly! This fight is all over! What a finish! Riku is up on the cage, taking in the applause from the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Lazuran Riku!
Lazuran Riku decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.
Thomas Maeda spoke after the fight, saying 'Through Japanese translator to English. "My opponent was better today. I will not underestimate him next time"'.