PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Billy Kimber (ranked 1480 p4p, 3408 weight class) and Daizen Kuroda (ranked 208 p4p, 452 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kimber
vs
Kuroda

186 cm
24
185
10 - 1 - 0

182 cm
20
156
3 - 4 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Experienced

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Determined

EFC Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Billy Kimber!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Daizen Kuroda!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Anni Minnemäki and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kimber takes a swing at Kuroda's ribcage but misses.
Kimber slips a straight right by Kuroda.
Kimber wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Kimber rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Kuroda counters with a shoot takedown. Kimber fights it but they end up in guard.
Kuroda pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kimber is keeping the position for now.

Kimber is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kuroda defends well.
Kimber looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Kuroda puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Kimber is doing well to control the position and prevent Kuroda from advancing to side control.
Kuroda frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kuroda has control of Kimber's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Kimber regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Kuroda looking to control but Kimber is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kuroda has hold of Kimber's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Kimber manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.

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

Kuroda goes for an armbar but Kimber turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Kimber.
Kuroda trying to keep a closed guard but Kimber is proving a slippery customer.

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

Kuroda working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kimber doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kimber manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Kuroda looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kuroda looking for a guillotine here but Kimber defends easily.
Kimber wants to control from the top but Kuroda keeps moving.
Kimber is really struggling to control Kuroda but he's trying to hold on to the position.

Kuroda is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kimber defends well.

Kuroda looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kimber 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.
Kimber has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Kimber trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuroda is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kimber sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Kimber postures up.
Kimber trying to control but Kuroda is working from the bottom.
Kuroda has control of Kimber's left arm, preventing Kimber from doing any damage.
Kimber wants to control from the top but Kuroda keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

Kuroda closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Kimber to the mat! Kimber manages to get full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kimber looking for a sweep. Not yet Kimber, not yet.

Kimber is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kuroda defends well.
Kimber looking to control.
Kuroda pushing down on Kimber's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Kimber actively working from the bottom here.

Kuroda wants to work for an arm triangle but Kimber is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Kuroda seems to be working for a kimura but Kimber defends the submission attempt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Daizen Kuroda dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Kimber walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Kuroda defending well as Kimber loads up on a big left hand.
Kuroda misses the jab.
Kuroda misses with a straight left.
Kimber half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nice uppercut there from Kuroda.
Some wild striking there from Kimber.
Kimber avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kimber tries to counter with a takedown but Kuroda is quick to defend against it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuroda avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kuroda misses the jab.

Kuroda gets a takedown into half guard.
Kimber is trying to maintain the position but Kuroda is very close to passing his half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kimber looking for submissions off his back.

Kimber is defending against the submission attempts here by Kuroda.

Kimber looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Kuroda seems to be working for a kimura but Kimber defends the submission attempt.
Kimber is controlling Kuroda's trapped leg to prevent Kuroda from advancing to side control.

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

Kimber is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kuroda pulls his head out easily.
Kimber is looking for a sweep. Kuroda is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kimber is working hard here to advance position.

Kimber looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Kuroda is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Kuroda trying to control from half guard but Kimber is working away.

Kuroda is looking for a kimura but Kimber is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kuroda to get the leverage.
Kimber is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kuroda's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kuroda's back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuroda trying to control but not successfully.

Kimber has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Kimber is trying to stick to Kuroda's back but Kuroda is turning into Kimber. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Kimber's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Kuroda.

Kimber working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kuroda doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kuroda manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Kuroda trying to control the position from guard on top but Kimber is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Kuroda 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.
Kuroda slips nicely into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuroda wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kimber keeps working.
Kuroda has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kuroda prevents Kimber from improving his position.
Daizen Kuroda has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kuroda working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Kimber's thigh. Kimber counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Kuroda forces his way into half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kimber is trying to maintain the position but Kuroda is very close to passing his half guard.

Kuroda is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kimber defends it well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Daizen Kuroda showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kimber misses the jab.
Kuroda circles away from the clinch attempt.
Some wild striking there from Kimber.
Kuroda swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuroda misses with a hook. Kimber ducked under it nicely.
Kimber steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuroda.
Kimber tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Kuroda manages to circle out of the way.
A slow jab from Kimber misses its intended target.

Kuroda darts in and clinches Kimber up against the cage.
Kuroda wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuroda tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kimber smiles and moves away.
Kuroda swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kimber looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuroda is just out of range.
Kuroda fails with the takedown.
Kuroda might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kimber throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Kuroda tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Kimber is in Kuroda's guard.
Kimber showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Kimber trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuroda is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Kuroda is looking for a triangle but Kimber pushes his legs off easily.
Kuroda keeping moving, preventing Kimber from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kuroda looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Kuroda has his foot on Kimber's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kimber works his way back into a safe position though.
Kimber trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuroda is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

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

Kuroda has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kimber can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kuroda trying to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimber wants to control from the top but Kuroda keeps moving.

Kuroda is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kimber is aware though and is defending well.
Kuroda keeping moving, preventing Kimber from controlling successfully.
Kuroda looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Kuroda keeping moving, preventing Kimber from controlling successfully.

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

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Kimber shoots in looking for a takedown but Kuroda manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kimber's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Kimber throws an overhand right that lands on Kuroda's shoulder, as Kuroda tries to avoid the shot.
Kuroda slips a straight right by Kimber.

Kuroda closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Kuroda tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Kuroda has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Kimber gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Kimber trying to hold on to Kuroda's head to control him but Kuroda postures up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kimber manages to get to full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Daizen Kuroda really dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kimber is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kuroda sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Kimber misses with a leg kick.
A big left from Kuroda misses.
Kimber throws a low kick but it's checked well by Kuroda.
Kuroda uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kimber.
Kuroda misses with a looping left.
Kuroda throws the left hand but Kimber avoids the punch easily.

Kuroda gets caught napping as Kimber dives in and scores a takedown. Kuroda manages to retain guard.

Kuroda is looking for a triangle but Kimber pushes his legs off easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuroda keeping moving, preventing Kimber from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kuroda is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kimber defends well.

Kimber avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kuroda is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuroda trying to control the position.
Kimber trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuroda is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Kuroda has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kimber can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kimber trying to control but Kuroda is working from the bottom.

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.

Kimber has gone for a leg lock! Kuroda slips out almost immediately though and dives into Kimber's guard.

Kuroda won't allow Kimber to sweep him here.

Kimber looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Kuroda passes into half guard.

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

Kuroda seems to be working for a kimura but Kimber defends the submission attempt.
Kuroda is trying to control the action in half guard but Kimber is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimber tries to roll over but Kuroda keeps him under control.

Kimber actively working from the bottom here.
Kimber tries to get to full guard but Kuroda has control of the leg.
Kuroda controlling the action here.

Kuroda wants to work for an arm triangle but Kimber is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Kimber trying to control from the bottom.

Kimber looking for submissions off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Kuroda wants to pass the guard but Kimber is defending well.

Kuroda seems to be looking for submissions.

Kimber is defending against the submission attempts here by Kuroda.
Kimber has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kuroda is working away from the top position though.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Kuroda seems to be looking for submissions.
Kimber tries to get to full guard but Kuroda has control of the leg.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Daizen Kuroda dominated that fourth round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Kuroda waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kimber.
Kuroda misses with a takedown attempt - Kimber sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Kimber attempts a counter takedown but Kuroda avoids it well and moves away.
Kimber shoots for a double leg takedown but Kuroda sprawls well. He's pushed Kimber's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Kuroda looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kimber fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kuroda is out of range.
Kimber moves out of range of the strikes.
A swing and a miss from Kuroda.
Kimber swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kuroda missing with a left hand there. Kimber was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuroda tries to clinch but Kimber moves out of range.

Kimber has Kuroda up against the cage in a clinch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

Kimber has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Kuroda clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kimber has the hooks in. Kuroda is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

Kimber is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Kuroda knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Kuroda for a finish.
Kuroda rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.

Kimber is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Kuroda has managed to free his arm - good work.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

Kuroda looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuroda is staying active underneath Kimber, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Well,Kimber is on his way to losing a decision here. Can he use his experience to pull something off in the closing minutes?
Kimber wants to free his trapped foot but Kuroda is holding on for dear life with his legs.

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

Kimber is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Kuroda trying to control here.
Kuroda keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kimber seems to be looking for submissions.

Kimber is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Daizen Kuroda is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Kuroda looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Kuroda is trying to control but can't.
Kuroda wants to get back to full guard.

Kimber is looking for a kimura here.
Kuroda wants to control but Kimber is keeping busy and won't allow it.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Kuroda throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Kimber was covering up waiting for the punch and Kuroda finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Kimber isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Kuroda stacks Kimber 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 Kuroda!
Kuroda is looking to take a break and control but Kimber is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kimber tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kuroda wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Billy Kimber has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Kuroda looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

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 Billy Kimber.
I think Kuroda has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight for Daizen Kuroda!
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight for Daizen Kuroda!
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight for Daizen Kuroda!

Daizen Kuroda wins by unanimous decision!
Daizen Kuroda is the new middleweight champion!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Daizen Kuroda made sure he mentioned EFC Threads, along with how happy he was to win his fight.
The defeated Billy Kimber had this to say: 'I wanna thank my fans for the support, thank you MKFC for what you do you'll the best. Good bye.'.