PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Futoshi Matsunaga (ranked 62 p4p, 283 weight class) and Action Bastard (ranked 9 p4p, 29 weight class). Bastard has chosen Japanese And Lovely - Jucifer as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Matsunaga
vs
Bastard

170 cm
37
145
36 - 17 - 2

169 cm
35
150
24 - 12 - 3

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

SynCity Fightwear

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 36 - 17 - 2, fighting out of New York, Futoshi Matsunaga!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 12 - 3, fighting out of Los Angeles, Action Bastard!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Wesley Smith and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bastard misses with an uppercut.
Matsunaga is looking to counter punch.
Bastard throws the left hand but Matsunaga avoids the punch easily.
Matsunaga lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Bastard slips a straight right by Matsunaga.
Bastard throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
We've been informed that Bastard has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Bastard changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Bastard scores with a nice head shot.
Bastard fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Bastard misses with a body shot.
Bastard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bastard ducks right into an uppercut from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga misses with a looping left.
Matsunaga throws a looping overhand right but Bastard ducks down to avoid it.
Bastard looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsunaga is just out of range.
Matsunaga thows a left - swing and a miss!
Matsunaga moves into range and connects with a jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bastard pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Matsunaga slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Bastard blocks a jab.
Matsunaga misses with a series of wild punches.
Matsunaga moves out of range of the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bastard swings for the body but Matsunaga moves out of range.
Matsunaga uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bastard.
Bastard ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsunaga moves away.
A punch lands to the side of Bastard 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Bastard shoots in for a double leg but Matsunaga sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Matsunaga will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Matsunaga uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bastard.
Matsunaga is looking for a counter combo.
Matsunaga looks to land a combination. Bastard sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Bastard works Matsunaga's body with a nice hook.
Matsunaga throws a front kick that sends Bastard stumbling back into the cage.
Matsunaga with a nice cross.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Bastard takes a swing at Matsunaga's ribcage but misses.
Matsunaga slips under a jab from Bastard.
Bastard moves out of range as Matsunaga throws a body kick.
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!

Matsunaga gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Bastard to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Bastard working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Bastard lands a couple of elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bastard wants to control from the top but Matsunaga keeps moving.
Matsunaga looking for a sweep. Not yet Matsunaga, not yet.
Bastard keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Matsunaga's head.

Matsunaga is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Bastard trying to control the position from guard on top but Matsunaga is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bastard controls from within his opponent's guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Matsunaga's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

Matsunaga is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Matsunaga is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Matsunaga trying to keep a closed guard but Bastard is proving a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Matsunaga is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bastard postures up and lands a big shot to Matsunaga's brow.
Matsunaga keeping moving, preventing Bastard from controlling successfully.

Bastard avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Bastard makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Matsunaga is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Bastard is aware though and is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Bastard scoring with some ground and pound.
Bastard is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Matsunaga keeping moving, preventing Bastard from controlling successfully.

Matsunaga is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Bastard trying to control the position from guard on top but Matsunaga is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bastard is pushing down on Matsunaga's leg trying to pass to half guard. Matsunaga is fighting to maintain full guard but Bastard has managed to sneak the leg through.
Bastard uses his free foot to push down on Matsunaga's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Matsunaga.
Bastard scoring with strikes but Matsunaga is staying in there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Futoshi Matsunaga will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Bastard lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Matsunaga at a distance.
Bastard throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Bastard takes a swing at Matsunaga's ribcage but misses.
Matsunaga pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Bastard let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Matsunaga keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Matsunaga looks to land a left hand but Bastard moved out of range nicely.
Matsunaga swinging wildly here.
Bastard misses with a straight left.
Bastard throws a lazy uppercut
and Matsunaga counters with a left to the body.
Bastard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga misses with a looping right.
Bastard keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga blocks a low kick nicely.
Bastard lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsunaga on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Bastard throws a body shot but no joy.
Matsunaga misses with a wild combination.
Matsunaga looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bastard looks to throw the jab but Matsunaga is out of range.
Bastard is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Matsunaga rather than just go for the knockout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsunaga takes one on the button.
A solid leg kick lands there for Matsunaga.
Bastard swings for the body but Matsunaga moves out of range.
Matsunaga misses with a straight right.
Bastard throws a looping overhand right but Matsunaga ducks down to avoid it.
Matsunaga ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Matsunaga lands with a good body shot.
Bastard works the jab nicely.
Bastard fails with the takedown.
Matsunaga getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Crunch! Matsunaga slams his shin into Bastard's torso.

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

Matsunaga has one foot on Bastard's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
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!
Matsunaga throws out a loose jab but Bastard uses good head movement to avoid it.
Bastard lands a slapping body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga moves away from the strike by Bastard.
A counter left hand to the body from Matsunaga misses its target.
Matsunaga scoring well with a low kick there.
Bastard throws a leg kick that misses.
Bastard scores with a jab to the jaw.
Bastard steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga tries to land a leg kick but Bastard saw it coming and moves away.
Futoshi Matsunaga is winning the standup battle so far.
Bastard checks a leg kick nicely.
Matsunaga lands a nice leg kick that just misses Bastard's sensitive parts.
Bastard lands a glancing blow to the side of Matsunaga's head.
Bastard needs to keep his hands up - Matsunaga had a free shot at his head there.
A telegraphed right hand from Bastard misses the target.
Matsunaga fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Bastard has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Bastard connects with a crisp jab.

Bastard fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Matsunaga sprawls well initially but Bastard persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Matsunaga manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Bastard catches Matsunaga with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A big right from Bastard misses.
Bastard throws a body shot but no joy.
Matsunaga throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsunaga keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Bastard.
Matsunaga went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga lands an overhand right.
Matsunaga bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nice defenses there by Bastard.
Matsunaga misses with a left hand
and Bastard counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Bastard throws a hook to the side of Matsunaga's head but Matsunaga sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Matsunaga lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Bastard cracks Matsunaga with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Matsunaga cracks Bastard with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Futoshi Matsunaga is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bastard misses with a takedown attempt - Matsunaga sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Matsunaga ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Bastard moves away.
Bastard misses with a wild body shot.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Matsunaga.
Bastard throws a body shot but no joy.
No joy there for Matsunaga, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Bastard takes a swing at Matsunaga's ribcage but misses.
Bastard just misses with a punch to the body.
Bastard walks into a straight right hand from Matsunaga.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bastard blocks a head kick by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga misses with a series of wild punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bastard works Matsunaga's body with a nice hook.
Bastard misses with a straight right.
Bastard just misses with a punch to the body.
Bastard pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Matsunaga throwing a counter right hand but Bastard manages to avoid it.
Bastard fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Matsunaga has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Matsunaga lands a jab to the nose.
Matsunaga fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Bastard is out of range.
Matsunaga on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Bastard darts in looking for a takedown but Matsunaga gets double underhooks and turns Bastard into the cage.
It looked like Matsunaga wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Futoshi Matsunaga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Action Bastard.
Matsunaga uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Bastard.
Bastard dives in for a single leg takedown but Matsunaga sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Matsunaga swings for the body but Bastard moves out of range.
Matsunaga fails to land with a series of punches.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bastard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Matsunaga lands with a kick to the ribs.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Matsunaga, as that shot connected.
Matsunaga throws out a loose jab but Bastard uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

A slow jab from Matsunaga misses its intended target.
Bastard misses with a left hand
and Matsunaga counters with a left to the body.
Bastard with a nice cross.
Bastard avoids a punch combination nicely.
Matsunaga takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Matsunaga moves away from the strike by Bastard.
Matsunaga with a nice cross.
Matsunaga throws a nice head kick!
Matsunaga on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Bastard throws a big shot that misses.
Matsunaga lands a lovely overhand right.
Matsunaga closes the distance and lands a one-two.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bastard staying out of range there.
Matsunaga thumps Bastard with a low kick.
Matsunaga throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bastard sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Matsunaga takes one on the button.
Matsunaga throws a nice looking combination but Bastard bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Bastard lands a nice leg kick that just misses Matsunaga's sensitive parts.
Matsunaga lands a head kick. Bastard smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bastard checks a leg kick.
Matsunaga ducks under a wild hook from Bastard.
Bastard walks into a jab.
Matsunaga takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Matsunaga fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Matsunaga moves out of range of the strikes.
Bastard misses with a straight left.
Bastard uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsunaga.
Bastard feints a counter leg kick.
A big left from Matsunaga misses.
Bastard ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsunaga moves away.
Bastard dodges the punch combination from Matsunaga.
A jab from Matsunaga misses.

Bastard closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Matsunaga did well to prevent Bastard getting side control.
Matsunaga is looking to control Bastard's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Matsunaga avoid being mounted?
Matsunaga is trying to get back to full guard.
Matsunaga is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Bastard's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Bastard's back!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bastard turns into Matsunaga and is now in his guard.
Matsunaga is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Bastard works his way to full guard. Good work.
Bastard lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

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

Matsunaga escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bastard gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Bastard lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bastard wants to control from the top but Matsunaga keeps moving.
Bastard advances position into side control!
Bastard is looking to take a break and control but Matsunaga is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Bastard working the head with strikes.
Bastard wants to control but Matsunaga is keeping him busy.
Bastard controlling the position from side mount.
Matsunaga wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga is trying to control Bastard's posture but Bastard avoids it.
Bastard is looking to take a break and control but Matsunaga is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Matsunaga regains half guard.
Bastard trying to control from half guard but Matsunaga is working away.
Matsunaga is trying to get back to full guard.
Action Bastard has got the better of the ground game so far.
Bastard wants to pass to mount but Matsunaga is defending the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Futoshi Matsunaga did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Matsunaga lands with a hook. Bastard tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Bastard swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Matsunaga displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bastard throws out the jab.
Bastard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga misses with a straight right.
Bastard tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Matsunaga defends well and Bastard ends up having to push Matsunaga into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Matsunaga misses with a leg kick.
Bastard fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Matsunaga.
Bastard moves away from the strike by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Bastard was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Bastard ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsunaga moves away.
Matsunaga misses with a two punch combination.
Bastard takes a swing at Matsunaga's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bastard scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Matsunaga slips under a jab.
Matsunaga tests Bastard's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Matsunaga fails to land with a series of punches.
Matsunaga looks to score with a jab to the body but Bastard is just out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Bastard! But no joy.
A big right from Matsunaga misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bastard moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
A left and a right from Matsunaga both land. Nice combination.
Bastard throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bastard dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Matsunaga. That did some damage!
Matsunaga scores with a jab to the jaw.
Bastard moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
Bastard lands with a good body shot.
Matsunaga uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Bastard has time to react.
Bastard misses with a body shot.
Bastard slips under a jab.
Matsunaga is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Matsunaga drops his hands momentarily and Bastard takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Bastard shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Matsunaga as he avoids it easily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bastard avoids a punch combination nicely.
Bastard scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Bastard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Bastard keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bastard throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Bastard dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bastard throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A jab from Bastard finds it's way through Matsunaga's defenses.
Matsunaga scores with a nice head shot.
Bastard throws a quick inside leg kick.
Bastard just misses with a punch to the body.
Matsunaga throws an overhand right that lands on Bastard's shoulder, as Bastard tries to avoid the shot.
Bastard throws a jab when Matsunaga was well out of range.
Bastard throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Bastard looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsunaga is just out of range.
A nice leg kick from Matsunaga, right into the meat of the thigh.
Matsunaga moves away from the strike by Bastard.
Matsunaga uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bastard.
Bastard connects with a body shot.
A low kick lands for Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws an overhand right that lands on Bastard's shoulder, as Bastard tries to avoid the shot.
A head kick misses from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga tries to land a leg kick but Bastard saw it coming and moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bastard throws out a powerful jab.
Matsunaga smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Bastard throws out a loose jab but Matsunaga uses good head movement to avoid it.
Good standup being displayed there by Matsunaga as he connects with a hook.
A punch lands to the side of Bastard 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Matsunaga connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Matsunaga waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bastard.
Bastard swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Matsunaga fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Bastard.
Matsunaga throws a hook to the side of Bastard's head but Bastard sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Matsunaga walks into a stiff left hand from Bastard.
Bastard misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Futoshi Matsunaga has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Action Bastard.
Bastard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Bastard checks the leg kick nicely there.
Bastard fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Matsunaga manages to avoid it.
Bastard uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matsunaga.
Bastard uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Matsunaga.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matsunaga looks to land a combination but Bastard avoids it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga's jab looks to have found its range, popping Bastard under the eye.
A jab lands there for Bastard.
Bastard throws the left hand but Matsunaga avoids the punch easily.
Matsunaga has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Bastard finds it's way round the side to connect with Matsunaga's head.
Matsunaga throws a front kick aimed at Bastard's knee but Bastard avoids it well.
Bastard fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Matsunaga has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Bastard's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Matsunaga jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Bastard misses with a looping right.
Matsunaga connects with a leg kick.
Bastard throws a looping overhand right but Matsunaga ducks down to avoid it.
Bastard has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Bastard steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bastard throws out the jab.
Bastard keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The fighters circling - Bastard throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Bastard misses with an uppercut
enabling Matsunaga to counter with a crisp jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bastard looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsunaga is just out of range.
A left and a right from Matsunaga both land. Nice combination.
Bastard misses with a low kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Futoshi Matsunaga will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Matsunaga misses with a straight right.
Matsunaga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bastard takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Bastard throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Matsunaga stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Matsunaga thumps Bastard with a low kick.
Bastard checks the leg kick nicely there.
Bastard waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Matsunaga.
It looked like Matsunaga wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A telegraphed right hand from Matsunaga misses the target.
Bastard with the counter takedown but Matsunaga avoids it easily.
Bastard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Matsunaga lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A jab from Bastard finds it's way through Matsunaga's defenses.
Bastard takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Bastard uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matsunaga.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsunaga throws a jab but it's blocked by Bastard.
Bastard jabs Matsunaga right on the nose. Matsunaga blinks but takes it well.
Matsunaga connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsunaga throws a hook to the side of Bastard's head but Bastard sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Matsunaga uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bastard.
Matsunaga misses with a wild body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsunaga avoids the body shot from Bastard.
The fighters circling - Matsunaga throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Matsunaga misses with a hook. Bastard ducked under it nicely.
No joy there for Matsunaga, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Matsunaga throws a body shot but no joy.
Matsunaga blocks a jab.
A swing and a miss from Matsunaga.
Bastard throws a lazy right hand but Matsunaga sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Matsunaga fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Bastard fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Matsunaga manages to avoid it.
Matsunaga moves away from the strike by Bastard.
Matsunaga lands with an overhand left.
Matsunaga tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Matsunaga pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Bastard slips a straight right by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a head kick that misses.
Bastard lands with a good body shot.
Bastard avoids the body shot from Matsunaga.
Bastard lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Action Bastard has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Matsunaga.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bastard fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Matsunaga manages to avoid it.
A jab lands there for Bastard.
Bastard connects with a good right hand that stumbles Matsunaga. Matsunaga circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Bastard just misses with a punch to the body.
Matsunaga ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Matsunaga is looking to counter punch.
Matsunaga tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bastard displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsunaga throws out the jab.
Bastard with a nice cross.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Matsunaga.
Bastard avoids the body shot from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Matsunaga lands a nice leg kick that just misses Bastard's sensitive parts.
Bastard dodges the punch combination from Matsunaga.
Bastard looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsunaga is just out of range.
Matsunaga fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Bastard lands a right hook to the body.
Matsunaga throws a shot from downtown. Bastard moves away and avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bastard slips under a jab from Matsunaga.
Bastard misses with a hook.
A little feinted left hand from Matsunaga on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Bastard checks a leg kick.
Bastard fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Bastard lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Bastard throws the left hand but Matsunaga avoids the punch easily.
As Bastard backs away, Matsunaga returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Bastard misses with a looping left.
Bastard looks to score with a jab to the body but Matsunaga is just out of range.
Matsunaga cracks Bastard with a right hand to the side of the head.
Matsunaga slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Bastard was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Matsunaga lands with a good body shot.
Matsunaga looks to throw the jab but Bastard is out of range.
Nice cross by Matsunaga.
Bastard misses the shot to the body.
A low kick lands for Matsunaga.
Matsunaga lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Bastard circles away quickly and effectively.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Matsunaga scores with a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga feints a jab promting Bastard to slip. Matsunaga then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Bastard slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Futoshi Matsunaga is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Bastard throws a shot from downtown. Matsunaga moves away and avoids it.
Nice body punch from Bastard.
Bastard lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Matsunaga takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Bastard takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Bastard connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Bastard uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsunaga.
Bastard just misses with a punch to the body.
Bastard lands a right hook to the body.
Matsunaga cracks Bastard with a good jab.
Bastard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Bastard looks to land a left hand but Matsunaga moved out of range nicely.
Bastard takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A nice leg kick from Matsunaga, right into the meat of the thigh.
Bastard misses with an uppercut.
Bastard showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Matsunaga.
Bastard misses with an uppercut. Matsunaga saw that one coming.

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 Futoshi Matsunaga.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Matsunaga, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Alan Glass scores the fight 49:46
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 50:46
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 50:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Futoshi Matsunaga!
Futoshi Matsunaga retains his featherweight title!
A relieved looking Futoshi Matsunaga thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.