PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kenny Claypool (ranked 2429 p4p, 2735 weight class) and Tatsuya Kimura (ranked 326 p4p, 355 weight class). Tatsuya Kimura is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Claypool
vs
Kimura

186 cm
21
176
5 - 2 - 0

171 cm
28
160
9 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Determined

Altitude Clothing

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 Amsterdam, Kenny Claypool!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tatsuya Kimura!
The judges for this bout are Ben Hemmingworth, Donatello Bradman and Darius Henderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kimura misses with a body shot.

Claypool pushes Kimura up against the cage in a clinch.
Kimura lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Claypool backwards.
Claypool misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kimura misses with a hook from the clinch.
Claypool misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kimura is looking for a takedown.
Claypool tries to work over Kimura's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kimura wants a takedown but no success here.
Kimura blocks a body shot from Claypool.
Claypool works on Kimura's body with a couple of short punches.

Kimura's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Kimura clinches up with Claypool and pushes him back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kimura changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Claypool fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kenny Claypool has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tatsuya Kimura.

Claypool forces Kimura back against the cage and clinches.
Kimura is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Claypool is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kimura has Claypool pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Kimura pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Claypool tumbling to the mat - Kimura dives into Claypool's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Kimura wants to pass the guard but Claypool is keeping the position.
Claypool is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Claypool is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Kimura is controlling him.
Kimura stands and throws Claypool's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Kimura thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Claypool wants to control but Kimura postures up.

Kimura swings around for an armbar but Claypool sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Kimura's guard.
Kimura looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kimura can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Claypool controls the pace.

Claypool got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kimura has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Claypool has managed to get both his arms back between Kimura's legs - danger averted.
Claypool stopping the sweep attempt from Kimura.

Kimura is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Claypool defends well.
Claypool wants to stand but Kimura is controlling his posture from full guard.

Kimura has his foot on Claypool's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Claypool works his way back into a safe position though.
Claypool has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Claypool's corner is telling him to maintain position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Claypool working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kimura's head.

Kimura had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Claypool defends it easily.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kimura is on top in guard.

Kimura being controlled here momentarily.

Kimura drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Claypool manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Kimura has Claypool in his guard.

Claypool decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Claypool fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kimura, pushing him back against the cage.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Kimura can't get the takedown.
A right hand to the body from Claypool.
Claypool goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kimura.
Kimura is trying to drag Claypool to the mat but Claypool just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A short body shot lands from Claypool as the two fighters clinch.
Kimura has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Claypool is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Kimura breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Claypool misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kimura wants to counter with a clinch but Claypool pushes him away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Claypool misses with a body shot.
Claypool throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
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 Kenny Claypool will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kimura misses with a wild combination.
Claypool throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kimura keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Kimura moves into the clinch.
Claypool goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Claypool prevents the takedown attempt.

Claypool breaks the clinch.

Claypool clinches with his opponent.
Kimura lands a nice uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kimura has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Claypool after a bit of a struggle.
Claypool is pressed up against the cage. Kimura has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Claypool down to the mat. Claypool avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Kenny Claypool has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tatsuya Kimura.

Claypool clinches up with Kimura and pushes him back against the cage.
Claypool struggles to land a body shot inside as Kimura controls his hands.
Good body shot from Claypool.
Kimura goes for a takedown in the clinch but Claypool prevents it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kimura is trying to drag Claypool to the mat but Claypool just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Claypool.

Claypool manages to break the clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kenny Claypool has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Claypool tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Claypool prevents the takedown attempt.
Claypool throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kimuras head.
Claypool working hard to break the clinch.
Claypool goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Claypool misses with a punch to the body.
Kimura wants a takedown.
Claypool has Kimura pushed against the cage.
Claypool working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Claypool stops a takedown attempt from Kimura.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kimura.
Claypool manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Claypool misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kimura prevents a body shot from Claypool.
Claypool stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
The referee calls for Claypool to work.
Claypool taking a breather.
Claypool seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
Claypool misses with a body punch.
Kimura drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Claypool lands a body shot.
Kimura tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kimura looking for a takedown.
Kimura throws a punch but it's blocked by Claypool.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Claypool lands a body punch.
Kimura lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Claypool stalling against the cage.
Kimura has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Claypool after a bit of a struggle.
Claypool can't find room to land a body shot as Kimura controls the action.
Claypool lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Claypool stalling in the clinch but Kimura improves position.
Kimura wants a takedown.
Claypool leaning against his opponent.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kimura.
Claypool is trying to push Kimura away but Kimura has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Claypool gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kimura.
Kimura is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Claypool is defending well.
Kimura wants a takedown but no success here.
Claypool lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kimura is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Claypool pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kimura is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kimura has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Claypool avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Come on Claypool - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Claypool will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Kimura up against the cage.
Claypool gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
Claypool tries to work over Kimura's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kimura is looking for a takedown.
Claypool struggles to land a body shot inside as Kimura controls his hands.
Claypool tries to work over Kimura's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A right handed body shot lands from Claypool.
Claypool wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Claypool struggles to land a body shot inside as Kimura controls his hands.
Claypool working aggressively here.
Claypool goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kimura blocks a body shot from Claypool.
Kimura can't get the takedown.
Claypool gets through Kimura's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Claypool tries to throw a body punch but Kimura avoids it by throwing Claypool back against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kenny Claypool dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Kimura closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kimura is working for takedown but Claypool is calmly controlling the position for now.
Claypool tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kimura's elbow.
Claypool doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kimura wants a takedown but no success here.
Claypool is stalling here.
A short body shot lands from Claypool as the two fighters clinch.
Claypool lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Claypool misses with a hook to the ribs.
Claypool lands a body punch.
Claypool prevents a takedown attempt there.
Kenny Claypool has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tatsuya Kimura.
A short body shot lands from Claypool as the two fighters clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kimura throws a head punch that misses.
Claypool tries to throw a body punch but Kimura avoids it by throwing Claypool back against the cage.
Kimura has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Claypool after a bit of a struggle.
A body shot lands from Claypool.
Kimura prevents a body shot from Claypool.
Kimura takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Claypool.
Claypool displaying some good clinch control by pressing Kimura up against the cage.
Kimura drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Claypool works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Kimura drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Claypool gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Kimura changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Claypool fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kimura uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Claypool.
Kimura doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Claypool counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

Claypool has closed the distance and engaged Kimura in a clinch.
Claypool stops a takedown attempt from Kimura.
Tatsuya Kimura has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Claypool tries to break the clinch but Kimura is controlling the position.
Claypool lands a nice shot to the body.
Claypool tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

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

Claypool has closed the distance and engaged Kimura in a clinch.

Claypool's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Claypool lands with a right hand.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Claypool.
This has been an exciting period of action!
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Claypool.
Kimura is looking for a takedown.

Claypool breaks the clinch.

Claypool clinches.
A short left from Claypool.
Claypool displaying some good clinch control by pressing Kimura up against the cage.
Claypool tries a body shot but Kimura blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimura tries for a takedown. No joy.
Claypool lands a body shot in the clinch.
Claypool is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Kimura is trying to stall.
Claypool struggles to land a body shot inside as Kimura controls his hands.
Kimura lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A short left from Claypool.
Claypool prevents a takedown attempt there.
A right handed body shot lands from Claypool.
Kimura goes for a takedown in the clinch but Claypool prevents it.
Claypool is working Kimura over against the cage.
Claypool goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Claypool is leaning against Kimura and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Claypool struggles to land a body shot inside as Kimura controls his hands.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Good body shot from Claypool.
Claypool misses with a hook to the ribs.
Claypool is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kimura can do to turn this around?
Claypool misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Claypool tries to work over Kimura's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nice body punch from Claypool - that landed with a thud.
Kimura drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Claypool gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Claypool lands a nice shot to the body.
Claypool doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Claypool controlling the action here for a moment.
Claypool misses with a body punch.
Claypool tries a body shot but Kimura blocks it.
Kimura tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Claypool has Kimura pressed against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kenny Claypool showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Claypool, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Hemmingworth scores the fight 30:27
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 30:27
Judge Darius Henderson scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kenny Claypool!