PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Rantang Gustus (ranked 1058 p4p, 793 weight class) and Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin (ranked 114 p4p, 93 weight class). Iwaga Genochin has chosen Majinahanashi as his entrance music. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Gustus
vs
Iwaga Genochin

159 cm
28
157
8 - 1 - 0

175 cm
28
150
9 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Powerful

Shadow Realm Apparel

Brooklyn Apothecary

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rantang Gustus!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Colin Fotheringham and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gustus doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Iwaga Genochin to counter with a crisp jab.
Gustus throws a low kick but Iwaga Genochin moves out of range easily.
Iwaga Genochin throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Gustus shoots in and drives through. Iwaga Genochin sprawls well.
Iwaga Genochin cracks Gustus with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Rantang Gustus seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gustus drops his hands momentarily and Iwaga Genochin takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Gustus takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Iwaga Genochin looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Iwaga Genochin scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Gustus doesn't seem bothered though.
Iwaga Genochin throws a low kick, looking for Gustus's leg but Gustus calmly moves out of range.
Iwaga Genochin is looking to chop away at Gustus's legs.
Gustus definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Iwaga Genochin dips to his left and cracks Gustus with an uppercut!
Iwaga Genochin lands a jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Iwaga Genochin with a nice calf kick.
Iwaga Genochin ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

Gustus drives through with a takedown into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gustus stops Iwaga Genochin from standing up.
Iwaga Genochin is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Iwaga Genochin is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Gustus trying to control the position from guard on top but Iwaga Genochin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gustus throwing strikes from guard but Iwaga Genochin blocks nicely.
Iwaga Genochin has his hands on Gustus's head, controlling the position.

Iwaga Genochin is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Gustus seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's two 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.
Gustus pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Iwaga Genochin is keeping the position for now.
Iwaga Genochin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Iwaga Genochin keeping full guard, as Gustus tries to pass.
Iwaga Genochin is looking to stand up but Gustus isn't so interested in that idea.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Gustus darts in looking for a takedown but Iwaga Genochin gets double underhooks and turns Gustus into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rantang Gustus. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Iwaga Genochin pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gustus shoots for a double leg takedown but Iwaga Genochin sprawls well. He's pushed Gustus's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Iwaga Genochin takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Gustus dives in and grabs Iwaga Genochin's left leg, looking for a takedown. Iwaga Genochin pushes down on Gustus's head and hops out.
Gustus with a poor takedown
enabling Iwaga Genochin to counter with a crisp jab.
A jab lands there for Iwaga Genochin.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice cross by Iwaga Genochin.
Gustus gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Iwaga Genochin fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Gustus.
A chopping leg kick lands by Iwaga Genochin.

Gustus shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Iwaga Genochin kicks off Gustus and gets to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Iwaga Genochin lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Gustus tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Iwaga Genochin defends well and Gustus ends up having to push Iwaga Genochin into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Iwaga Genochin breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Iwaga Genochin rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Gustus moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Iwaga Genochin uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Gustus has time to react.
Iwaga Genochin cracks Gustus with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Gustus fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Iwaga Genochin avoids it really well and circles away.
Iwaga Genochin swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Iwaga Genochin fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Gustus takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Gustus has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Iwaga Genochin.
Gustus tries to land a body kick
and Iwaga Genochin counters with a stiff right hand.
Gustus darts in trying to clinch
and Iwaga Genochin counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Gustus has his takedown stuffed
enabling Iwaga Genochin to counter with a crisp jab.
Iwaga Genochin lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Iwaga Genochin fails to land with a series of punches.
Gustus is looking to counter the offense by Iwaga Genochin and move into the clinch.
Iwaga Genochin lands a leg kick that knocks Gustus off balance momentarily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Gustus walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Gustus on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Iwaga Genochin lands a front kick.
Gustus takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Iwaga Genochin has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Gustus ducks right into an uppercut from Iwaga Genochin.
Gustus on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Iwaga Genochin scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

Gustus looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Iwaga Genochin!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Iwaga Genochin tries to escape but Gustus is in control.
Iwaga Genochin keeping his opponent close.
Gustus is looking to take a break and control but Iwaga Genochin is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gustus grinds an elbow into Iwaga Genochin's temple.
Iwaga Genochin has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gustus is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Iwaga Genochin is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Gustus looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Iwaga Genochin is trying to improve his position.

Gustus thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Gustus wants to control but Iwaga Genochin is keeping him busy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gustus taking a break here but Iwaga Genochin is having none of it and regains half guard.

That's two 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.
Gustus is trying to control the action in half guard but Iwaga Genochin is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Iwaga Genochin tries to get to full guard but Gustus has control of the leg.
Gustus takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

Gustus is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Iwaga Genochin doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gustus.
Gustus keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

Gustus is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Iwaga Genochin doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gustus.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Iwaga Genochin gets full guard.
Iwaga Genochin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Iwaga Genochin has his foot on Gustus's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Gustus works his way back into a safe position though.
Gustus tries to free his leg and advance position but Iwaga Genochin is retaining full guard.
Gustus postures up in Iwaga Genochin's guard and throws a big left but Iwaga Genochin blocks it.

Gustus thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Iwaga Genochin trying to control the position.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Gustus trying to control but Iwaga Genochin is working from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

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.
Iwaga Genochin swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Gustus.
Gustus looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Iwaga Genochin keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Gustus shoots for a double leg takedown but Iwaga Genochin sprawls well. He's pushed Gustus's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Iwaga Genochin is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Iwaga Genochin lunges at Gustus with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Gustus's hand.
Gustus takes one on the chin but seems OK.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Gustus.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rantang Gustus. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Iwaga Genochin stuffs the takedown.
Gustus shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Iwaga Genochin defends it nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Iwaga Genochin dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Gustus. That did some damage!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Gustus dives in for a single leg takedown but Iwaga Genochin sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Gustus jumps guard but Iwaga Genochin stands there with Gustus around his waist. Gustus gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Iwaga Genochin has had enough of the clinch but Gustus keeps him there for the moment.

Iwaga Genochin pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gustus tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Iwaga Genochin defends well and Gustus ends up having to push Iwaga Genochin into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rantang Gustus. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Gustus gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Iwaga Genochin wants to get back to his feet.
Rantang Gustus overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gustus is thwarting Iwaga Genochin's attempts to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gustus seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Iwaga Genochin does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Gustus is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Iwaga Genochin doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gustus.
Iwaga Genochin has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gustus is working away from the top position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Iwaga Genochin tries to kick Gustus off but Gustus keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Iwaga Genochin wants to control but Gustus is keeping busy.

Gustus is looking for a kimura here.
Gustus works his way into side control.
Iwaga Genochin is looking for a sweep.
Gustus wants to lay and pray for a moment but Iwaga Genochin keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Gustus tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Gustus trying to control the action but Iwaga Genochin is working from the bottom.

Gustus looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Iwaga Genochin is trying to get back to half guard.
Iwaga Genochin manages to get back to half guard.
Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Iwaga Genochin is refusing to be controlled, as Gustus sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Iwaga Genochin is trying to stand up here but Gustus is controlling him well.
Iwaga Genochin keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Iwaga Genochin is trying to control but can't.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Gustus closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Iwaga Genochin wants to get back to his feet.

Gustus wants to work for an arm triangle but Iwaga Genochin is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Iwaga Genochin wants to get back to his feet.
Iwaga Genochin is refusing to be controlled, as Gustus sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Iwaga Genochin pushes Gustus off looking to stand but Gustus dives back in and keeps control.
Iwaga Genochin keeping control of the position.
Gustus missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Gustus is trying to work for a kimura but Iwaga Genochin is defending well.
Gustus trying to control the pace.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Gustus looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Rantang Gustus has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gustus looks to land a strike but Iwaga Genochin avoids it nicely and regains full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rantang Gustus showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Iwaga Genochin 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin!
Sam Hiro Iwaga Genochin seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.