PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kaoru Hanayama (ranked 1431 p4p, 1193 weight class) and Slugger Dunes (ranked 214 p4p, 174 weight class). Hanayama's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Hanayama vs Katsumi. Dunes is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by The World's Greatest. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Hanayama
vs
Dunes

182 cm
32
175
17 - 18 - 0

180 cm
32
190
18 - 11 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Vegan Gains
Arcticus University: London

HELLBENT
Bondi MMA 🏝️

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kaoru Hanayama!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Slugger Dunes!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hanayama swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Dunes.
Dunes throws a series of punches but Hanayama avoids them all with ease.
Hanayama seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Hanayama throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Dunes throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hanayama.
Dunes lands a head kick. Hanayama smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Hanayama with a hook.
A punch lands to the side of Dunes 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Dunes on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Hanayama cracks a nice hook into Dunes's ribs.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dunes loads up on a big right hand but Hanayama slips the punch.
Hanayama misses with a looping left.
Hanayama throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Dunes looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Dunes ducks under a wild hook from Hanayama.
Dunes keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hanayama.
Dunes tries to bum rush Hanayama with a series of wild strikes but Hanayama uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Dunes fails in his attempt to clinch.
Hanayama misses the jab.
Dunes lands with a right hand.
Dunes throws out a powerful jab.
Dunes just misses with a punch to the body.

Dunes moves into range and clinches up with Hanayama.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanayama throws a head punch that misses.
Dunes swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Dunes has a couple of punches blocked by Hanayama.
Hanayama misses with a short punch on the inside.
Nice body punch from Hanayama.
Dunes misses with the head strike.
Dunes misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hanayama blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hanayama.
Hanayama working aggressively here.
Hanayama tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Dunes misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hanayama tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Dunes's elbow.
A short right from Dunes.

Hanayama pulls guard effortlessly.
Hanayama seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Dunes must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Hanayama looking to hit a scissor sweep but Dunes is one step ahead there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dunes would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dunes preventing the sweep.
Hanayama is pulling down on Dunes's head. It's preventing any offense from Dunes, at least for the moment.

Dunes stands up from Hanayama's guard - Dunes perhaps looking for a knockout.
Hanayama on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Hanayama connects with a right hand. Dunes shakes it off.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters circling - Hanayama throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Dunes throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Dunes takes one to the chin there.
Dunes swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Dunes tries to close the distance and clinch up but Hanayama swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Dunes throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dunes turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hanayama scores with a jab. Dunes acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Hanayama misses with a hook. Dunes ducked under it nicely.
Dunes throws a jab but it's blocked by Hanayama.
An attempted straight right counter from Hanayama misses the target.

Dunes drives through and clinches with Hanayama against the cage.
Dunes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Hanayama jumps into guard, dragging Dunes to the mat.
Hanayama has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

Dunes stands and steps away. Hanayama gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Dunes tries to clinch there but Hanayama circles away.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Hanayama pulls guard effortlessly.
Hanayama is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Dunes wanted to stand there but Hanayama had control of the position.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hanayama paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice leg kick lands there from Dunes.
Dunes throws a right hand that misses
and Hanayama counters with a nice uppercut.
Dunes throws a right and a left that both miss.
Hanayama is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
A decent looking cross lands there for Dunes.
Hanayama uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Dunes.
Hanayama misses the jab.
Dunes throws a low kick but Hanayama moves out of range easily.
Hanayama getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Hanayama will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Hanayama fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Dunes manages to avoid it.
Dunes jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Dunes fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Dunes fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hanayama manages to avoid it.
An attempted straight right counter from Hanayama misses the target.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Dunes throws a low kick but it's checked well by Hanayama.
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 Kaoru Hanayama will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Dunes pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Hanayama lands with a shot to the body.
Dunes lands a slapping body shot.
A cross from Hanayama lands.
Dunes slips a straight right by Hanayama.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Dunes blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hanayama throws a punch but it's blocked by Dunes.
A head punch on the inside from Dunes fails to land.
Dunes scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hanayama misses with a hook from the clinch.
Dunes lands a hook that snaps the head of Hanayama backwards.
Dunes misses with a hook to the ribs.
Dunes tries a body shot but Hanayama blocks it.
Dunes can't find room to land a body shot as Hanayama controls the action.
Hanayama lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Dunes.
Dunes goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A body shot lands from Dunes.
Dunes lands with a right to the head.
Dunes lands a left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanayama misses with a punch on the inside.
Dunes blocks a body shot from Hanayama.
A head punch on the inside from Hanayama fails to land.
Dunes throws a head punch that misses.
Dunes lands a shot to the body.
Dunes lands an uppercut.
Dunes working aggressively here.
Dunes pushes Hanayama back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Dunes prevents a body shot from Hanayama.
Dunes lands a shoulder strike.
Still in the clinch, Hanayama scores with a nice short uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Dunes.
Dunes tries to land knees in the clinch but Hanayama avoids the damage to the body.
Hanayama lands with a right to the head.
Dunes struggles to land a body shot inside as Hanayama controls his hands.
Hanayama working aggressively here.
Dunes misses with the head strike.
Hanayama misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Dunes working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Hanayama throws a punch but it's blocked by Dunes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hanayama creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hanayama blocks a body shot from Dunes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hanayama lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Dunes.
Slugger Dunes seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hanayama blocks an uppercut.
Hanayama misses with a punch to the body.
Hanayama misses with a shot to the kidneys.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hanayama.
Dunes lands with a light punch inside.
Dunes lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

Hanayama turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Hanayama manages to end up in side control.
Dunes pushes Hanayama away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Hanayama gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Hanayama tries to advance to mount but can't.
Dunes wants to get back to his feet.
Dunes is not content to let Hanayama control the position.
Dunes is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanayama is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Dunes will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.

Hanayama is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Dunes has escaped the position, nice work there.
Dunes is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Dunes prevents Hanayama from moving into mount.
Dunes tries to escape but Hanayama is in control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Hanayama wants to control but Dunes is keeping him busy.
Hanayama tries to advance to mount but Dunes denies him.
Dunes is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Hanayama has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Hanayama is looking to take a break and control but Dunes is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hanayama is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Dunes is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Dunes wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Slugger Dunes is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hanayama pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Dunes misses with a head kick.
Hanayama fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Dunes manages to avoid it.
Jab, jab by Hanayama - just one landing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Slugger Dunes will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Dunes avoids the body shot from Hanayama.
Hanayama misses the jab.
Dunes with the inside leg kick.
Hanayama pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hanayama uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Dunes.
A little feinted left hand from Hanayama on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Nice uppercut lands for Hanayama. That snapped Dunes's head back.
Dunes looks to land a left hand but Hanayama moved out of range nicely.
Hanayama cracks Dunes with a right hand to the side of the head.
Dunes tries to clinch but Hanayama is having none of it.
Kaoru Hanayama is winning the standup battle so far.
Hanayama misses with a hook.
Dunes takes a swing at Hanayama's ribcage but misses.
Hanayama scores with a jab to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Dunes, as that shot connected.
Hanayama takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

Hanayama has managed to clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hanayama's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A head punch on the inside from Dunes fails to land.
Hanayama misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Dunes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanayama lands a nice shot to the body.
Hanayama misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hanayama working aggressively here.
Dunes struggles to land a body shot inside as Hanayama controls his hands.
Dunes has a couple of punches blocked by Hanayama.
Dunes has a couple of punches blocked by Hanayama.
Dunes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hanayama can't find room to land a body shot as Dunes controls the action.
Hanayama doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hanayama goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Dunes working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hanayama drops down looking for an ankle pick but Dunes pulls his leg out and moves away.
Dunes misses with a few strikes there.
Hanayama takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Hanayama stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Dunes bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Hanayama takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Dunes fails in his attempt to clinch.
Dunes feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Hanayamas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dunes tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hanayama manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Both fighters circling a little - Dunes finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Dunes tries to clinch but Hanayama is having none of it.
Dunes lands with a straight right. Hanayama didn't see that one coming.
Hanayama misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Dunes.
Dunes throws a jab but it's blocked by Hanayama.
Dunes blocks a jab.
Dunes misses with a body kick.
Hanayama jabs Dunes right on the nose. Dunes blinks but takes it well.
Hanayama takes a swing at Dunes's ribcage but misses.
Dunes scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Dunes throws a right hand that Hanayama ducks under and follows up with a left that Hanayama also avoids with ease.
Dunes takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

Hanayama closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Dunes's guard.
Hanayama trying to control but Dunes is working from the bottom.
Hanayama stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dunes swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dunes is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Hanayama is controlling him.
Hanayama controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Hanayama slips nicely into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hanayama frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Hanayama controlling his opponent.
Hanayama wants to take his opponent's back but Dunes doesn't allow it.
Hanayama controlling the position easily from mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hanayama trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Hanayama is really struggling to control Dunes but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Dunes wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Hanayama looking to control and managing it successfully.
Hanayama trying to control but Dunes is having none of it.

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 Kaoru Hanayama.
I think Hanayama has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kaoru Hanayama!
Kaoru Hanayama decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.