PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tanaka Matsuda (ranked 37 p4p, 43 weight class) and Jack Spratt (ranked 6 p4p, 7 weight class). Matsuda comes to the cage accompanied by Gojira - Another World. Spratt has chosen Fit But You Know It as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Matsuda
vs
Spratt

190 cm
30
200
22 - 9 - 0

189 cm
33
195
23 - 7 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Brooklyn Threads
Brooklyn Apothecary

Voodoo Nutrition
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

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 22 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tanaka Matsuda!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Jack Spratt!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and Percy O'Donnell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Spratt throws a big shot that misses.
Matsuda throws a big shot that misses.
Matsuda missing with a left hand there. Spratt was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Spratt loads up on a big right hand but Matsuda slips the punch.
Nice jab there from Spratt.
Matsuda uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Spratt.
Matsuda changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Matsuda has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Gunner's School of Combat in the buildup to the fight.
Jack Spratt seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matsuda on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Matsuda ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Spratt moves away.
Spratt has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Matsuda throws a lazy uppercut
letting Spratt counter with a right hand.
Spratt misses the shot to the body.
An attempted straight right counter from Matsuda misses the target.
Matsuda moves out of range as Spratt strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuda scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Spratt doesn't seem bothered though.
Spratt throws out a loose jab but Matsuda uses good head movement to avoid it.
Matsuda tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Spratt was well out of range. Poor timing from Matsuda.
Spratt takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Spratt with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spratt misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsuda.
Matsuda appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Matsuda shoots in for a takedown but Spratt shows good takedown defense.
Spratt avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Spratt is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Matsuda misses the jab.
Matsuda misses with an uppercut. Spratt saw that one coming.
Spratt is looking to clinch.
Good leg kick by Spratt.
Spratt misses with a hook to the body

and Matsuda counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Spratt is trying to keep Matsuda in close.
Matsuda missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Matsuda wants to control from the top but Spratt keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda scoring with punches to the head and body.
Matsuda throws a big right hand that misses.
Spratt is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Matsuda makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Spratt is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Matsuda scoring with some ground and pound.
Matsuda wants to control from the top but Spratt keeps moving.
Spratt looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Spratt looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Matsuda distracts Spratt with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Matsuda trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Spratt keeping moving, preventing Matsuda from controlling successfully.
Spratt working a defensive guard here.
Matsuda has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Matsuda chips away with some ground and pound.
Spratt is trying to control the position but Matsuda postures up.
Matsuda scoring with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spratt is trying to keep Matsuda in close.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Matsuda accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Matsuda trying to control the position from guard on top but Spratt is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Jack Spratt is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Spratt throws an overhand right that lands on Matsuda's shoulder, as Matsuda tries to avoid the shot.
Spratt connects with a body shot that sends Matsuda's belly button to the back.
Spratt with a hook.
Matsuda throws a hook to the side of Spratt's head but Spratt sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Spratt swings widly with a right hand

and Matsuda counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Ground and pound from Matsuda.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spratt tries to kick Matsuda off but Matsuda keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Matsuda is trying to control the action in half guard but Spratt is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Matsuda thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
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 Tanaka Matsuda will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Matsuda.
Matsuda swings for the body but Spratt moves out of range.
Spratt wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Nice uppercut lands for Spratt. That snapped Matsuda's head back.
Spratt takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Spratt takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Matsuda misses the shot to the body.
Matsuda tries to move into range but Spratt moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Nice defenses there by Spratt.
Matsuda throws a hook to the side of Spratt's head but Spratt sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Spratt throws out a counter right but Matsuda avoids it with no problem.
Matsuda slips under a jab.
Spratt misses with a looping right.
Matsuda feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Spratts jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Matsuda misses the body punch
and Spratt cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Spratt misses with a wild body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Matsuda gets a double leg takedown into Spratt's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Spratt looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Matsuda stands up over Spratt, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Matsuda throws a big elbow that misses.
Spratt is trying to keep Matsuda in close.
Matsuda makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Spratt keeping moving, preventing Matsuda from controlling successfully.
Matsuda controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Matsuda working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Spratt's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spratt trying to keep a closed guard but Matsuda is proving a slippery customer.
Spratt keeping moving, preventing Matsuda from controlling successfully.
Matsuda postures up in Spratt's guard and throws a big left but Spratt blocks it.
Matsuda missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Matsuda landing some decent shots from guard.
Matsuda is looking to pass into half guard but Spratt pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Spratt is in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda wants to sweep but no luck.
Spratt looking to pass the guard.
Matsuda tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Matsuda looking for a guillotine here but Spratt defends easily.
Spratt preventing the sweep.

Matsuda looking for a guillotine here but Spratt defends easily.

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.

Spratt avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Spratt won't allow Matsuda to sweep him here.

Spratt stands up from Matsuda's guard - Spratt perhaps looking for a knockout.
Spratt stuns Matsuda with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Spratt fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
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 Tanaka Matsuda will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Matsuda jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Spratt swings widly with a right hand
enabling Matsuda to counter with a crisp jab.
Matsuda takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Spratt thows a left - swing and a miss!
Spratt lands with a right hand.
Spratt scores with a decent looking hook.
Spratt looks to land a right hand but Matsuda moved out of range.
Matsuda keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Spratt takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Spratt misses with a looping right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spratt lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Matsuda takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Matsuda throws a shot from downtown. Spratt moves away and avoids it.
A bone on bone clash there as Matsuda blocks the leg kick.
Matsuda works the jab nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spratt misses with a straight left.
Nice defenses there by Matsuda.
Matsuda appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
A good leg kick by Spratt.
Spratt feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Matsudas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Spratt misses with a body shot.
Matsuda changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Matsuda checks a leg kick.
Matsuda throws an overhand right that lands on Spratt's shoulder, as Spratt tries to avoid the shot.
Spratt connects with a looping right hand.
Spratt ducks under a wild hook from Matsuda.
Spratt misses the jab.
Spratt misses with a low kick as Matsuda jumps back.
Spratt thumps Matsuda with a low kick.
Matsuda fails with the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spratt avoids the body shot from Matsuda.
Matsuda slips a jab from Spratt.
Spratt lands a right hook to the body.
Matsuda keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Matsuda dodges the punch combination from Spratt.
Matsuda walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuda looks to throw the jab but Spratt is out of range.
Matsuda pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Spratt lands a jab to the head.
Spratt throws a right hand that misses
and Spratt takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Spratt connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Matsuda momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spratt throws a body punch but Matsuda moves out of range.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Spratt.
Spratt scores with a jab to the jaw.
Matsuda looks to score with a jab to the body but Spratt is just out of range.
Spratt scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Matsuda keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Spratt.
Spratt takes a swing at Matsuda's ribcage but misses.
Matsuda tries to counter with a takedown but Spratt is quick to defend against it.
Spratt avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Spratt swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

Matsuda feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Spratt has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Matsuda has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A head punch on the inside from Spratt fails to land.
Spratt working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A right handed body shot lands from Matsuda.
Spratt misses with a punch to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spratt swings wildly with an uppercut but Matsuda uses good head movement to avoid it.
Matsuda keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Spratt's efforts to push away.
Matsuda lands a shot to the body.
Spratt working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Spratt tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Spratt lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Matsuda backwards.
Spratt throws a punch but it's blocked by Matsuda.

Spratt breaks from the clinch.
Spratt uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsuda.
Spratt fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Matsuda is out of range.
Matsuda slips under a jab.
Matsuda moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Jack Spratt seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Spratt with a nice calf kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jack Spratt really 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.

Spratt walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Spratt stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Spratt wants it to stay on the feet.
Matsuda misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Spratt.
Matsuda throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Spratt looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Spratt listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
A swing and a miss from Matsuda.
It seemed like Spratt was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Spratt throws a big shot that misses.
Matsuda looks to throw the jab but Spratt is out of range.
Spratt now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Matsuda lands with a shot to the body.
Spratt throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuda scores with a hook to the body. Spratt takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Matsuda looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Spratt defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Matsuda.
Spratt misses with a left hand
and Matsuda counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Spratt looks to land a right hand but Matsuda moved out of range.
Matsuda swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A low kick lands for Spratt.
Spratt throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Matsuda loads up on a big right hand but Spratt slips the punch.
A telegraphed right hand from Spratt misses the target.
Matsuda misses with a wild body shot.
Spratt throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Matsuda.
Spratt misses with a shot to the body
and Matsuda counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Matsuda throws a looping overhand right but Spratt ducks down to avoid it.
Spratt misses the shot to the body.
Spratt walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Matsuda checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Spratt changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Spratt connects with a jab.
Matsuda misses the jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tanaka Matsuda. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spratt misses with a leg kick.
Matsuda half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Spratt lands with a hook. Matsuda tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Spratt uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Matsuda has time to react.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Spratt throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Matsuda counters with a nice double leg into side control. Spratt won't be happy with that.

Matsuda thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Matsuda in side control lands a decent elbow.
Spratt tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
Spratt wants to try and get back to his feet.
A nice elbow there by Matsuda.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda tries to control but Spratt wriggling away.
Matsuda raining down hammerfists from mount.

Matsuda with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Spratt working to try and regain half guard.
Spratt is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Matsuda working the ground and pound effectively.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
BOOM! Matsuda connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Spratt working to try and regain half guard.
Matsuda lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Matsuda working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Matsuda won't let Spratt get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Tanaka Matsuda overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Matsuda looking to control but Spratt is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Spratt is looking to get to half guard.
Matsuda takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tanaka Matsuda had his way with Jack Spratt in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Matsuda swings for the body but Spratt moves out of range.
Spratt ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsuda moves away.
Matsuda is looking to counter punch.
Spratt scores with a jab to the body.
No luck for Matsuda with that takedown attempt.
Spratt misses with a lunging right hand

and Matsuda decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Spratt's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Spratt escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Matsuda gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Matsuda pushes down on Spratt's leg and manages to get into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuda wants to lay and pray for a moment but Spratt keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spratt taking some punishment here, with Matsuda in his half guard.
Matsuda looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Spratt with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Spratt is looking to control Matsuda's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Spratt avoid being mounted?
Matsuda working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Matsuda is looking to take a break and control but Spratt is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Spratt wants to get back to his feet.
Matsuda seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Jack Spratt has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda wants to control but Spratt is keeping him busy.
Matsuda seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Matsuda lands a nice short elbow.
Matsuda seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

Spratt kicks Matsuda off and gets back to his feet.
Matsuda misses with a body shot.
Spratt gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Matsuda counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Matsuda scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda working the head and body with strikes.
Spratt is not content to let Matsuda control the position.
Matsuda scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Spratt trying to control but Matsuda postures up.

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

Matsuda seems to be working for a kimura but Spratt defends the submission attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Spratt slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Spratt is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Matsuda defends well.
Matsuda chips away with some ground and pound.
Tanaka Matsuda is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Spratt trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tanaka Matsuda showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Matsuda 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 49:46
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 49:46
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tanaka Matsuda!
An out of breath Tanaka Matsuda thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.