PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Flo Holl (ranked 330 p4p, 1077 weight class) and Genkei Takahashi (ranked 31 p4p, 99 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Holl
vs
Takahashi

178 cm
27
145
12 - 5 - 0

183 cm
31
143
13 - 6 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

NARCOS

Urban Fighter

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 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Flo Holl!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Genkei Takahashi!
The judges for this bout are Gwen Towbar, Alan Glass and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Holl is looking to slow Takahashi down with leg kicks.
A leg kick checked by Takahashi.
Takahashi is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Holl throws a front kick aimed at Takahashi's knee but Takahashi avoids it well.
Takahashi throws a nice inside leg kick.
Holl has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Shut Up & Train! {$1000} in the buildup to the fight.
Holl misses with a head kick.
Holl throws a nice outside leg kick.
A good leg kick by Holl.
Flo Holl seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Holl tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Takahashi is able to avoid easily.
Holl walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Takahashi checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Holl goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
The fighters circling - Takahashi throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Holl fires out a quick counter leg kick but Takahashi just manages to avoid it.
Takahashi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Holl ducks under a wild hook from Takahashi.
Takahashi digs a good body shot into Holl's ribs.
Holl misses with an attempted mid kick.
Takahashi throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Holl's head.
Takahashi shoots in and drives through. Holl sprawls well.
Holl fires out a quick counter leg kick but Takahashi just manages to avoid it.
Holl blocks a low kick nicely.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Takahashi shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Holl napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Takahashi throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Takahashi is looking to take a break and control but Holl 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takahashi lands a few punches from side control.
Holl is trying to improve his position.
Takahashi is looking to take a break and control but Holl is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Takahashi lands a nice forearm strike.
Takahashi lands a few punches from side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Holl is trying to control Takahashi's posture but Takahashi avoids it.

Takahashi is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Holl is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The strikes coming from Takahashi are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holl is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Holl wants to control but Takahashi postures up.
Holl tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Holl is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
The ground and pound from Takahashi seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Holl manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Holl pushes Takahashi off looking to stand but Takahashi dives back in and keeps control.
Holl tries to roll over but Takahashi keeps him under control.
Holl trying to control from the bottom.
Takahashi performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Takahashi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Holl keeps working.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holl keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Holl is staying active underneath Takahashi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Takahashi might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Holl haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Takahashi winds up and cracks Holl with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Takahashi wants to pass the guard but Holl is defending well.
Holl has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Takahashi is working away from the top position though.
Holl tries to get to full guard but Takahashi has control of the leg.
Takahashi has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Holl is working hard here to advance position.
Holl has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Takahashi is working away from the top position though.
Takahashi working over Holl with some ground and pound. Holl looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Holl is looking for a sweep. Takahashi is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Holl has a hand on Takahashi's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Takahashi takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Holl tries to reverse the position but Takahashi maintains control.
Takahashi scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Holl wants to control but Takahashi is having none of it.
Holl is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Takahashi lands a nice shot to the head.
Takahashi lands a nice shot to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Takahashi scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Takahashi landing strikes from the mount and Holl is in trouble!
Takahashi landing strikes, looking to finish!

Holl is rocked!
Holl is trying to escape the mount.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Genkei Takahashi dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Takahashi lands a jab to the head.
Takahashi checks a leg kick.
Takahashi misses with a hook. Holl ducked under it nicely.
Holl throws a low kick but Takahashi avoids it.
Holl wants to clinch.
Takahashi gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Holl throws a leg kick but Takahashi moved away.
Takahashi on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Holl. Holl obviously looking to wear him down.
Takahashi takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Holl misses with a body kick.

Takahashi drives through with a takedown into guard.
Holl has his hands on Takahashi's head, controlling the position.
Holl utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takahashi working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Takahashi is in close to Holl's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Holl wants to sweep but no luck.
Takahashi working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Takahashi trying to control the position from guard on top but Holl is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Holl wants to sweep but no luck.
Holl controls Takahashi momentarily but Takahashi frees himself.
Holl is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Holl is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Holl is trying to control the position but Takahashi postures up.
Takahashi won't allow Holl to sweep him here.

That's two 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.

Takahashi thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Takahashi trying to control the position from guard on top but Holl is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Holl looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Takahashi distracts Holl with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Genkei Takahashi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Holl is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Takahashi with a flurry of punches that miss.
Holl has Takahashi pulled in close to control his posture.
Takahashi trying to control but Holl is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Holl misses with a leg kick
and Takahashi counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Takahashi, as that shot connected.
Holl fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Takahashi is out of range.
A low kick from Holl misses
and Takahashi counters with a leg kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Holl.
Takahashi misses with a wild body shot.
Holl stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Takahashi.
Takahashi has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Holl lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Takahashi has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Takahashi and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Holl takes one to the chin there.
Takahashi cracks Holl with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Holl is looking to chop away at Takahashi's legs.
Holl pivots, looking for a leg kick but Takahashi is out of range and Holl settles back down.
Flo Holl is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Holl ducks under a wild hook from Takahashi.
As Takahashi backs away, Holl returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Takahashi tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Holl takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Genkei Takahashi seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Holl gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Takahashi.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Holl tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Takahashi is able to avoid easily.
Takahashi darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Takahashi moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Takahashi paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi lunges at Holl with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Holl's hand.
Takahashi throws a body punch but Holl moves out of range.
A low kick from Holl misses
and Takahashi cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Takahashi throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Holl stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Holl tries to clinch
and Takahashi counters with a stiff right hand.
Takahashi tries a head kick but it misses.
Holl tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Takahashi tries to counter with a clinch but Holl shakes him off and moves away.
Nice defenses there by Holl.
Takahashi moves out of range of the body kick from Holl.
Holl throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Takahashi throws a front kick aimed at Holl's knee but Holl avoids it well.
Takahashi jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Holl 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.
Holl connects with a solid leg kick.
Takahashi checks a low kick from Holl.
Takahashi checks a low kick from Holl.
Takahashi checks a leg kick.
Takahashi tries to land a leg kick but Holl saw it coming and moves away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Genkei Takahashi showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Takahashi moves out of range as Holl strikes.
Holl misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Takahashi darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Takahashi keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Takahashi connects with an inside leg kick.
Holl throws a leg kick which misses Takahashi's front leg but catches the back leg as Takahashi tries to avoid it.
Holl tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Holl misses with a low kick as Takahashi jumps back.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Holl checks a leg kick.
Jab, jab by Takahashi - just one landing.
Takahashi jabs at Holl's body.
Takahashi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A low kick from Holl misses
and Takahashi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Takahashi fails with a takedown attempt.
Holl tries to score with a low kick but Takahashi moves his leg out of the way.
A bone on bone clash there as Takahashi blocks the leg kick.
Holl misses with a kick to the body.
Holl misses with a leg kick

and Takahashi counters by moving into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takahashi gets through Holl's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Holl misses with some punches.
Takahashi throws a head punch that misses.
Takahashi lands a left hand.
Holl lands an elbow just above Takahashi 's eye.
Holl lands an elbow just above Takahashi 's eye.
Takahashi lands a shoulder strike.

Takahashi manages to break the clinch.
Takahashi with a nice calf kick.
Takahashi's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A looping hook to the body misses from Takahashi. Holl does a little dance to reset his feet.
Takahashi blocks a low kick nicely.
Holl will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Holl throws a low kick but it's checked well by Takahashi.
Some bone on bone action there as Takahashi checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Holl tries to score with a low kick but Takahashi moves his leg out of the way.
Takahashi fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Takahashi misses the target.
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!
A low kick from Holl is predictable there
and Takahashi connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Holl.
Holl scores with a kick to the midsection.
Takahashi moves out of range as Holl throws a body kick.
Holl throws a leg kick but Takahashi checks it.
Holl connects with an inside leg kick.
Takahashi scores with a sloppy right hand. Holl should have avoided that one.
Holl throws a leg kick which misses Takahashi's front leg but catches the back leg as Takahashi tries to avoid it.
Takahashi tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Takahashi looks to score with a jab to the body but Holl is just out of range.
Holl darts in trying to clinch
and Takahashi counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A jab from Takahashi misses.
Good work by Takahashi as he checks the leg kick.
Holl connects with a leg kick.
Holl throws a head kick but Takahashi moves out of range.
A countering left hand to the body from Takahashi misses.
Holl tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Takahashi scores with a hook to the body. Holl takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi swats away the attempt to clinch by Holl.
A little jabbing left from Takahashi on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Holl misses with a leg kick.
Holl goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Takahashi looks to land a right hand but Holl moved out of range.
That kick from Takahashi tenderised Holl's leg. Holl is trying to keep his angry face on.

Takahashi shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Holl trying to control but Takahashi postures up.
Ground and pound from Takahashi.
Holl wants to get back to full guard.
Holl is trying to maintain the position but Takahashi is very close to passing his half guard.
Takahashi with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Holl taking some punishment here, with Takahashi in his half guard.
Holl is pressing down on Takahashi's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Takahashi prevents Holl from getting back to his feet.
Takahashi wants to pass the guard but Holl is keeping the position.
Takahashi is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Takahashi is in close to Holl's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Takahashi scoring with punches to the head and body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Takahashi keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Holl's head.
Holl wants to sweep but no luck.
Takahashi throwing strikes from guard but Holl blocks nicely.
Takahashi preventing the sweep.
Holl looking to control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Genkei Takahashi 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.

A head kick misses from Takahashi.
Takahashi staying out of range there.
Holl will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Holl tries a low kick but Takahashi avoids it.
Holl tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Takahashi is able to avoid easily.
Takahashi moves out of range of the body kick from Holl.
Nice shot lands for Takahashi.
An inside leg kick lands from Holl.
Takahashi scores with a body shot.
Takahashi checks the leg kick.
Takahashi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Holl throws a push kick but Takahashi slaps the foot to one side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Holl tries a low kick but Takahashi avoids it.
Takahashi looks to land a body kick but Holl moved away.
Takahashi avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Takahashi looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Holl misses with a head kick.
Holl defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Takahashi.
Takahashi looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A counter left hand to the body from Holl misses its target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holl with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Takahashi lands a slapping body shot.
Holl tries to score with a low kick but Takahashi moves his leg out of the way.
Takahashi doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Holl throws a wild body kick that Takahashi sees coming a mile off.
Holl throws a nice inside leg kick.

Takahashi looking to score a takedown here. Holl is defending well but Takahashi drives through and ends up in Holl's guard.
Holl has Takahashi pulled in close to control his posture.
Takahashi stopping the sweep attempt from Holl.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Takahashi connects with a couple of short punches.
Holl working a defensive guard but Takahashi passes into half guard.
Takahashi is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Holl!
Takahashi landing punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Takahashi punishing his opponent with strikes.
Takahashi lands a nice shot to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi avoids the attempt from Holl to control.
Takahashi breaks from Holl's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Takahashi avoids the attempt from Holl to control.
Takahashi trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Takahashi with shots to the head and body - Holl looks very uncomfortable down there.
Oh Holl is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Holl in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Holl slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Takahashi trying to mount his opponent but Holl defends it.
Takahashi wants to control but Holl is keeping him busy.
Takahashi is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Holl trying to hold on to Takahashi's head to control him but Takahashi postures up.

Takahashi is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Holl sees it coming and defends easily.
Takahashi stops Holl from getting back to his feet.
Holl seems to have got his legs back now.
Takahashi perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Takahashi looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Takahashi is keen to just control but Holl is a slippery customer.
Takahashi lands with a punch from half guard.
Takahashi takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Holl taking some punishment here, with Takahashi in his half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Holl wants to control but Takahashi is keeping busy.
Holl is controlling Takahashi's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Holl wants to control but Takahashi is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Takahashi is looking for a kimura but Holl is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Takahashi to get the leverage.
Takahashi prevents Holl from improving his position.
Takahashi lands strikes from half guard.
Ground and pound from Takahashi.
Takahashi is thwarting Holl's attempts to control the position.
Takahashi thows a huge punch but Holl dodges it nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Genkei Takahashi dominated that fourth 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. This is the final round!

Holl fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Takahashi has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Holl takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Takahashi scores with a jab to the head.

Holl moves into the clinch.
Holl looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Holl misses with a hook from the clinch.
Takahashi pushes Holl back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Takahashi.
Holl pushes off an throws an elbow but Takahashi leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Takahashi is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Holl gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Holl.
Holl tries a body shot but Takahashi blocks it.

Takahashi breaks from the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Holl on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Holl jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Takahashi takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Takahashi is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A low kick from Holl is predictable there
and Takahashi counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A clash of legs there as Holl blocks the low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holl takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Holl throws a head kick that misses.
Holl throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Holl throws a leg kick but Takahashi checks it.
A left lands for Takahashi.
Takahashi digs a good hook to Holl's body.
Holl checks a leg kick.
A little feinted left hand from Holl on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A slapping leg kick lands for Takahashi.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Takahashi dodges an elbow strike from Holl.

Takahashi's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Takahashi misses with a body kick.
Holl throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Takahashi scores with a jab. Holl acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Jab from Takahashi.
Flo Holl has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Genkei Takahashi is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
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!
Holl throws a leg kick which misses Takahashi's front leg but catches the back leg as Takahashi tries to avoid it.
Takahashi lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Holl at a distance.
A leg kick checked by Takahashi.
Holl chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Holl tries a head kick but it misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Holl.
Holl is looking to slow Takahashi down with leg kicks.
Holl takes one on the button.
Holl looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Holl scores with a kick to the midsection.
A nice leg kick from Holl, right into the meat of the thigh.

Takahashi shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Holl napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Takahashi content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Holl is trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holl is trying to escape the position but Takahashi is controlling the position.
Holl is looking to reverse the position.
Takahashi controlling from side mount.
Holl tries to buck Takahashi off but Takahashi is having none of it.
Holl manages to get back to half guard.

That's four 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.
Still in half guard, Takahashi seems content to control.
Holl wants to get back to full guard.
Takahashi performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Holl is looking to improve his position.
Takahashi is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Holl is trying to get back to full guard.

Holl looking for submissions off his back.
Holl is trying to stand back up but Takahashi is controlling him

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Genkei Takahashi comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Takahashi winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Gwen Towbar scores the fight 45:50
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 45:50
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Genkei Takahashi!
Genkei Takahashi is the new featherweight champion!
A victorious Genkei Takahashi thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.