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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Katsu Yamasaki (ranked 222 p4p, 1139 weight class) and Maksim Taranin (ranked 22 p4p, 109 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!
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| 176 cm
25
157
9 - 3 - 0 |
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170 cm
22
158
7 - 5 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Basic striking
Granite chin |
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Excellent grappler
Basic striking
Good gas tank |
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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 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Katsu Yamasaki!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Maksim Taranin!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Konstantin Menshow and Fedor Mirinova.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yamasaki closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Taranin's guard.
Yamasaki wants to control from the top but Taranin keeps moving.
Taranin is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Yamasaki is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Yamasaki advances to half guard.
Yamasaki is looking to advance position but Taranin won't allow it.
Yamasaki looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taranin is looking to control Yamasaki's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Taranin avoid being mounted?
Taranin looking for submissions off his back.
Yamasaki keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Taranin is staying active underneath Yamasaki, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Yamasaki controlling the pace.
Taranin slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Yamasaki looking to pass the guard.
Taranin trying to keep a closed guard but Yamasaki is proving a slippery customer.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Yamasaki sitting in guard, not really doing much.
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.
Taranin has his foot on Yamasaki's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Yamasaki works his way back into a safe position though.
Yamasaki has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Taranin looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Yamasaki's corner is telling him to maintain position.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Yamasaki with a jab.
Yamasaki misses with an uppercut
and Taranin counters with a takedown into side control.
Yamasaki manages to get back to half guard.
Yamasaki tries to get to full guard but Taranin has control of the leg.
Yamasaki is looking to control Taranin's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Yamasaki avoid being mounted?
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taranin trying to control from half guard but Yamasaki is working away.
Taranin looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Taranin is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Yamasaki moves into full guard.
Yamasaki wants to sweep but no luck.
Taranin content to stall in guard here.
Yamasaki 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.
That's four 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.
Taranin is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Yamasaki wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Yamasaki escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Taranin gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Yamasaki is looking to sweep but instead, Taranin has passed into half guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Taranin tries to pass the half guard into mount. Yamasaki knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Taranin prevents Yamasaki from improving his position.
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 Katsu Yamasaki will probably get the nod.
That's time! Yamasaki's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
The crowd cheers as Taranin lands an impressive looking overhand right. Yamasaki doesn't seem phased though.
Yamasaki slips under a jab from Taranin.
Taranin moves away from the strike by Yamasaki.
Taranin drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Yamasaki defends it well.
Taranin looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Yamasaki looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Taranin is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Yamasaki throws a body punch but Taranin moves out of range.
Taranin looks to score with a jab to the body but Yamasaki is just out of range.
Yamasaki misses with a hook.
Taranin wants to counter the offense by Yamasaki and move into the clinch position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taranin on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Yamasaki takes a swing at Taranin's ribcage but misses.
Yamasaki on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Taranin fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Yamasaki throws a looping overhand right but Taranin ducks down to avoid it.
Taranin feints the counter takedown.
Taranin takes a swing at Yamasaki's ribcage but misses.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Yamasaki throws a hook but Taranin avoids it easily.
Taranin shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Yamasaki is trying to defend but Taranin finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Yamasaki is trying to control but can't.
Yamasaki is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Yamasaki is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Taranin's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Taranin's back!
Taranin trying to control the action but Yamasaki just sinks the hooks in.
Yamasaki trying to control momentarily.
Yamasaki keeps control of the position as Taranin tries to break free.
Yamasaki is trying to stick to Taranin's back but Taranin is turning into Yamasaki. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Yamasaki's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Taranin.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yamasaki is trying to keep Taranin in close.
Taranin trying to control but Yamasaki is working from the bottom.
Taranin landing some decent shots from guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Taranin cracks Yamasaki with a solid left hand.
Taranin is looking to work some ground and pound but Yamasaki has wrist control.
Yamasaki looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Taranin trying to control but Yamasaki is working from the bottom.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamasaki escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Taranin gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Taranin thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Yamasaki is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Yamasaki tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Taranin trying to control the position from guard on top but Yamasaki is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yamasaki had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Taranin defends it easily.
Yamasaki keeping moving, preventing Taranin from controlling successfully.
Maksim Taranin has got the better of the ground game so far.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Taranin lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Taranin cracks Yamasaki with a solid left hand.
Yamasaki is trying to control the position but Taranin postures up.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Taranin working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
Taranin working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Yamasaki's head.
Taranin content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Taranin connects with a couple of short punches.
Taranin landing with the ground and pound.
Yamasaki wants to improve his position but instead Taranin has moved into half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Taranin connects with a nice short shot to Yamasaki's temple.
Yamasaki tries to get to full guard but Taranin has control of the leg.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Maksim Taranin 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!
Taranin takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Taranin looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Yamasaki is fending him off so far but Taranin persists. Nope, Yamasaki circles away and we're back to standing.
Taranin closes this distance looking for a takedown but Yamasaki circles away.
Taranin throws a hook but Yamasaki blocks it.
Taranin slips a straight right by Yamasaki.
Taranin shoots for a takedown but Yamasaki saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Yamasaki half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Katsu Yamasaki has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Maksim Taranin.
Yamasaki lands with a cross.
Taranin on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Yamasaki rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Taranin counters with a takedown into side control.
Yamasaki takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Yamasaki is not content to let Taranin control the position.
Yamasaki is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Taranin is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
That's one minute gone in the round.
Yamasaki regains half guard.
Yamasaki wants to control but Taranin is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Taranin drops an elbow to the side of Yamasaki's head.
Yamasaki gets back to full guard.
Taranin makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Taranin stopping the sweep attempt from Yamasaki.
Taranin looking to sit in guard and control but Yamasaki gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Yamasaki not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Taranin is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Yamasaki is aware though and is defending well.
Taranin has his foot on Yamasaki's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Yamasaki works his way back into a safe position though.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yamasaki trying to control the position from guard on top but Taranin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Taranin keeping full guard, as Yamasaki tries to pass.
Yamasaki is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Taranin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Yamasaki trying to control the position from guard on top but Taranin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Taranin looking to control.
Taranin looking to hit a scissor sweep but Yamasaki is one step ahead there.
Taranin working for a triangle but Yamasaki defends it easily.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamasaki passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Taranin is looking to reverse the position.
Yamasaki takes a little break here. Taranin wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Taranin is not content to let Yamasaki control the position.
Yamasaki working away.
That's four 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.
Taranin is looking for a sweep.
Yamasaki wants to control but Taranin is keeping him busy.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Katsu Yamasaki is winning the standup battle so far.
Yamasaki shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Taranin sprawls well. Taranin wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Yamasaki gets slowly back to his feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Taranin blocks a jab.
Taranin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Yamasaki.
Taranin feints the counter takedown.
Yamasaki misses with a straight left.
Yamasaki shoots in looking for a takedown but Taranin manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Yamasaki's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Katsu Yamasaki did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
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.
Taranin misses with a straight right.
Yamasaki misses with a body shot.
A swing and a miss from Taranin.
Taranin steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Yamasaki.
Taranin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Yamasaki half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Yamasaki shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Taranin manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Yamasaki looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Taranin is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Yamasaki is aware though and is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taranin is looking for a triangle but Yamasaki pushes his legs off easily.
Taranin keeping moving, preventing Yamasaki from controlling successfully.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Taranin looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Taranin controlling the position.
Taranin escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Yamasaki gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Yamasaki engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Yamasaki trying to control the position from guard on top but Taranin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yamasaki tries to free his leg and advance position but Taranin is retaining full guard.
That's two 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.
Yamasaki trying to control the position from guard on top but Taranin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Taranin is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Yamasaki is aware though and is defending well.
Taranin can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Yamasaki controls the pace.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Yamasaki fails with a takedown attempt.
Katsu Yamasaki seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Taranin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Taranin changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Yamasaki waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Taranin.
Yamasaki 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.
Yamasaki trying to control the position from guard on top but Taranin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Taranin trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Yamasaki trying to control but Taranin is working from the bottom.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taranin is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Yamasaki pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Taranin is keeping the position for now.
Taranin looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Taranin is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Yamasaki looking to pass the guard.
Yamasaki stands and throws Taranin's legs to the side, diving into side control.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Taranin tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Yamasaki wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Taranin is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Yamasaki slows the pace down.
Yamasaki has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Taranin!
Yamasaki is trying to control here but Taranin has managed to regain half guard.
Taranin regains full guard. Nicely done.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Yamasaki pushing down on Taranin's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Yamasaki looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Katsu Yamasaki had his way with Maksim Taranin in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.
Yamasaki throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Taranin lunges at Yamasaki with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Yamasaki's hand.
Taranin tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Yamasaki defends well and Taranin ends up having to push Yamasaki into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Taranin dives in for a single leg takedown but Yamasaki sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Yamasaki closes the distance but Taranin moves to the side
and Taranin counters with a nice double leg into side control. Yamasaki won't be happy with that.
Yamasaki is looking to reverse the position.
Yamasaki is working hard here to advance position.
Yamasaki manages to work his way to half guard, despite Taranin's best efforts.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taranin with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Yamasaki is looking to improve his position.
Taranin seems to be working for a kimura but Yamasaki defends the submission attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Taranin is working for a submission of some sort.
Yamasaki is staying active underneath Taranin, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Taranin is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Yamasaki to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
Taranin missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Yamasaki has his foot on Taranin's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Taranin works his way back into a safe position though.
Yamasaki working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Taranin.
Taranin is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Yamasaki is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Yamasaki is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Taranin sees it coming and defends easily.
Taranin wants to get back to full guard but Yamasaki has mounted him!
Yamasaki can't control as he wanted to and Taranin manages to get the fight back to his half guard.
Taranin looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Yamasaki looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamasaki moves into full mount! Taranin won't be happy about that!
Taranin is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Maksim Taranin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yamasaki with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Taranin bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Taranin scoring with some ground and pound.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yamasaki tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Taranin wants to control from the top but Yamasaki keeps moving.
Yamasaki throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Taranin wants to control from the top but Yamasaki keeps moving.
Taranin preventing the sweep.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Taranin is working Yamasaki over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Yamasaki tries to land a sweep but no joy.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Maksim Taranin.
I think Yamasaki 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 46:49
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 48:47
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 48:47
In favor of your winner, by split decision... Katsu Yamasaki!
Katsu Yamasaki retains his featherweight title!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Katsu Yamasaki waved his t-shirt featuring Champion Apparel's logo in front of the cameras.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
34% |
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