|
|
PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Masa Saitoh (ranked 196 p4p, 274 weight class) and Ovidio Kiran (ranked 33 p4p, 46 weight class). Kiran has chosen Katmandu as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
 |
|
 |
| 182 cm
25
205
12 - 5 - 0 |
|
189 cm
35
202
29 - 12 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine |
|
Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight 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 St Petersburg, Masa Saitoh!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 12 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ovidio Kiran!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Cecil Peabody and Frank Dennis.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kiran looks to score with a jab to the body but Saitoh is just out of range.
Saitoh shoots in and bounces Kiran off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Kiran keeping moving, preventing Saitoh from controlling successfully.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Saitoh's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Saitoh scoring with punches to the head and body.
Saitoh connects with a couple of short punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saitoh throwing strikes but missing.
Saitoh postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Saitoh is in close to Kiran's body, working some short punches and elbows.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Saitoh in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Saitoh postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Saitoh is looking to work some ground and pound but Kiran has wrist control.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Saitoh accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kiran trying to control the position here.
Saitoh controlling from the top position.
Saitoh is looking to work some ground and pound but Kiran has wrist control.
Saitoh 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.
Saitoh passes Kiran's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Kiran is refusing to be controlled, as Saitoh sits in half guard.
Saitoh 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.
Saitoh wants to control but Kiran is keeping him busy.
Saitoh is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Kiran wants to get back to his feet.
Kiran wants to get back to full guard but Saitoh has mounted him!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Saitoh avoids the attempt from Kiran to control.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kiran blocking the ground and pound.
Saitoh lands with some strikes.
Saitoh unloading with bombs!
Saitoh is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Kiran can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Saitoh is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Kiran is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Saitoh misses with a head shot.
Kiran slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Saitoh lands strikes from half guard.
Saitoh 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.
Kiran keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saitoh scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Kiran keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Saitoh content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Saitoh thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Saitoh thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kiran's head.
Saitoh prevents Kiran from standing back up.
Saitoh content to control rather than advance.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kiran keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Masa Saitoh dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Saitoh displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kiran throws out the jab.
Saitoh is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kiran can do to turn this around?
Kiran throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kiran misses with a looping left.
Kiran lands a nice leg kick that just misses Saitoh's sensitive parts.
A jab from Kiran does it's job there.
Saitoh looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Saitoh's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kiran connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Saitoh scrambles back to his feet.
Donk. Kiran catches Saitoh right on the button with a cross.
A jab from Kiran misses.
Kiran keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Saitoh.
Kiran pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saitoh misses with a takedown attempt
and Kiran counters with a nice uppercut.
Saitoh closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Saitoh lands in his opponent's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kiran utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Saitoh trying to control the position from guard on top but Kiran is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kiran working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Saitoh.
Saitoh working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Saitoh throwing strikes but missing.
Saitoh not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Kiran has his hands on Saitoh's head, controlling the position.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Saitoh slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
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.
Saitoh has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Saitoh there as he acknowledges the shot.
Saitoh tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kiran defends well and Saitoh ends up having to push Kiran into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Kiran lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Saitoh backwards.
Saitoh gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Kiran keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Saitoh thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kiran's head.
Kiran is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Saitoh scores with a couple of nice shots.
Saitoh throwing shots but Kiran is blocking nicely.
Saitoh is nestled in close to Kiran, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh is nestled in close to Kiran, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Masa Saitoh overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Saitoh drops an elbow to the side of Kiran's head.
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. Saitoh connects with a nice short shot to Kiran's temple.
Saitoh throws a strike but Kiran avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Kiran working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Saitoh.
Kiran keeping moving, preventing Saitoh from controlling successfully.
Saitoh is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Saitoh wants to control from the top but Kiran keeps moving.
Saitoh postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Saitoh landing with the ground and pound.
Saitoh throws a big elbow that misses.
Kiran avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Saitoh distracts Kiran with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Saitoh postures up and lands a big shot to Kiran's brow.
Saitoh keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kiran's head.
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 Masa Saitoh will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Kiran takes a swing at Saitoh's ribcage but misses.
Saitoh throws a hook but Kiran blocks it.
Kiran swings for the body but Saitoh moves out of range.
Kiran throws a jab when Saitoh was well out of range.
Saitoh scores with a hook.
Kiran moves away from the strike by Saitoh.
A shot to the body from Saitoh misses
letting Kiran counter with a right hand.
Saitoh catches Kiran with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Saitoh has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kiran.
Kiran throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saitoh sees it coming and avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saitoh fails with a takedown attempt.
Kiran ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Saitoh moves away.
Kiran with a nice cross.
Saitoh throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kiran digs a good hook to Saitoh's body.
Kiran connects with a crisp jab.
Horrible takedown attempt by Saitoh or perhaps it was just good defense by Kiran, which made it look bad.
Saitoh steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kiran.
Kiran slips under a jab.
Kiran looks to land a left hand but Saitoh moved out of range nicely.
Saitoh misses the shot to the body.
Kiran was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Kiran misses the body punch
and Saitoh connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ovidio Kiran seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kiran takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Kiran swings widly with a right hand
and Saitoh cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kiran buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kiran slips under a jab.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh fails with the takedown.
Kiran tries a quick counter leg kick but Saitoh is wise to it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Masa Saitoh. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kiran connects with a single shot there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saitoh misses the jab.
Kiran avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
It seemed like Kiran was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Kiran bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kiran looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Saitoh throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kiran sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Saitoh slips a jab from Kiran.
Kiran sizes up Saitoh with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
A swing and a miss from Saitoh.
Kiran uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Saitoh.
Saitoh throws a lazy right hand but Kiran sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kiran dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Donk. Saitoh catches Kiran right on the button with a cross.
Kiran steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Saitoh.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kiran. Saitoh does a little dance to reset his feet.
Saitoh moves away from the strike by Kiran.
Saitoh slips under a jab.
Saitoh dives in and scores a takedown into Kiran's guard.
Kiran being controlled here, momentarily.
Saitoh with a flurry of punches that miss.
Saitoh looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh throwing strikes but missing.
Saitoh is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Saitoh accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Saitoh working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Saitoh looking to sit in guard and control but Kiran gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Masa Saitoh did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Saitoh's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Saitoh moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Kiran takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Saitoh missing with a left hand there. Kiran was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Saitoh scores with a body shot.
Kiran uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Saitoh.
Saitoh closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kiran circles away.
Saitoh looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kiran is fending him off so far but Saitoh persists. Nope, Kiran circles away and we're back to standing.
Saitoh uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kiran.
Saitoh darts in looking for a takedown but Kiran gets double underhooks and turns Saitoh into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Masa Saitoh. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kiran throws a punch but it's blocked by Saitoh.
Saitoh tries for a takedown but Kiran manages to get underhooks.
Saitoh has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kiran avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
A short left from Saitoh.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Kiran just misses with a elbow thrown towards Saitoh's brow.
That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee is keeping an eye on Saitoh - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Saitoh wants a takedown.
Kiran is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Saitoh is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Kiran breaks the clinch.
Saitoh shoots in for a double leg but Kiran sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Saitoh slips a jab from Kiran.
Kiran jabs Saitoh to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Saitoh fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kiran to the ground. Saitoh is now in Kiran's guard.
Saitoh with a flurry of punches that miss.
Saitoh being controlled here momentarily.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kiran is trying to control the position but Saitoh postures up.
Saitoh working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kiran's head.
Saitoh missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Saitoh looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Saitoh throws a strike but Kiran rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kiran's guard.
Saitoh postures up in Kiran's guard and throws a big left but Kiran blocks it.
Kiran wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Saitoh is now in half guard.
Saitoh is pressing down on Kiran's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kiran is holding on for now.
Saitoh wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kiran keeps working.
Saitoh throws a strike but Kiran avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Saitoh looking to sit in guard and control but Kiran gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Saitoh is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Kiran tries to kick Saitoh off but Saitoh keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Kiran is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Saitoh scores with a couple of nice shots.
Saitoh thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Saitoh takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kiran trying to control here.
Kiran is not content to let Saitoh control the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close fourth round but I would say that Masa Saitoh will probably get the nod.
That's time! Saitoh's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
Saitoh shoots in but no luck this time.
Kiran lands a jab to the nose.
Nice defenses there by Kiran.
Saitoh takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Good standup being displayed there by Saitoh as he connects with a hook.
Saitoh misses with a looping left.
Kiran now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Kiran fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Kiran is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Saitoh was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kiran bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Saitoh's head backwards.
Saitoh will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Saitoh doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Kiran counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Masa Saitoh. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kiran misses with a straight right.
Saitoh is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Saitoh misses with an uppercut
and Kiran counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Kiran throws a poor cross that misses
and Saitoh counters with a takedown into side control.
Kiran throws Saitoh to one side and escapes!
Saitoh takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kiran fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Saitoh on the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kiran displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Saitoh.
Saitoh looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Saitoh fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kiran looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kiran keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Ovidio Kiran has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kiran stuffs the takedown attempt from Saitoh. Saitoh gets slowly back to his feet.
Kiran has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Kiran swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kiran leaves Saitoh with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Saitoh moves out of range as Kiran strikes.
Saitoh tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kiran swivels and escapes.
Saitoh takes a swing at Kiran's ribcage but misses.
Kiran misses with a shot to the body
and Saitoh counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kiran doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Saitoh shoots for a double leg takedown but Kiran sprawls well. He's pushed Saitoh's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Kiran misses with a looping right.
Masa Saitoh is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh goes for a double leg but Kiran avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Kiran continues to drive forward.
Kiran lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
It looks like Masa Saitoh has been cut.
Kiran manages to break the clinch.
Saitoh scores with a takedown into Kiran's guard.
Saitoh is stalling in the full guard.
Saitoh passes easily into side control. Nice work.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saitoh controlling the position from side mount.
And that's the end of the fight!
Ovidio Kiran comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Saitoh 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 Tiny Johnson scores the fight 48:48
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 49:45
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 49:47
In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Masa Saitoh!
Masa Saitoh retains his light heavyweight title!
After the big win, Masa Saitoh made sure to do all the important stuff like thanking his sponsors Silverguard Outfitters 🛡 and telling the interviewer how much he loves him.
In defeat, Ovidio Kiran stepped up to the mic, saying 'Lachhaar-pato! Back to the gym.'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
47% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
