PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Justin Carmichael (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yuu Saga (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Carmichael
vs
Saga

170 cm
19
154 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

174 cm
24
158 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Experienced

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Powerful

Demonic Drugs

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 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Justin Carmichael!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Yuu Saga!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Shirou Masuda and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saga shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Carmichael pinned against the cage. Carmichael gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Saga looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Saga shoots for a double leg takedown but Carmichael sprawls well. He's pushed Saga's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Saga slips under a jab.
Saga takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Saga is rocked!
Justin Carmichael seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Carmichael throws a big shot that misses.
Saga is still on wobbly legs! Can Carmichael finish him?
Saga bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Saga seems to have recovered his senses.
Saga takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

Carmichael gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Saga trying to control but Carmichael is working from the bottom.
Saga trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Saga trying to control the position from guard on top but Carmichael is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saga stops Carmichael from standing up.

Carmichael scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Carmichael throws a body punch but Saga moves out of range.

Saga looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Saga stops Carmichael from standing up.
Saga seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Saga is pushing down on Carmichael's leg trying to pass to half guard. Carmichael is fighting to maintain full guard but Saga has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saga is looking to take a break and control but Carmichael is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Saga tries to pass the half guard into mount. Carmichael knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Saga is trying to control. Carmichael wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Saga is looking to advance position but Carmichael won't allow it.
Carmichael is trying to get back to full guard.
Still in half guard, Saga seems content to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saga is stalling here. Carmichael is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Saga seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Carmichael has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Saga shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Carmichael as he jumps to the side.
Justin Carmichael has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuu Saga.

Saga gets the takedown into side control.
Saga looks gassed!
Carmichael wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Carmichael tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Saga wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Saga tries to move to mount but Carmichael blocks the move with his legs.
Saga slows the pace down.
Saga tries to move to mount but Carmichael blocks the move with his legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saga trying to control the position but Carmichael is working away.
Carmichael is trying to get back to half guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Carmichael stuffs the takedown.
Carmichael throws a right hand that Saga ducks under and follows up with a left that Saga also avoids with ease.
Carmichael lands with a cross.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Carmichael dominated that round.
That's time! Carmichael's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Donk. Carmichael catches Saga right on the button with a cross.
Saga ducks under a wild hook from Carmichael.
Carmichael misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Carmichael misses with a low kick.

Saga closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Saga lands in his opponent's guard.
Saga passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Carmichael dodges the ground and pound from Saga.
Saga tries to move to mount but Carmichael blocks the move with his legs.
Saga is looking to take a break and control but Carmichael is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saga advances to mount.
Saga trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Saga wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Saga is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Carmichael has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Carmichael!
Saga is breathing heavily.
Carmichael trying to control the position from guard on top but Saga is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Carmichael postures up.
Carmichael trying to control but Saga is working from the bottom.
Saga wants to sweep here but Carmichael controlling him for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saga controlling the position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Saga is on top in guard.
Saga pushes down on Carmichael's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Carmichael is trying to stand.
Saga is keen to just control but Carmichael is a slippery customer.
Carmichael is trying to stand up here but Saga is controlling him well.

That's four 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.
Saga is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Carmichael has given up his back. Will we see Saga going for some submissions?
Saga is looking to control Carmichael but Carmichael is wriggling around and keeping busy.

Saga is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Carmichael defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Saga missing with strikes from the back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yuu Saga showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Saga shoots in but Carmichael avoids the takedown attempt easily.
A big left from Carmichael misses.
Carmichael throws a hook to the side of Saga's head but Saga sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Saga shoots in for a takedown but Carmichael shows good takedown defense.
Saga shoots in for a takedown but Carmichael shows good takedown defense.
Justin Carmichael has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuu Saga.
Saga uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Carmichael.
Saga walks into a straight right hand from Carmichael.
Carmichael will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Carmichael looks to score with a jab to the body but Saga is just out of range.
A punch lands to the side of Saga 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Carmichael throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Carmichael swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Saga takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saga shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Carmichael as he avoids it easily.
Justin Carmichael is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Carmichael cracks Saga with a big right hand and Saga goes down!

Saga working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Carmichael doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Carmichael manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Saga wants to sweep here but Carmichael controlling him for the moment.
Carmichael trying to control but Saga is working from the bottom.
Carmichael slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Saga is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carmichael won't allow Saga to sweep him here.

Saga escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Carmichael gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Saga throws some sloppy strikes off his back.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Saga slips a straight right by Carmichael.
Carmichael throws a jab but it's blocked by Saga.
Carmichael throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Carmichael pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Carmichael moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Carmichael misses the target.
Carmichael lands a jab-cross combination.
Carmichael throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Carmichael swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Saga shoots in and bounces Carmichael off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.
Saga pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Carmichael is keeping the position for now.
Saga with a flurry of punches that miss.
Saga stands and throws Carmichael's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saga wants to control but Carmichael is keeping him busy.
Carmichael wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

Saga is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Carmichael knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Carmichael is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Saga's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Carmichael clearly takes that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Saga shoots for a double leg takedown but Carmichael sprawls well. He's pushed Saga's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Carmichael misses the shot to the body.
Carmichael bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Saga's head.
No luck for Saga with that takedown attempt.
An inside leg kick lands from Carmichael.
Carmichael looks to land a right hand but Saga moved out of range.
Saga avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Saga uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Carmichael.
Saga is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Saga walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Saga is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carmichael throws a lazy right hand but Saga sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Carmichael throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Carmichael stuffs the takedown.
Justin Carmichael has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuu Saga.
Carmichael lands a lovely overhand right.
A decent looking cross lands there for Carmichael.
A jab from Carmichael misses.
Carmichael scores with a crisp jab that stopped Saga in his tracks.
Saga shoots for a takedown but Carmichael saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Carmichael missing with a left hand there. Saga was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Carmichael lands with a kick to the temple. Saga shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Saga shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saga looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Carmichael scores with a hook.
Carmichael works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Saga shoots for a takedown but Carmichael saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Carmichael swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Saga takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Carmichael lands a head kick!
Justin Carmichael is winning the standup battle so far.
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!

Carmichael gets caught flat footed, as Saga shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Saga looking to sit in guard and control but Carmichael gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Carmichael gets to his feet. Saga looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saga takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Carmichael misses with a straight left.
Carmichael bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Carmichael misses with a looping right.
Nice sprawl there from Carmichael as Saga shoots in.
Saga looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Carmichael is fending him off so far but Saga persists. Nope, Carmichael circles away and we're back to standing.
Carmichael misses with a jab, cross combination.
Saga moves in looking to clinch but Carmichael pushes him off.
Carmichael will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.

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.
Saga shoots in looking for a takedown. Carmichael tries to sprawl out of it but Saga keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Carmichael manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Saga ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Saga takes one on the button.
Carmichael throws a sloppy head kick and Saga moves out of range easily.
Carmichael throws a sloppy head kick and Saga moves out of range easily.
Saga blocks a head kick by Carmichael.
Saga lands with a hook. Carmichael tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Saga shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Carmichael's guard.
Saga prevents Carmichael from getting back to his feet.
Saga looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Carmichael had his way with Yuu Saga in that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Saga shoots for a double leg takedown but Carmichael sprawls well. He's pushed Saga's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A swing and a miss from Carmichael.
Saga shoots for a double leg takedown but Carmichael sprawls well. He's pushed Saga's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Saga fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Justin Carmichael has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuu Saga.
Carmichael connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Carmichael looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Carmichael misses with a wild body shot.
Carmichael is looking to land body kicks.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Carmichael scores with a sloppy right hand. Saga should have avoided that one.
Carmichael throws a big shot that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Carmichael misses.
Carmichael throws a sloppy head kick and Saga moves out of range easily.
Saga defending well as Carmichael loads up on a big left hand.
Saga has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A slow jab from Carmichael misses its intended target.

Saga scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Saga advances nicely into full mount.
Carmichael squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Saga with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Saga lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Saga wants to control the pace but Carmichael is squirming around nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Carmichael won't allow Saga to sweep him here.
Saga trying to control the position.
Saga can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Carmichael controls the pace.
Yuu Saga has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Carmichael stands up from Saga's guard - Carmichael perhaps looking for a knockout.
Carmichael throws a lazy right hand but Saga sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Saga avoids the head kick by Carmichael.
Carmichael tries to bum rush Saga with a series of wild strikes but Saga uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Saga scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Carmichael won't allow Saga to pass to mount.
Carmichael avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Saga.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
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. Saga connects with a nice short shot to Carmichael's temple.
Carmichael is trying to stand back up but Saga is controlling him
Justin Carmichael is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Saga throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Yuu Saga.
I think Carmichael 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 49:46
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 48:47
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Justin Carmichael!
Justin Carmichael retains his featherweight title!