PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sun Tzu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ichiro Akamuri (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Tzu
vs
Akamuri

189 cm
22
165 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

177 cm
19
163 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Sun Tzu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ichiro Akamuri!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tzu looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nice cross by Akamuri.
Akamuri moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Akamuri lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Tzu misses with a body shot.
Tzu misses with a series of wild punches.
Akamuri scoring well with a low kick there.
Sun Tzu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Akamuri turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Akamuri scores with the left hand. Tzu knows he should have avoided that one.

Akamuri rushes Tzu and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Akamuri lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tzu backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Akamuri.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Akamuri.
Tzu doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short left from Akamuri.
Akamuri lands with a light punch inside.
Tzu tries to break the clinch but Akamuri is controlling the position.
Akamuri lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tzu backwards.
Tzu throws a head punch that misses.
Akamuri lands with a left to the head.
Akamuri lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Tzu.
Akamuri lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Akamuri lands with a short shot to the head.
Tzu wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Akamuri working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Akamuri lands with a left to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Akamuri.
Akamuri blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tzu is trying to break the clinch but Akamuri has him pressed against the cage.
Tzu takes a shot to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akamuri lands an uppercut.
Tzu working hard to break the clinch.
Akamuri lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Akamuri has Tzu pushed against the cage.
Tzu has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Akamuri lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tzu backwards.
Akamuri makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Tzu working aggressively here.
Akamuri lands a right hand that snaps the head of Tzu backwards.
Akamuri keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Tzu's efforts to push away.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Akamuri.
Akamuri lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Akamuri.
Akamuri scores with a nice hook to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Akamuri fails to land.
Akamuri lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Akamuri lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Akamuri.
Akamuri throws a punch but it's blocked by Tzu.
A hook to the body from Akamuri.
Tzu is trying to break free.
Akamuri pushes Tzu back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Akamuri creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Tzu throws a head punch that misses.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Akamuri.
Tzu has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Akamuri lands a shot to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Akamuri.
Akamuri misses with a punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akamuri lands with a left to the head.
A short body shot lands from Akamuri as the two fighters clinch.
Akamuri working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Tzu blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Akamuri has Tzu pushed against the cage.
Tzu has a couple of punches blocked by Akamuri.
Tzu's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Akamuri makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Tzu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short right from Akamuri.
Tzu misses with the head strike.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Akamuri.
Tzu blocks an uppercut.
Akamuri lands an uppercut.
Akamuri lands with a light punch inside.
Tzu can't break the clinch.
Akamuri scores with a nice hook to the head.
Akamuri works on Tzu's body with a couple of short punches.
A right hand to the body from Akamuri.
Tzu is trying to break free.
Akamuri digs a right hand into Tzu's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tzu's gas tank.
Tzu fails to pull guard.
Tzu wants to break the clinch but can't.
A short right from Akamuri on the inside.
Tzu's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Akamuri lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Akamuri digs a right hand into Tzu's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tzu's gas tank.
Akamuri keeps control of Tzu as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Tzu is breathing heavily.
Tzu has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Akamuri avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akamuri lands a left hand.
Akamuri gets through Tzu's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Akamuri lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Akamuri lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tzu backwards.
Still in the clinch, Akamuri scores with a nice short uppercut.
Tzu is trying to break the clinch but Akamuri has him pressed against the cage.
Akamuri lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tzu backwards.
A short left from Akamuri.
Akamuri is working Tzu over against the cage.
Akamuri lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Akamuri has Tzu pressed against the cage, preventing Tzu from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Tzu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tzu tries to circle away but Akamuri has him pinned against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Akamuri.
Tzu is working for takedown but Akamuri is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sun Tzu. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Akamuri stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Akamuri lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Tzu can't break the clinch.
Akamuri scores with a nice hook to the head.
Tzu wants to get back to striking at distance but Akamuri won't allow it.
Akamuri effectively controlling the action here.
Akamuri digs a right hand into Tzu's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tzu's gas tank.
Tzu drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A shot in the inside from Akamuri.
Akamuri slowing the pace effectively.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akamuri pushes Tzu back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Akamuri has Tzu pressed against the cage, preventing Tzu from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Tzu has had enough of the clinch but Akamuri keeps him there for the moment.
Akamuri lands a shoulder strike.
A short body shot lands from Akamuri as the two fighters clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Akamuri creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Akamuri has Tzu pressed against the cage.
Nice body punch from Akamuri.
Akamuri lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Tzu or not.
Akamuri stalling the fight.
Akamuri presses Tzu against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Akamuri lands a shoulder strike.
Akamuri lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Tzu letting Akamuri take a breather here.
Akamuri lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Akamuri blocks an uppercut.
Akamuri is struggling to control the position.
Akamuri scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Akamuri is stalling here.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Ichiro Akamuri.
Tzu tries to bum rush Akamuri with a series of wild strikes but Akamuri uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ichiro Akamuri dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Akamuri throws a nice inside leg kick.
Akamuri feints and then cracks Tzu's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tzu down.
Akamuri with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Akamuri throws a nice outside leg kick.
Tzu throws a hook but Akamuri blocks it.
Tzu takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Tzu tries to clinch up but Akamuri circles away and keeps his distance.
Akamuri moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Tzu looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Akamuri keeps the fight on the outside.
Akamuri with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Akamuri lets loose with a powerful body kick. Tzu will feel that in the morning.
A chopping leg kick lands by Akamuri.
A good leg kick by Akamuri.
Akamuri looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Akamuri turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Tzu takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Tzu darts in trying to clinch
and Akamuri counters with a nice leg kick.
Akamuri lands a nice leg kick that just misses Tzu's sensitive parts.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Tzu throws a combination that misses
and Akamuri counters with a nice low kick that buckles Tzu's knee momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akamuri connects with an inside leg kick.
Akamuri moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Tzu takes a kick to the side of the head.
Akamuri lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Akamuri buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tzu takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Akamuri.
Tzu tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Akamuri scores with a jab to the head.
Akamuri takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Akamuri connects with an inside leg kick.
Tzu really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Tzu throws the left hand but Akamuri avoids the punch easily.
Sun Tzu is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tzu chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Akamuri can pounce on him.
Tzu takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

Tzu tries to keep at a distance but Akamuri has taken the fight into the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akamuri throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Akamuri cracks Tzu with a nice body shot.
Akamuri throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Tzus head.
Akamuri lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Tzu or not.
A body shot lands from Akamuri.
Akamuri avoiding damage.
Akamuri lands with a right to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tzu is trying to break the clinch but Akamuri is controlling him.
Akamuri stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Akamuri lands a body punch in the clinch.
Akamuri leaning against his opponent.
Tzu is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Tzu drops down looking for an ankle pick but Akamuri pulls his leg out and moves away.
Akamuri lands a nice looking body kick.
Tzu has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Akamuri.
Tzu lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Akamuri circles away quickly and effectively.
An inside leg kick lands from Akamuri.
Akamuri scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Akamuri fakes the leg kick and cracks Tzu in the body.
A solid leg kick lands there for Akamuri.
Akamuri slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Akamuri has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A good leg kick by Akamuri.
Tzu tries to move into range but Akamuri moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Akamuri lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Akamuri fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tzu.
Ichiro Akamuri seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A good leg kick by Akamuri.
Tzu 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.
Akamuri plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akamuri connects with a solid leg kick.
Akamuri throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Tzu's head.
Akamuri looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Akamuri connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Tzu momentarily.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Akamuri in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Akamuri connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
A chopping leg kick lands by Akamuri.
Akamuri lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Akamuri dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Akamuri fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Akamuri lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Akamuri lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Akamuri connects with a crisp jab.
Tzu tries to score a power double leg takedown but Akamuri sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tzu somewhat.
Tzu takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Akamuri lands a lovely overhand right.
Akamuri lands with a nice combination. Tzu backs away looking to recover.
A punch combination from Akamuri misses.
Akamuri lands a front kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akamuri scores with a leg kick.
Tzu will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Akamuri fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Tzu has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A nice inside leg kick there by Akamuri. That's going to slow Tzu 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!
Akamuri buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tzu tries to clinch
and Akamuri connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Tzu throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A slapping leg kick lands for Akamuri.
Tzu throws an overhand right that lands on Akamuri's shoulder, as Akamuri tries to avoid the shot.
Ichiro Akamuri is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A good leg kick by Akamuri.
A punch combination from Tzu misses.
Akamuri throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
A jab lands there for Akamuri.
Akamuri lands with a kick to the temple. Tzu shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
That kick from Akamuri tenderised Tzu's leg. Tzu is trying to keep his angry face on.
Tzu takes one on the button.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Akamuri dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Tzu. That did some damage!

Akamuri gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A hook to the body from Akamuri.
Akamuri cracks Tzu with a nice body shot.
Akamuri lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Akamuri lands with a left to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ichiro Akamuri showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Akamuri throws a nice inside leg kick.
Tzu fails to land with a series of punches.
A chopping leg kick lands by Akamuri.
Akamuri fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tzu.

Akamuri instigates a clinch.
Akamuri digs a right hand into Tzu's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tzu's gas tank.
Akamuri leaning against his opponent.
Akamuri scores with a shoulder strike.
Tzu wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A left hand lands to the body for Akamuri.
Akamuri stalling against the cage.
Akamuri lands an uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Akamuri.
Akamuri lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Akamuri is working Tzu over against the cage.
Akamuri lands a right hand that snaps the head of Tzu backwards.
Akamuri pushes Tzu back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Akamuri lands a body shot in the clinch.
Akamuri works on Tzu's body with a couple of short punches.
Tzu looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Akamuri lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Akamuri blocking some punches.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Akamuri.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tzu tries to break the clinch but Akamuri is controlling the position.
Tzu wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tzu can't break the clinch.
Akamuri makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Akamuri dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Akamuri softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Tzu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short left from Akamuri.
Akamuri's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
The crowd are getting on Akamuri's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
Akamuri is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Ichiro Akamuri.
Akamuri thumps Tzu with a low kick.
Tzu wants to clinch but Akamuri slips to the side
and Akamuri counters with a good low kick that Tzu was not able to check.
A nice inside leg kick there by Akamuri. That's going to slow Tzu down.
Akamuri lands a leg kick that knocks Tzu off balance momentarily.
Tzu throws a right and a left that Akamuri avoids nicely.
Akamuri throws a quick inside leg kick.
Sun Tzu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tzu misses with a few strikes there.
Akamuri scoring well with a low kick there.
Akamuri stalks Tzu and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Tzu's face. Tzu staggers backwards, shaken.
Akamuri scores with a punch to the head.
Akamuri moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Tzu chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Akamuri can pounce on him.
Tzu takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Ichiro Akamuri is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tzu has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Akamuri.
Tzu tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Nice body punch from Akamuri.
Akamuri throws a quick inside leg kick.
Akamuri thumps Tzu with a low kick.
Akamuri scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Tzu tries to keep at a distance but Akamuri has taken the fight into the clinch.
Nice body punch from Akamuri.
Tzu wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Akamuri lands with a light punch inside.
Tzu has had enough of the clinch but Akamuri keeps him there for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tzu tries to break the clinch but Akamuri is controlling the position.
Tzu is trying to break the clinch but Akamuri is controlling him.
Tzu tries to circle away but Akamuri has him pinned against the cage.
Tzu wants to get back to striking at distance but Akamuri won't allow it.
Akamuri prevents Tzu from breaking the clinch.
Tzu jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Akamuri walks away with a smile on his face. Tzu gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Tzu misses with a body shot
and Akamuri counters with a big head kick but Tzu shrugs it off.
Akamuri goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Akamuri has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Akamuri there as he acknowledges the shot.
Tzu throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Akamuri throws a nice inside leg kick.
Akamuri paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Tzu tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Tzu on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Akamuri. Akamuri obviously looking to wear him down.

Akamuri has taken the fight to the clinch.
A short body shot lands from Akamuri as the two fighters clinch.
Tzu scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A short right from Akamuri on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akamuri scores with a shot to the side of Tzu's head.
Akamuri scores with a hook to the body.
Akamuri softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Tzu wants to get back to striking at distance but Akamuri won't allow it.
Akamuri is leaning against Tzu and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Akamuri prevents Tzu from breaking the clinch.
Tzu working hard to break the clinch.
Tzu working aggressively here.
Tzu misses with the head strike.
Akamuri scores with a shoulder strike.
Akamuri lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Nice body punch from Akamuri.
A short right from Akamuri on the inside.

Tzu is rocked!
Akamuri holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Akamuri is working Tzu over against the cage.
Akamuri pushes Tzu back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Oh Tzu is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Akamuri blocks a punch to the side of the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ichiro Akamuri comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Akamuri has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 25:30
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 25:30
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ichiro Akamuri!