PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Hagupit Zack (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pedro Bakunawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Zack
vs
Bakunawa

173 cm
25
145 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

175 cm
25
153 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hagupit Zack!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Pedro Bakunawa!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Ren Mimura and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bakunawa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zack sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A head kick misses from Zack.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Zack.
Some wild striking there from Bakunawa.
Zack takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Bakunawa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zack.
Bakunawa misses the jab.
Zack is trying hard to land a takedown here. Bakunawa sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Bakunawa rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Zack moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Zack walks into a straight right hand from Bakunawa.

It looks like Hagupit Zack has been cut.

Bakunawa moves into the clinch.
Bakunawa lands a shoulder strike.
Bakunawa slows down the pace here.
Zack drops down looking for an ankle pick but Bakunawa pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hagupit Zack. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zack lands a head kick!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zack avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Zack dodges the punch combination from Bakunawa.
Zack tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Bakunawa lands a right hook to the body.
Zack is breathing heavily.
Bakunawa connects with a looping right hand.

Oooooh!!! Bakunawa has knocked Zack down with a huge combo! Bakunawa steps away and waves a wobbly Zack back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!

Zack is rocked!
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!

Bakunawa pushes Zack up against the cage in a clinch.
Oh Zack is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Bakunawa lands a body shot.
A left hand lands to the body for Bakunawa.
Zack seems to have got his legs back now.
Nice body punch from Bakunawa - that landed with a thud.
Bakunawa stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Bakunawa lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Zack.
Bakunawa lands with a left to the head.
Bakunawa gets through Zack's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Bakunawa.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Bakunawa.
Nice body punch from Bakunawa - that landed with a thud.
Bakunawa lands a nice uppercut.
Zack tries for a takedown. No joy.
Bakunawa stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
A left hand lands to the body for Bakunawa.
A short body shot lands from Bakunawa as the two fighters clinch.
Bakunawa gets through Zack's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Bakunawa works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Bakunawa is leaning against Zack and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Bakunawa.
Bakunawa pressing his opponent against the cage.
A short uppercut from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Bakunawa lands a shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bakunawa is working Zack over against the cage.
Nice body punch from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa just leaning against Zack, taking a breather.
Bakunawa works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Bakunawa lands a body punch.
Nice body punch from Bakunawa.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Zack or not.
A hook to the body from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa stalling against the cage.
Nice body punch from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa scores with a hook to the body.
Bakunawa lands an uppercut.
Bakunawa is leaning against Zack and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa just leaning against Zack, taking a breather.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bakunawa lands a body punch in the clinch.
Bakunawa pushes Zack back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Bakunawa works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A short uppercut from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Zack up against the cage.
Bakunawa scores with a hook to the body.
Bakunawa lands a right hand.
Bakunawa digs a right hand underneath Zack's ribcage. Zack let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Bakunawa pushes Zack back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Bakunawa.
Zack is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Bakunawa pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Bakunawa pushes Zack back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Bakunawa.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bakunawa scores with a hook to the body.
Bakunawa stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Bakunawa stalling the fight.
Bakunawa digs a right hand into Zack's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Zack's gas tank.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pedro Bakunawa dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Hagupit Zack's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Bakunawa scores with the left hand. Zack knows he should have avoided that one.
Zack takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

Bakunawa has Zack up against the cage in a clinch.
Bakunawa lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Zack is trying to break the clinch but Bakunawa has him pressed against the cage.
Zack tries for a takedown but Bakunawa manages to get underhooks.
Bakunawa lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Zack backwards.
Bakunawa is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Bakunawa lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Zack goes for a takedown attempt but Bakunawa pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Bakunawa throws a chopping leg kick but Zack manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Zack moves forwards but Bakunawa connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Zack throws a wild body kick that Bakunawa sees coming a mile off.
Pedro Bakunawa is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zack throws a head kick but Bakunawa moves out of range.
Bakunawa misses with a head kick.
Pedro Bakunawa seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Zack throws a combination that misses
and Bakunawa counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Bakunawa fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Bakunawa lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Bakunawa scores with a hook to the body. Zack takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Bakunawa cracks Zack with a good jab.
Hagupit Zack is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A combination from Bakunawa does no damage.

Bakunawa rushes Zack and presses him up against the cage.
Zack wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hagupit Zack. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bakunawa working some nice short punches in the clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Zack wants a takedown but no success here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bakunawa holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Zack wants a takedown.
A right handed body shot lands from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Zack or not.
Bakunawa digs a right hand underneath Zack's ribcage. Zack let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Zack tries for a takedown. No joy.
Bakunawa has Zack pressed against the cage.
A hook to the body from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Nice body punch from Bakunawa - that landed with a thud.
Bakunawa stalls.
Bakunawa pushes Zack back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zack is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Bakunawa pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bakunawa lands with a left to the head.
Bakunawa lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Pedro Bakunawa seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A hook to the body from Bakunawa.
Zack is working for takedown but Bakunawa is calmly controlling the position for now.
Bakunawa stops a takedown attempt from Zack.
Bakunawa lands a shot to the body.
Nice body punch from Bakunawa.
The referee calls for Bakunawa to work.
Bakunawa gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Zack.
Zack has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Bakunawa avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Good body shot from Bakunawa.
Zack is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Bakunawa pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Bakunawa lands a body punch.
Bakunawa lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Bakunawa pushes Zack back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short uppercut from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa digs a right hand into Zack's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Zack's gas tank.
A nice left hand lands by Bakunawa.
Bakunawa lands a body punch in the clinch.
Good body shot from Bakunawa.
A right hook to the body lands for Bakunawa.
Bakunawa pushes Zack back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa lands a shot to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Bakunawa.
Zack can't get the takedown.
A nice right hand lands inside from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa lands with a left to the head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Bakunawa creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Bakunawa lands a body shot in the clinch.
Bakunawa lands a right hand that snaps the head of Zack backwards.
Bakunawa lands with a light punch inside.
A shot in the inside from Bakunawa.
Zack is working for takedown but Bakunawa is calmly controlling the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pedro Bakunawa showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Hagupit Zack's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Bakunawa wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Zack buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Bakunawa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Bakunawa takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Bakunawa moves in looking to clinch but Zack pushes him off.
Bakunawa looks to throw the jab but Zack is out of range.
A punch combination from Bakunawa misses.
Bakunawa connects with the punch.
A swing and a miss from Bakunawa.
Bakunawa wants to clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Zack closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Bakunawa did well to prevent Zack getting side control.
Bakunawa is trying to stand up here but Zack is controlling him well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zack not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zack lands with a punch from half guard.
Zack missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bakunawa tries to kick Zack off but Zack keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Bakunawa wants to improve his position but Zack is controlling well.
Zack winds up and cracks Bakunawa with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Zack is nestled in close to Bakunawa, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Zack wants to free his trapped foot but Bakunawa is holding on for dear life with his legs.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Zack lands a nice short elbow.
Zack throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Zack working over Bakunawa with some ground and pound. Bakunawa looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's two 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.
Bakunawa tries to kick Zack off but Zack keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Zack wants to take a breather but Bakunawa is having none of it.
Bakunawa tries to roll over but Zack keeps him under control.
Zack lands strikes from half guard.
Bakunawa is trying to control but can't.
Zack scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Bakunawa avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Zack.
Zack looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Bakunawa with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Bakunawa has hold of Zack's hands but Zack slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zack slips a nice elbow through Bakunawa's hands, connecting with Bakunawa's forehead.
Zack working the head and body with strikes.
Bakunawa is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zack missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Zack scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Bakunawa is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Zack scores with a couple of nice shots.
Bakunawa pushes Zack off looking to stand but Zack dives back in and keeps control.
Bakunawa is controlling Zack's trapped leg to prevent Zack from advancing to side control.
Bakunawa tries to kick Zack off but Zack keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Bakunawa is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Zack thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bakunawa's head.
Zack takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Ground and pound from Zack.
Bakunawa pushes Zack off looking to stand but Zack dives back in and keeps control.
Zack thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bakunawa's head.

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.
Zack lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Zack throwing shots but Bakunawa is blocking nicely.
Zack not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Bakunawa is trying to stand.

Bakunawa kicks Zack off and gets back to his feet.
Bakunawa throws a half hearted mid kick.
Bakunawa takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Zack tries to score a power double leg takedown but Bakunawa sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zack somewhat.
Bakunawa blocks a head kick by Zack.
Bakunawa scores with a shot to the body.
Hagupit Zack has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Pedro Bakunawa is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Zack dives in and grabs Bakunawa's left leg, looking for a takedown. Bakunawa pushes down on Zack's head and hops out.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hagupit Zack showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Bakunawa has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 26:29
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 26:29
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 26:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pedro Bakunawa!