PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Arashi Yamada (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Simon Simpson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Simpson is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Supaman. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Yamada
vs
Simpson

178 cm
26
165 lbs
10 - 5 - 0

185 cm
25
167 lbs
11 - 9 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

[CBK] Smashwear Clothing

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 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Arashi Yamada!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Simon Simpson!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Taro Takaoka and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Simpson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Yamada is fending him off so far but Simpson persists. Nope, Yamada circles away and we're back to standing.
Simpson throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Yamada counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A slapping leg kick lands for Simpson.
Yamada rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Simpson counter with a right hand.
Simpson throws a leg kick
and Yamada counters with a head kick.
A low kick from Simpson misses
and Yamada counters with a left to the body.
Yamada uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Simpson.
Good work by Simpson as he checks the leg kick.
A low kick from Simpson is predictable there
and Yamada counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Simpson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Yamada.
Simpson throws a leg kick
and Yamada counters with a leg kick.
Simon Simpson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Simpson misses with a left hand
letting Yamada counter with a right hand.
Simpson misses with a right hand
and Yamada counters with a thumping low kick.

Simpson closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Simpson lands in his opponent's guard.
Yamada wants to stand up but Simpson is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yamada keeping moving, preventing Simpson from controlling successfully.
Yamada utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Simpson throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Simpson sitting in guard here, content to control.

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.
Yamada wants to get back to his feet but Simpson is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Simpson content to stall in guard here.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Simpson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Simpson wants to control from the top but Yamada keeps moving.
Simpson pushing down on Yamada's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson is trying to control. Yamada wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Simpson trying to mount his opponent but Yamada defends it.
Simpson is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Simon Simpson wasn't active enough on the ground.
Simpson throws a sloppy head kick
and Yamada counters with a head kick.
Yamada with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Simpson misses with a looping right.

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.
Yamada stuffs the takedown.
Simpson lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

Simpson scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Simpson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Simpson wants to pass the guard but Yamada is defending well.

Simpson is looking for a kimura here.
Simpson is trying to control. Yamada wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Simpson in particular looking to stall.
Simpson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Simpson controlling the pace.
Simpson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Simpson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Simpson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's six 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.
Yamada is not content to let Simpson control the position.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Yamada avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Simpson.
Simpson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Simpson passes to full mount!
Yamada tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Simpson throwing strikes here but Yamada is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Simpson tries to control but Yamada wriggling away.

Simpson jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Yamada is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Yamada and Simpson has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Yamada avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Simpson.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
A lull in the action here.
Simpson tries to score with some ground and pound. Yamada controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Yamada parries the strikes from Simpson easily there. Simpson is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Yamada to escape.

Simpson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The ground and pound from Simpson seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Simpson is trying to get an arm triangle but Yamada is defending well.
Simpson trying to control the position but Yamada is working away.

Simpson tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Simpson tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Simon Simpson dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Yamada misses with a wild body shot.
Simpson misses with a right hand
and Yamada counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Simpson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Yamada is fending him off so far but Simpson persists. Nope, Yamada circles away and we're back to standing.
Yamada throws a leg kick but Simpson checks it.
Yamada tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Simpson scores with a sloppy right hand. Yamada should have avoided that one.
Simpson looks to land a left hand but Yamada moved out of range nicely.
Some wild striking there from Simpson.
Yamada misses with an uppercut.
Simpson shoots in but Yamada avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Yamada moves into range and lands a nice body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yamada takes a swing at Simpson's ribcage but misses.
No luck for Simpson with that takedown attempt.
Arashi Yamada has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Simon Simpson.
Simpson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Simpson is breathing heavily.
That kick from Yamada tenderised Simpson's leg. Simpson is trying to keep his angry face on.
Simpson closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Simpson throws a leg kick that is checked
and Yamada counters with a three punch combo that has Simpson backing up. Simpson nods at Yamada to acknowledge the strikes.
Simpson fails with the takedown.
Yamada scores with a punch to the head.
Yamada cracks Simpson with a good jab.
Yamada getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Arashi Yamada is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson throws a jab but it's blocked by Yamada.
Simpson throws a right hand that misses
and Simpson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A low kick from Yamada misses
and Simpson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A low kick from Simpson misses
and Yamada counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Simpson thinking.
Yamada lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A jab from Yamada does it's job there.
Yamada throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Simpson keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Simpson shoots in looking for a takedown but Yamada manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Simpson's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Yamada on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Simpson. Simpson obviously looking to wear him down.
A nice leg kick lands there from Yamada.
Yamada takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Yamada moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Arashi Yamada is winning the standup battle so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamada leaves Simpson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Simpson misses with a left hand
and Yamada counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Simpson throws a lazy uppercut
and Yamada counters with a nice body shot.
Yamada dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Simpson throws a lazy uppercut
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Yamada connects with a nice looking jab.
Simpson moves forwards but Yamada connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Yamada misses with a body shot.
Simpson misses with a lunging right hand
and Yamada counters with a stiff right hand.
Yamada throws a shot from downtown. Simpson moves away and avoids it.
Yamada throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Yamada scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yamada throws the kick towards the body but Simpson avoids it.
Yamada throws a nice inside leg kick.
Simpson throws an off balance right hand
and Yamada counters with a slapping leg kick.
Yamada fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Simpson manages to avoid it.
Yamada paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Yamada misses with an uppercut
and Simpson counters with a nice low kick that buckles Yamada's knee momentarily.
Yamada swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Yamada feints and then cracks Simpson's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Simpson down.
Yamada avoids the body shot from Simpson.
Yamada ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Simpson throws a leg kick that is checked
letting Yamada counter with a right hand.
Yamada misses with a wild body shot.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Simpson ducks under a wild hook from Yamada.
Yamada ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Simpson moves away.
Simpson throws a leg kick but Yamada sees it coming and moves out of range.
Simpson tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Yamada fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Simpson looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Yamada defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Simpson.
Yamada throws a hook but Simpson blocks it.
Nice body punch from Yamada.
Simpson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Yamada connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Simpson throws a leg kick
and Yamada makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Yamada connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Simpson slips a jab and a cross from Yamada.
Yamada is looking to slow Simpson down with leg kicks.
Simpson misses with the body kick
and Yamada counters with a nice body shot.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Yamada, right into the meat.
Yamada throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Simpson takes a swing at Yamada's ribcage but misses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Simpson is defended easily by Yamada.
Yamada throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Simpson thows a leg kick but Yamada checks it
and Yamada makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Simpson misses with a left hand
and Yamada counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Simpson throws a leg kick that is checked
and Yamada counters with a two punch combo.
Simpson misses with a takedown
and Yamada counters with a slapping leg kick.
Simpson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Yamada takes a swing at Simpson's ribcage but misses.
Simpson shoots for a takedown but Yamada saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A big right from Yamada misses.
A low kick from Simpson misses
and Simpson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Yamada scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Simpson.
Yamada swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Simpson.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Simpson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Yamada circles away.
Yamada lands a nice looking body shot.
Yamada misses with a body shot.
Yamada is looking to wear down Simpson with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Simpson has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Simpson there as he acknowledges the shot.
Yamada lands a right hook to the body.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Simpson is defended easily by Yamada.
Yamada wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
An inside leg kick lands from Yamada.
Simpson ducks under a wild hook from Yamada.
Yamada lands a jab to Simpson's midsection.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Yamada throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Simpson stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Good leg kick by Yamada there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Yamada throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Yamada scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Yamada lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Simpson rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Yamada to counter with a crisp jab.
Simpson shoots in and drives through. Yamada sprawls well.
Simpson has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Simpson takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Simpson throws an off balance right hand
and Yamada counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Yamada is looking to score with low kicks.
Simpson takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Simpson is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Yamada.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Arashi Yamada dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! 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.

A shot to the liver by Yamada. Beautiful body shot.
Yamada dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Simpson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Yamada as he avoids it easily.
Simpson shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Simpson moves away from the strike by Yamada.
Yamada throws a looping overhand right but Simpson ducks down to avoid it.
Nice sprawl there from Yamada as Simpson shoots in.
Yamada scores with the left hand. Simpson knows he should have avoided that one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
An inside leg kick from Simpson misses.
Simpson throws an off balance right hand
and Yamada counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Simpson chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Yamada can pounce on him.
Simpson moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Simpson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yamada swings for the body but Simpson moves out of range.
Simpson fails with a takedown attempt.
Arashi Yamada has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Simon Simpson.
Yamada fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Simpson manages to avoid it.
Yamada jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Yamada tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Simpson was well out of range. Poor timing from Yamada.
Yamada tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A low kick from Simpson is predictable there
and Yamada counters with an outside leg kick.
Simpson's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Yamada lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Yamada cracks Simpson with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Yamada fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Simpson manages to avoid it.
Simpson smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Simpson checks a leg kick.
Simpson misses with an uppercut
and Yamada counters with a thumping low kick.
A big left from Simpson misses.
Simpson explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
A low kick from Simpson is predictable there
and Yamada counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Yamada lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
A swing and a miss from Yamada.
Yamada checks a low kick from Simpson.
Simpson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Yamada sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Simpson somewhat.
Simpson throws a right hand that misses
and Yamada counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
A low kick from Simpson misses
and Yamada counters with a left to the body.
Simpson throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Yamada counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yamada is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Simpson.
Simpson throws a leg kick that is checked
and Yamada counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Simpson thinking.
Yamada dips to his left and cracks Simpson with an uppercut!
Yamada stuffs the takedown.
Simpson rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Yamada counters with a good low kick that Simpson was not able to check.
Yamada drops his hands momentarily and Simpson takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Simpson thows a leg kick but Yamada checks it
and Yamada cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Yamada lands a body shot.
Yamada scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Yamada checks a leg kick nicely.
Simpson thows a leg kick but Yamada checks it
and Yamada counters with a right hand to the body.
Yamada connects with a leg kick. Simpson looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yamada throws a jab when Simpson was well out of range.
Simpson throws a left and a right that both miss
and Yamada cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Good work by Yamada as he checks the leg kick.
Nice sprawl there from Yamada as Simpson shoots in.
Yamada throws a right and a left that Simpson avoids nicely.
Yamada displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Simpson.
Yamada connects with a body shot.
Simpson takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Simpson fails with the takedown.
Yamada lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Yamada misses with a body shot.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Yamada.
Yamada lands a slapping body shot.
Yamada slips a straight right by Simpson.
Yamada misses with an uppercut.
A looping hook to the body misses from Yamada. Simpson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Simpson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Yamada lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Yamada moves away from the strike by Simpson.
Simpson shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Yamada showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Simpson.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Simpson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Simpson drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Yamada dives on top into guard.
Simpson looking to control.
Simpson being controlled here, momentarily.

Simpson looking for a guillotine here but Yamada defends easily.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Yamada wants to get up but he can't break Simpson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Simon Simpson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Simpson has his foot on Yamada's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Yamada works his way back into a safe position though.
Yamada is stalling in the full guard.
Simpson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Yamada's guard.

That's eight 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.
Simpson thows a big elbow that misses.
Yamada wants to stand and escape but Simpson is having none of it.
Simpson wants to control from the top but Yamada keeps moving.
Yamada avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Simpson throwing strikes but missing.
Simpson passes Yamada's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Yamada blocking the ground and pound attempt from Simpson.
Simpson is pressing down on Yamada's thigh, looking to free his foot. Yamada is holding on for now.
Simpson is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Simpson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Yamada knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Simpson on the ground.

Simpson is working for a kimura but Yamada is defending it quite comfortably.

And that's the end of the fight!
Arashi Yamada showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Yamada 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Arashi Yamada!
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Arashi Yamada!
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight for Arashi Yamada!

Arashi Yamada wins by unanimous decision!