PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tane Thompson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Taka Tanaka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Thompson comes to the cage accompanied by it was over. The key to victory for Tane Thompson has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Thompson
vs
Tanaka

176 cm
26
167 lbs
19 - 14 - 0

178 cm
25
156 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

ADCC Champion
Good kicks
Granite 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 19 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tane Thompson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Taka Tanaka!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tanaka throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tanaka swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Thompson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Thompson throws a lazy uppercut

and Tanaka counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Tanaka throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Tanaka passes the guard and advances to mount!
Thompson wants to control but Tanaka is having none of it.
Tanaka prevents Thompson from getting the reversal.
Thompson is working hard here to advance position.
Tanaka can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Thompson is looking to escape.
Tanaka working Thompson over with strikes here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka with shots to the head and body - Thompson looks very uncomfortable down there.

Tanaka looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Thompson is desperately trying to improve his position but Tanaka has a good base and remains in mount.
Thompson is bucking up trying to escape but Tanaka cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Thompson is looking to improve his position but Tanaka isn't that keen on the idea.
Thompson sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tanaka passes to side control.
Tanaka working the body and head with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka takes a little break here. Thompson wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.

Tanaka is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Thompson is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Thompson manages to get back to half guard.
Thompson wants to get back to full guard but Tanaka has passed into side control.
Thompson struggling a bit here.
Tanaka scoring with punches and elbows.
Tanaka tries to advance to mount but Thompson denies him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka wants to control but Thompson is keeping him busy.
Tanaka happy to just control the position for now.
Thompson can't do much from the bottom here.
Tanaka connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Thompson some visible discomfort.
Tanaka landing strikes.
Tanaka moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
Tanaka is looking to take a break and control but Thompson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Thompson wants to control but Tanaka postures up.
Tanaka has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Thompson is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Tanaka is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Thompson sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

Tanaka is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Thompson wants to sweep but Tanaka has passed to side control!
Tanaka has control of an arm but Thompson manages to advance to Tanaka's back!

Tanaka is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Thompson trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Tanaka doesn't escape.
Even with his hooks in, Thompson manages to miss with strikes from the back.
Thompson is landing with strikes. Tanaka can't take much more of this.
Thompson not allowing Tanaka to control his hands.
Tanaka breaks Thompson's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Thompson keeping moving, preventing Tanaka from controlling successfully.

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.
Thompson can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Tanaka controls the pace.
Thompson pulls Tanaka in close to prevent any damage.
Tanaka throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Tanaka wants to pass the guard but Thompson is keeping the position.
Thompson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Tanaka is one step ahead there.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Tanaka throws a big right hand that misses.

Thompson has an active guard here but Tanaka has managed to pass into half guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka prevents Thompson from improving his position.
Tanaka tries to pass to full mount but Thompson defends it.
Tanaka 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.
Thompson wants to control but Tanaka is keeping busy.
Thompson wants to improve his position but Tanaka is controlling well.

Tanaka looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Tanaka trying to mount his opponent but Thompson defends it.

That's eight 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.
Tanaka missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Tanaka slips a nice elbow through Thompson's hands, connecting with Thompson's forehead.

Thompson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Tanaka pulls his head out easily.
Thompson is looking for a sweep. Tanaka is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Tanaka lands a nice short elbow.
Tanaka is trying to control. Thompson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Thompson looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Tanaka in particular looking to stall.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Thompson is looking to improve his position.
Tanaka throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Thompson looking for submissions off his back.

Tanaka is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Thompson sees it coming and defends easily.

Tanaka is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Thompson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Thompson tries to get to full guard but Tanaka has control of the leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Tanaka takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Thompson misses with a series of wild punches.
Tanaka misses with a hook to the body
and Thompson counters with a one-two to the body.

Tanaka closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Thompson's guard.
Tanaka wants to control from the top but Thompson keeps moving.
Tanaka is working Thompson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Tanaka trying to control the position from guard on top but Thompson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka advances position into side control!
Thompson tries to buck Tanaka off but Tanaka is having none of it.
Thompson defending against the ground and pound.
Thompson is trying to get back to half guard.
Thompson sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Tanaka tries to pass to full mount but Thompson defends it.
Tanaka wants to lay and pray for a moment but Thompson keeps working.
Tanaka tries to pass to full mount but Thompson defends it.

That's two 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.
Tanaka scoring with strikes to the body and head.

Thompson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Thompson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Tanaka pulls his head out easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Thompson is refusing to be controlled, as Tanaka sits in half guard.
Tanaka prevents Thompson from improving his position.
Tanaka is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Tanaka thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Thompson actively working from the bottom here.
Tanaka is nestled in close to Thompson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Tanaka is looking to take a break and control but Thompson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Thompson looking for submissions off his back.
Tanaka landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

Thompson looking for submissions off his back.
Thompson tries to get to full guard but Tanaka has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Tanaka is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Thompson is just riding it out for now. Tanaka eventually gives up the hold.
Thompson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Thompson.

Thompson looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Tanaka passes into side control.
Tanaka creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Tanaka cracks Thompson with a big elbow.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Thompson is not content to let Tanaka control the position.

Tanaka is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Thompson is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Thompson tries to bench press Tanaka off him but Tanaka keeps the position.
Tanaka working the head with strikes.
Thompson is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Tanaka off and has taken his back!
Thompson throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Thompson misses with a punch to the head.
Tanaka trying to control the hands but Thompson won't let him.
Tanaka finds himself mounted whilst avoiding strikes.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka is squirming around, avoiding Thompson's attempts to control the action.
Tanaka is looking to get to half guard.
Thompson avoids the attempt from Tanaka to control.
BOOM! Thompson connects with a massive shot to the dome!

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Thompson thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Tanaka tries to reverse the position but Thompson maintains control.
Tanaka slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.

Tanaka looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Thompson is pressing down on Tanaka's thigh, looking to free his foot. Tanaka is holding on for now.
Tanaka is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Thompson's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Thompson's back!

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Thompson trying to control the hands but Tanaka breaks the grip.
Thompson tries to escape but Tanaka has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Tanaka is punishing Thompson with some ground and pound.
Tanaka is not going to allow Thompson to sit and survive in this position.
Tanaka controls the position.
Tanaka scores with strikes from the back.
Will Tanaka go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Thompson is really stuck here.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka trying to control momentarily.
Tanaka lands a shot to the head.
Thompson tries to roll but Tanaka sticks to his back.
Tanaka has his opponent trapped and is landing shots. Not a good position for Thompson.
Thompson takes a big shot to the side of the head.
Tanaka is not going to allow Thompson to sit and survive in this position.
Thompson is taking damage to the body and head.
Thompson can't escape the position.
Tanaka is punishing Thompson with strikes - can he finish him?!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Taka Tanaka showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Thompson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Tanaka misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Thompson.
Thompson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Tanaka misses with a body shot.
Tanaka connects with a body shot that sends Thompson's belly button to the back.
Tanaka misses the shot to the body.
Tanaka is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Thompson rather than just go for the knockout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Thompson throws an overhand right that lands on Tanaka's shoulder, as Tanaka tries to avoid the shot.
Tanaka swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Thompson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thompson misses with a right hand
and Tanaka counters with a right hand to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tanaka misses with a shot to the body
letting Thompson counter with a right hand.
Tanaka lands with a good body shot.
Thompson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Tanaka circles away quickly and effectively.
Tanaka throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Taka Tanaka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tanaka tries for a takedown but Thompson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Tanaka digs a good body shot into Thompson's ribs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Tanaka looking to score a takedown here. Thompson is defending well but Tanaka drives through and ends up in Thompson's guard.

Tanaka avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Thompson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Tanaka trying to control the position from guard on top but Thompson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Thompson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Tanaka landing some decent shots from guard.

Tanaka drops back looking for a leg! Thompson is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Thompson manages to kick Tanaka off! Tanaka jumps back into Thompson's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Thompson looking for a guillotine here but Tanaka defends easily.
Tanaka slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Tanaka tries to advance to mount but can't.
Thompson gets back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Tanaka passes into side control, despite Thompson's attempt to control the position.
Thompson is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Tanaka lands a few punches from side control.

Tanaka looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Tanaka tries for a kimura but Thompson is defending well.
Thompson is trying to get back to half guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Thompson to see if he's OK.
Tanaka lands a decent elbow from side control.
Thompson wants to control but Tanaka postures up.
Thompson is not content to let Tanaka control the position.
Thompson tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Tanaka wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Thompson regains half guard.
Thompson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Tanaka is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Thompson sees it coming and defends easily.
Thompson is trying to control but Tanaka passes into side control!
Tanaka throws an elbow but Thompson slips to the side and avoids it well.
Tanaka working away.
Thompson tries to control but Tanaka manages to take his back.

Tanaka is persistently looking for the submission but Thompson is defending it well.
Thompson grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Thompson tries to break free.
Tane Thompson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Thompson trying to control the hands but Tanaka won't let him.
Thompson tries to escape but Tanaka has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Tanaka punches Thompson on the ear.
Tanaka lands strikes to the head.
Tanaka has good solid back control here.
Tanaka throwing damaging strikes from the back! Thompson could be in trouble here!

Tanaka working for a choke but Thompson is defending well.
Thompson rolls, trying to escape but Tanaka keeps control of the position.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Tanaka's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Tanaka controlling from the back.
Tanaka is trying to stick to Thompson's back but Thompson is turning into Tanaka. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Tanaka's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Thompson.

Thompson has gone for a leg lock! Tanaka slips out almost immediately though and dives into Thompson's guard.
Tanaka is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Thompson is looking for a triangle but Tanaka pushes his legs off easily.
Thompson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Tanaka wants to control from the top but Thompson keeps moving.

Thompson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Thompson looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Tanaka has picked Thompson up and slammed him! Thompson can't keep hold of the triangle and Tanaka manages to pass to side control!
Tanaka landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Tanaka lands a decent elbow from side control.
Tanaka is chipping away with strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Taka Tanaka comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Tanaka winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 for Taka Tanaka!
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight for Taka Tanaka!
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight for Taka Tanaka!

Taka Tanaka wins by unanimous decision!