PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Gustaf Lindback (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Lindback
vs
Higashikuni

170 cm
23
146 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

162 cm
22
146 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent MT
Granite chin

ADCC Champion
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

[CBK] Legal Highs ↑ 160Q STAMINA + ENERGY

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Gustaf Lindback!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Katsu Higashikuni!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lindback slips a jab from Higashikuni.
Lindback throws a head kick that misses.
Higashikuni on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Higashikuni checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Lindback throws the kick towards the body but Higashikuni avoids it.
Higashikuni jabs at Lindback's body.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Lindback.
Lindback throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Lindback misses the shot to the body.
Higashikuni misses with a lunging right hand
and Lindback counters with a nice leg kick.
A jab from Higashikuni misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Higashikuni. Lindback does a little dance to reset his feet.
Higashikuni checks the leg kick.
Higashikuni misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni checks a low kick from Lindback.
Higashikuni takes a swing at Lindback's ribcage but misses.
Lindback lands a head kick. Higashikuni smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Lindback lands with a kick to the temple. Higashikuni shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Higashikuni lands a head shot.
Lindback tries to score with a low kick but Higashikuni moves his leg out of the way.
A looping hook to the body misses from Higashikuni. Lindback does a little dance to reset his feet.
Lindback throws a nice head kick!
Lindback misses with a looping right.
Lindback tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Higashikuni was well out of range. Poor timing from Lindback.
Nice sprawl there from Lindback as Higashikuni shoots in.
Higashikuni avoids the head kick by Lindback.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Higashikuni takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Higashikuni misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Lindback.
Lindback throws the kick towards the body but Higashikuni avoids it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lindback lands with a thumping leg kick.
Lindback misses with a kick to the body.
Nice body punch from Higashikuni.
Lindback lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Higashikuni at a distance.
Higashikuni waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Lindback.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Lindback sprawls well. Lindback wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Higashikuni gets slowly back to his feet.
A head kick misses from Lindback.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lindback looks for the body kick but Higashikuni saw that one coming.
Higashikuni looks to score with a jab to the body but Lindback is just out of range.
Higashikuni throws out a loose jab but Lindback uses good head movement to avoid it.
Lindback misses with a low kick.
Higashikuni takes a swing at Lindback's ribcage but misses.
Higashikuni moves out of range of the strikes.
Higashikuni looks to score with a jab to the body but Lindback is just out of range.
Higashikuni lands with a straight right. Lindback didn't see that one coming.
Higashikuni throws an overhand right that lands on Lindback's shoulder, as Lindback tries to avoid the shot.
Higashikuni swings for the body but Lindback moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni slips a jab from Lindback.
Higashikuni lands a nice shot to the body.
Lindback throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lindback moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Lindback misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Higashikuni looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Higashikuni wants to pass the guard but Lindback is keeping the position.
Lindback lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Higashikuni!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Higashikuni is working to get back to half guard.
Higashikuni is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Lindback lands with some strikes.
Higashikuni is looking to get to half guard.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Lindback cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Lindback landing strikes from the mount.
Higashikuni is looking to improve his position but Lindback isn't that keen on the idea.
Higashikuni slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Higashikuni wants to improve his position but Lindback is controlling well.
Higashikuni looks gassed!

Lindback is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Higashikuni sees it coming and defends easily.
Lindback lands strikes from half guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Lindback trying to advance position but Higashikuni counters by regaining guard.
Lindback lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Lindback working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Higashikuni's head.

Higashikuni has his foot on Lindback's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Lindback works his way back into a safe position though.
Lindback preventing the sweep.
Higashikuni throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

Higashikuni has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Lindback can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Higashikuni is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Lindback scoring with punches to the head and body.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Lindback content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Lindback postures up in Higashikuni's guard and throws a big left but Higashikuni blocks it.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni wants to sweep but no luck.
Lindback with a nice head shot there.

Higashikuni looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Lindback is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Lindback works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Higashikuni taking some punishment here, with Lindback in his half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Higashikuni wants to get back to full guard.
Lindback working the head and body with strikes.
Lindback takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Higashikuni is trying to get back to full guard.

Lindback seems to be looking for submissions.
Higashikuni is looking to improve his position.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Lindback.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Lindback lands a nice short elbow.

Lindback is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Higashikuni sees it coming and defends easily.
Higashikuni gets full guard.
Lindback landing with the ground and pound.
Higashikuni lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Lindback!
Higashikuni tries to control but Lindback wriggling away.
Lindback is desperately trying to improve his position but Higashikuni has a good base and remains in mount.
Higashikuni can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Lindback is looking to escape.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Lindback working to try and regain half guard.
Higashikuni controlling the pace for now.
Higashikuni is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Higashikuni trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Lindback wants to try and get back to his feet.
Lindback can't escape the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lindback is squirming around, avoiding Higashikuni's attempts to control the action.
Lindback is trying desperately to improve position.
Higashikuni takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Gustaf Lindback will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Higashikuni will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Gustaf Lindback is winning the standup battle so far.
Higashikuni ducks under a wild hook from Lindback.
Higashikuni throws a good cross that connects.
Lindback uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Lindback rather than just go for the knockout.
Lindback tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Higashikuni is able to avoid easily.
Lindback misses the jab.
Higashikuni misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Lindback.
Lindback throws a low kick, looking for Higashikuni's leg but Higashikuni calmly moves out of range.
Higashikuni thuds a left hand into Lindback's body.
Lindback keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Higashikuni misses the shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Lindback is fending him off so far but Higashikuni persists. Nope, Lindback circles away and we're back to standing.
Higashikuni shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Lindback defends it nicely.
Gustaf Lindback has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsu Higashikuni.
Higashikuni is breathing heavily.
Lindback wants to land a leg kick but Higashikuni is out of range.
Lindback thows a left - swing and a miss!
Lindback throws a head kick that misses.
Higashikuni misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Lindback.
Lindback tries a head kick but it misses.
Gustaf Lindback is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Higashikuni looks to score with a jab to the body but Lindback is just out of range.
Higashikuni takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni just misses with a punch to the body.
Lindback throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Higashikuni connects with a body shot.
Higashikuni misses with a wild body shot.
Higashikuni throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Lindback connects with an inside leg kick.
Higashikuni wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Lindback lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A punch lands to the side of Lindback 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Higashikuni takes a swing at Lindback's ribcage but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni misses with a straight right.
A nice leg kick lands there from Lindback.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Lindback.
Lindback tries to close the distance and clinch up but Higashikuni swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Higashikuni takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Lindback throws a leg kick which misses Higashikuni's front leg but catches the back leg as Higashikuni tries to avoid it.
Higashikuni swings for the body but Lindback moves out of range.
Higashikuni uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Lindback.

Higashikuni fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Lindback sprawls well initially but Higashikuni persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Lindback makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Lindback.
Higashikuni trying to control but Lindback is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lindback working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Higashikuni doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Higashikuni manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Higashikuni tries to free his leg and advance position but Lindback is retaining full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lindback trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Higashikuni trying to control the position from guard on top but Lindback is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lindback is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Gustaf Lindback overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Higashikuni is defending against the submission attempts here by Lindback.
Higashikuni wants to get back to full guard but Lindback has mounted him!

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Higashikuni regains half guard.
Lindback missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Lindback scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Lindback winds up and cracks Higashikuni with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Lindback is nestled in close to Higashikuni, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Lindback thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Higashikuni is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Lindback working Higashikuni over with strikes.

Lindback is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Higashikuni defends it well.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni tries to get to full guard but Lindback has control of the leg.
Higashikuni trying to control but Lindback postures up.
Higashikuni regains full guard. Nicely done.
Lindback cracks Higashikuni with a solid left hand.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lindback stopping the sweep attempt from Higashikuni.

Higashikuni escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Lindback gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Lindback chips away with some ground and pound.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Lindback's guard.
Lindback keeping moving, preventing Higashikuni from controlling successfully.
Lindback can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Higashikuni controls the pace.

Lindback has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Higashikuni can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Lindback is looking for a triangle but Higashikuni pushes his legs off easily.

Lindback is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Higashikuni is aware though and is defending well.
Higashikuni stays in close to Lindback's body and controls the position.
Higashikuni won't allow Lindback to sweep him here.
Higashikuni pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Lindback is keeping the position for now.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Lindback looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Higashikuni stays in close to Lindback's body and controls the position.
Higashikuni slips nicely into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Higashikuni wants to lay and pray for a moment but Lindback keeps working.
Lindback is looking for a sweep. Higashikuni is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Lindback won't allow Higashikuni to pass to mount.

Lindback actively working from the bottom here.
Higashikuni is trying to control. Lindback wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is pressing down on Lindback's thigh, looking to free his foot. Lindback is holding on for now.
Lindback wants to get back to full guard.
Higashikuni trying to control the action but Lindback is working from the bottom.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Lindback wants to improve his position but Higashikuni is controlling well.
Lindback regains full guard. Nicely done.
Lindback keeping full guard, as Higashikuni tries to pass.
Lindback can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Higashikuni controls the pace.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lindback wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Katsu Higashikuni will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Higashikuni misses with a takedown attempt - Lindback sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Higashikuni drops his hands momentarily and Lindback takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Lindback throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Lindback gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Higashikuni lands a nice shot to the body.
Higashikuni tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Lindback was well out of range. Poor timing from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Higashikuni misses the target.
Lindback walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Higashikuni checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Higashikuni takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Lindback connects with a good right hand that stumbles Higashikuni. Higashikuni circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Lindback cracks Higashikuni with a right hand to the side of the head.

Lindback tries to sprawl but Higashikuni drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Higashikuni looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Lindback is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Higashikuni pulls his head out easily.
Higashikuni controlling the action here.
Higashikuni prevents Lindback from improving his position.
Lindback is pressing down on Higashikuni's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Lindback looking for a guillotine here but Higashikuni defends easily.
Lindback is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Lindback can't keep his opponent in guard - Higashikuni advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Higashikuni is keen to just control but Lindback is a slippery customer.

Lindback actively working from the bottom here.
Lindback tries to roll over but Higashikuni keeps him under control.
Higashikuni is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Lindback!
Higashikuni lands a nice shot to the head.
Lindback regains half guard.
Lindback missing with punches from the bottom.

Lindback looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Higashikuni is looking to advance position but Lindback won't allow it.
Higashikuni is trying to control. Lindback wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Higashikuni slips a nice elbow through Lindback's hands, connecting with Lindback's forehead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni wants to control but Lindback is keeping him busy.
Lindback is looking to escape.

Lindback looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Higashikuni moves nicely into side control.
Higashikuni slows the pace down.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lindback is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Lindback prevents Higashikuni from moving into mount.
Lindback tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Higashikuni wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Higashikuni advances to mount.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni looking to control but Lindback is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Lindback can't escape the position.
Higashikuni controlling from the full mount.
Higashikuni tries to control but Lindback wriggling away.
Higashikuni controlling from the full mount.
Higashikuni looking to control but Lindback is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Katsu Higashikuni.
Higashikuni lands with a cross.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Lindback throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

Lindback instigates a clinch.
Higashikuni blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Lindback doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Lindback landing knees to the body.
Lindback gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Higashikuni.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Higashikuni.
Lindback misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lindback tries to land knees in the clinch but Higashikuni avoids the damage to the body.
Lindback lands a knee to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Higashikuni is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Lindback tries to land a knee to the head but Higashikuni blocks with his arms.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Lindback using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Higashikuni wants to stall.
Higashikuni goes for a takedown attempt but Lindback pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Gustaf Lindback has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsu Higashikuni.
Lindback misses with a low kick as Higashikuni jumps back.
Higashikuni moves out of range of the body kick.
Lindback feints and then cracks Higashikuni's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Higashikuni down.
Higashikuni digs a good hook to Lindback's body.
Lindback throws a hook but Higashikuni blocks it.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Lindback misses with an attempted mid kick.
Higashikuni scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Higashikuni misses with a takedown attempt - Lindback sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Lindback tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Lindback throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Lindback fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Higashikuni checks it well.
Higashikuni feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Lindbacks jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Lindback misses with a head kick.
Lindback is looking to chop away at Higashikuni's legs.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Lindback was well out of range. Poor timing from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Higashikuni is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Lindback looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A nice inside leg kick there by Lindback. That's going to slow Higashikuni down.
Lindback lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
A looping hook to the body misses from Higashikuni. Lindback does a little dance to reset his feet.
Lindback scores with a head kick.
Higashikuni's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lindback misses with a head kick.
Higashikuni checks the leg kick.
Higashikuni tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Lindback was well out of range. Poor timing from Higashikuni.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Katsu Higashikuni.
I think Higashikuni 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight for Katsu Higashikuni!
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight for Katsu Higashikuni!
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight for Gustaf Lindback!

Katsu Higashikuni wins by split decision!
Katsu Higashikuni decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.