PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Swags Middleton (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ippo Makunouchi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ippo Makunouchi is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Middleton
vs
Makunouchi

177 cm
21
178 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

170 cm
26
160 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Steel Terror-Trition: Video Proven 160Q+Laundry!
Steel Terror-Trition: Video Proven 160Q+Laundry!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Swags Middleton!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ippo Makunouchi!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, Chad Campbell and Steve Montenegro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Middleton pushes Makunouchi up against the cage in a clinch.
Makunouchi tries to throw a body punch but Middleton avoids it by throwing Makunouchi back against the cage.
Middleton trying to control the position but instead, Makunouchi has worked for underhooks and has pushed Middleton into the cage.
Middleton throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Makunouchi blocks it with crossed arms.

Middleton breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Makunouchi thuds his right hand into Middleton's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Middleton is looking to clinch.
A big right from Makunouchi misses.
Makunouchi swings widly with a right hand

and Middleton moves into the clinch.

Middleton breaks the clinch.
Makunouchi loads up on a big right hand but Middleton slips the punch.
Makunouchi keeps the fight on the outside.
Middleton avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Makunouchi cracks Middleton with an open hand slap.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Makunouchi rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Middleton counters by clinching up.
Makunouchi has had enough of the clinch but Middleton keeps him there for the moment.
Makunouchi tries to circle away but Middleton has him pinned against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Middleton throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Makunouchi blocks it with crossed arms.
Makunouchi tries to break free but Middleton pushes him back against the cage.
Middleton using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Makunouchi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Makunouchi is looking to break free of the clinch but Middleton has double underhooks.
Makunouchi wants to break free but Middleton has control.
Middleton throws a knee to the head but misses.
Makunouchi takes an elbow to the forehead.

Middleton escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Makunouchi throws a big shot that misses.
Makunouchi swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
letting Middleton counter with a right hand.
Makunouchi throws an off balance right hand

and Middleton counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Middleton trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Makunouchi can do anything to dispel that myth.
Middleton sitting in guard here, content to control.

Middleton stands and steps away. Makunouchi gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Middleton doesn't manage to clinch there - Makunouchi circles away.
Middleton fails in his attempt to clinch.
Makunouchi avoids a punch combination nicely.
Middleton looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Middleton has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Makunouchi finds it's way round the side to connect with Middleton's head.

Middleton gets the takedown into side control.
Middleton tries to move to mount but Makunouchi blocks the move with his legs.
Middleton is staying tight to Makunouchi's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Middleton tries to advance to mount but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The strikes coming from Middleton are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Middleton connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Makunouchi some visible discomfort.
Makunouchi is not content to let Middleton control the position.
Middleton tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
The ground and pound from Middleton seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Makunouchi prevents Middleton from moving into mount.
The ground and pound from Middleton seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Middleton wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Makunouchi, who protects the arm well.

Middleton decides to stand back up.
Makunouchi gets in close and tags Middleton with a short punch that almost sends Middleton to the mat! Oh Middleton is in big trouble! He turns his back on Makunouchi, trying to create some distance but Makunouchi rushes him, striking wildly and Middleton goes down! The referee tackles Makunouchi into the cage to end the fight! Makunouchi is one violent man!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ippo Makunouchi!