PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dante Ninja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kaito Saruwatari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Saruwatari has chosen Andrea Bocelli - Time To Say Goodbye as his entrance music. Dante Ninja has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Ninja
vs
Saruwatari

191 cm
27
205 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

186 cm
25
209 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

[WOT] Inner Beast Nutrition And Laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dante Ninja!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kaito Saruwatari!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ninja shoots for a double leg takedown but Saruwatari sprawls well. He's pushed Ninja's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Ninja scores with a sloppy right hand. Saruwatari should have avoided that one.

It looks like Kaito Saruwatari has been cut.

Ninja shoots in and bounces Saruwatari off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Ninja throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Saruwatari works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ninja wants to pass the guard but Saruwatari is keeping the position.
Saruwatari is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Saruwatari wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Ninja working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Saruwatari is trying to keep Ninja in close.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Kaito Saruwatari was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Saruwatari works over Ninja's head and body with a nice combination.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ninja tries to bum rush Saruwatari with a series of wild strikes but Saruwatari uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saruwatari throws a shot to the body.
Saruwatari plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Saruwatari avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kaito Saruwatari seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saruwatari connects with a leg kick. Ninja looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Ninja doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Saruwatari scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Saruwatari fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ninja fails with the takedown.
Saruwatari looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Saruwatari throws a nice head kick!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saruwatari tries to clinch up but Ninja circles away and keeps his distance.
No joy there for Ninja, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Donk. Saruwatari catches Ninja right on the button with a cross.
Ninja throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari throws a nice head kick!
Ninja fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dante Ninja. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Saruwatari moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Saruwatari tries to clinch but Ninja moves out of range.
Saruwatari lands with a shot to the body.
Saruwatari throws a nice inside leg kick.
A head kick from Saruwatari lands but Ninja takes it in his stride.
Nice body punch from Saruwatari.
Ninja shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ninja is breathing heavily.
Ninja circles away from the clinch attempt.
Saruwatari lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

Saruwatari moves into the clinch successfully.
Ninja tries to circle away but Saruwatari has him pinned against the cage.
Saruwatari lands a body punch in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ninja's elbow.
Saruwatari struggles to land a body shot inside as Ninja controls his hands.
Saruwatari lands a hook to the side of the head.
Saruwatari throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Saruwatari goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Still in the clinch, Saruwatari scores with a nice short uppercut.
Saruwatari makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Saruwatari lands a nice shot to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saruwatari throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Ninjas head.
Saruwatari lands a left hand that snaps the head of Ninja backwards.
Ninja takes a shot to the head.
Ninja blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Saruwatari working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Saruwatari using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Saruwatari lands a damaging elbow.
Ninja prevents a body shot from Saruwatari.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari lands an elbow inside.
Saruwatari lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Ninja or not.
Saruwatari lands a left hand.
Saruwatari throws a head punch that misses.
Saruwatari lands a right hand.
Saruwatari lands a right hand.
Saruwatari tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short uppercut from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari struggles to land a body shot inside as Ninja controls his hands.
Saruwatari misses with the head strike.
Ninja is trying to break free.
Ninja working hard to break the clinch.
Ninja blocking some punches.
Saruwatari throws a head punch that misses.
Saruwatari has a couple of punches blocked by Ninja.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari lands a hook that snaps the head of Ninja backwards.
Saruwatari tries a body shot but Ninja blocks it.
Saruwatari tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ninja is trying to push Saruwatari away but Saruwatari has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Saruwatari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Ninja tries to break the clinch but Saruwatari is controlling the position.
Saruwatari misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ninja blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ninja's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Saruwatari digs a right hand into Ninja's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Ninja's gas tank.
A short right from Saruwatari on the inside.
Ninja blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ninja looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Ninja blocks the elbow strike.
A shot in the inside from Saruwatari.
Nice body punch from Saruwatari - that landed with a thud.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
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!
A quick uppercut on the inside from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ninja avoids the elbow strike from Saruwatari, against the cage.
Ninja blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Saruwatari lands a nice elbow.

It looks like Dante Ninja has been cut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ninja.
A right hook to the body lands for Saruwatari.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Saruwatari creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Saruwatari throws a punch but it's blocked by Ninja.
A shot in the inside from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari lands a hook to the side of the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

Ninja is rocked!
Saruwatari lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Oh Ninja is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Saruwatari lands a right hand that snaps the head of Ninja backwards.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Saruwatari prevents Ninja from breaking the clinch.
Ninja seems to have got his legs back now.
Saruwatari lands an uppercut.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Saruwatari.
Saruwatari tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ninja wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Ninja is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Ninja blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ninja blocking some punches.
Saruwatari tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Saruwatari.
Ninja blocks an uppercut.
A short right from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari lands with a light punch inside.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Ninja takes a shot to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saruwatari throws an elbow but it misses.

Saruwatari drops Ninja onto one knee with a big uppercut from the clinch! Ninja is propped up by the cage and works his way back to his feet!
Saruwatari is leaning against Ninja and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Saruwatari throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Ninjas head.
Ninja blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Saruwatari struggles to land a body shot inside as Ninja controls his hands.
A shot in the inside from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari misses with the head strike.
Still in the clinch, Saruwatari scores with a nice short uppercut.
Ninja tries to break the clinch but Saruwatari is controlling the position.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Saruwatari misses with a knee strike.
Ninja prevents a body shot from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari lands a left hand.
Saruwatari misses with some punches.
Saruwatari scores with a shot to the side of Ninja's head.
Saruwatari lands an elbow inside.
Ninja wants to break the clinch but can't.
A short uppercut from Ninja.
Saruwatari lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Saruwatari softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A short right from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari has Ninja pressed against the cage, preventing Ninja from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Saruwatari misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Saruwatari fails to land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaito Saruwatari dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Saruwatari closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Saruwatari lands an uppercut.
Saruwatari throws a head punch that misses.
Saruwatari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Saruwatari throws a head punch that misses.
Saruwatari has a couple of punches blocked by Ninja.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Saruwatari.
Ninja prevents a body shot from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari lands a shot to the body.
Still in the clinch, Saruwatari scores with a nice short uppercut.
Ninja blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saruwatari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Saruwatari struggles to land a body shot inside as Ninja controls his hands.
Ninja avoids the elbow strike from Saruwatari, against the cage.
Saruwatari misses with a hook from the clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A head punch on the inside from Saruwatari fails to land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saruwatari lands a body punch in the clinch.
Saruwatari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kaito Saruwatari seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A shot in the inside from Saruwatari.
Ninja is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Saruwatari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short body shot lands from Saruwatari as the two fighters clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari throws a punch but it's blocked by Ninja.
Saruwatari goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Saruwatari tries to throw a body punch but Ninja avoids it by throwing Saruwatari back against the cage.
Saruwatari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A nice right hand lands inside from Saruwatari.
Ninja blocking some punches.
Saruwatari misses with a punch on the inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Saruwatari throws a punch but it's blocked by Ninja.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ninja blocking some punches.
Saruwatari lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Saruwatari misses with a punch on the inside.
Saruwatari swings wildly with an uppercut but Ninja uses good head movement to avoid it.

Ninja pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Saruwatari throws a nice inside leg kick.
Ninja tries to bum rush Saruwatari with a series of wild strikes but Saruwatari uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ninja misses with a wild combination.
Ninja throws a nice looking combination but Saruwatari bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kaito Saruwatari seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Saruwatari throws a head kick that Ninja semi-blocks.
Saruwatari buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Saruwatari tries to clinch there but Ninja circles away.
Ninja jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Saruwatari has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Ninja.
Saruwatari goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Saruwatari connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Ninja's hands.
Saruwatari throws a head kick that Ninja semi-blocks.
Ninja swats away the attempt to clinch by Saruwatari.
Saruwatari turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Saruwatari. That's going to slow Ninja down.
Good leg kick by Saruwatari there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Saruwatari throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Ninja's head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ninja takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Saruwatari fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ninja throws a lazy uppercut
and Saruwatari counters with a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ninja looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Saruwatari tries to clinch there but Ninja circles away.
Ninja swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nice sprawl there from Saruwatari as Ninja shoots in.
Saruwatari displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Saruwatari lands with a thumping leg kick.
The crowd cheers as Saruwatari lands an impressive looking overhand right. Ninja doesn't seem phased though.
Saruwatari fails in his attempt to clinch.
Saruwatari fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ninja misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dante Ninja. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Saruwatari lands with a nice combination. Ninja backs away looking to recover.
A decent looking cross lands there for Saruwatari.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari wants to clinch.
Saruwatari wants to clinch.
Dante Ninja is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Saruwatari connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Saruwatari cracks the inside of Ninja's front leg.
Saruwatari displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ninja.
Ninja tries to move into range but Saruwatari moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Saruwatari turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kaito Saruwatari is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saruwatari throws a nice outside leg kick.
That kick from Saruwatari tenderised Ninja's leg. Ninja is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Saruwatari.

Saruwatari instigates a clinch.
Saruwatari works on Ninja's body with a couple of short punches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saruwatari struggles to land a body shot inside as Ninja controls his hands.
Saruwatari scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ninja.
Ninja blocks an uppercut.
Saruwatari working aggressively here.
Saruwatari struggles to land a body shot inside as Ninja controls his hands.
Saruwatari doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ninja.
Saruwatari misses with a punch on the inside.
Saruwatari throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ninja blocking some punches.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Saruwatari misses with a punch on the inside.
Ninja blocks a body shot from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari swings wildly with an uppercut but Ninja uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ninja tries to break the clinch but Saruwatari is controlling the position.
Saruwatari swings wildly with an uppercut but Ninja uses good head movement to avoid it.
Saruwatari misses with a knee to the head.
Saruwatari tries to throw a body punch but Ninja avoids it by throwing Saruwatari back against the cage.
Saruwatari tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ninja's elbow.
Saruwatari misses with a body punch.
Ninja cracks Saruwatari with a nice body shot.
Saruwatari tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Ninja pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Saruwatari tries to sprawl but Ninja drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Saruwatari has a hand on Ninja's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Ninja takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Saruwatari bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saruwatari tries to free his leg and advance position but Ninja is retaining full guard.
Saruwatari wants to control from the top but Ninja keeps moving.
Ninja is looking to stand up but Saruwatari isn't so interested in that idea.
Saruwatari seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Saruwatari gets to his feet. Ninja looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ninja is defended easily by Saruwatari.
Ninja tries for a takedown but Saruwatari sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Saruwatari.
Saruwatari slaps away a takedown attempt from Ninja, before circling back to the center of the mat.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Ninja has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Saruwatari.
Dante Ninja has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Saruwatari tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Ninja manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Saruwatari throws a series of strikes that have Ninja backpedaling.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kaito Saruwatari comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Saruwatari 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 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 18:20
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 18:20
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 18:20

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kaito Saruwatari!
An out of breath and clearly excited Kaito Saruwatari thanked [WOT] Inner Beast Nutrition And Laundry for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).