PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gabe Christianson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Makao Matsumoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Christianson comes into the arena with Like a Boss blaring out of the sound system. Matsumoto has chosen Sepultura - Territory as his entrance music. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Christianson
vs
Matsumoto

189 cm
25
214 lbs
10 - 1 - 0

188 cm
27
210 lbs
15 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

ADCC Champion
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Elite Fighter© w/$10-$35 Clothing and 90% LAUNDRY!

Mango Nutrition (90% Laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Gabe Christianson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Makao Matsumoto!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matsumoto staying out of range there.
Matsumoto swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Matsumoto throws an overhand right that lands on Christianson's shoulder, as Christianson tries to avoid the shot.
Matsumoto fails with a takedown attempt.
Christianson lands with a nice combination. Matsumoto backs away looking to recover.
Christianson moves into range and connects with a jab.
Matsumoto ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Christianson moves away.
Matsumoto takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Christianson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Christianson jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Makao Matsumoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Christianson tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Matsumoto is able to avoid easily.
A telegraphed right hand from Christianson misses the target.
Matsumoto tries to bum rush Christianson with a series of wild strikes but Christianson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Matsumoto tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Christianson was well out of range. Poor timing from Matsumoto.
Christianson clobbers Matsumoto with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Matsumoto lands a nice looking body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsumoto uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Christianson.
Matsumoto throws a jab when Christianson was well out of range.
Matsumoto lands a lovely overhand right.
Matsumoto misses with a shot to the body
and Christianson counters with a straight right hand.
Matsumoto ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Christianson tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Christianson on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Matsumoto is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Christianson rather than just go for the knockout.
Christianson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Matsumoto misses the shot to the body.
Christianson misses with a series of wild punches.
Christianson doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Matsumoto swings for the body but Christianson moves out of range.
Christianson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Christianson throws a hook but Matsumoto avoids it easily.
Christianson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsumoto.
Christianson connects with a solid leg kick.
Matsumoto checks the leg kick nicely there.
Matsumoto paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Christianson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsumoto.
Matsumoto scores with the left hand. Christianson knows he should have avoided that one.
Matsumoto lands a jab to Christianson's midsection.
Gabe Christianson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Christianson throws a head kick that misses.
Christianson avoids the body shot from Matsumoto.
Matsumoto misses with a wild body shot.
Matsumoto throws a shot to the body.
Christianson misses with a low kick.

Matsumoto fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Christianson sprawls well initially but Matsumoto persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Christianson pushes Matsumoto off looking to stand but Matsumoto dives back in and keeps control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto is looking to advance position but Christianson won't allow it.
Christianson has hold of Matsumoto's hands but Matsumoto slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Matsumoto is nestled in close to Christianson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Christianson is controlling Matsumoto's trapped leg to prevent Matsumoto from advancing to side control.
Matsumoto not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Christianson taking some punishment here, with Matsumoto in his half guard.
Matsumoto works his way into full mount!
Christianson is desperately trying to improve his position but Matsumoto has a good base and remains in mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto punching from mount but Christianson doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Matsumoto sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Matsumoto looking to finish with strikes here!
Matsumoto trying to control but Christianson is having none of it.
Christianson is trying to stand.
Christianson is in all sorts of trouble here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Christianson is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Christianson in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Matsumoto dominating with strikes here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Makao Matsumoto dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Matsumoto fails with the takedown.
Christianson doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Matsumoto has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Christianson.
Matsumoto lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Christianson circles away quickly and effectively.
Matsumoto showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Christianson.

Christianson gets caught napping as Matsumoto dives in and scores a takedown. Christianson manages to retain guard.
Matsumoto throws a big right hand that misses.

Matsumoto drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Christianson dives on top into guard.

Matsumoto is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Christianson defends well.
Matsumoto has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Matsumoto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Christianson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Christianson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Matsumoto looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Christianson passes into side control.
Matsumoto manages to get back to half guard.
Christianson trying to control from half guard but Matsumoto is working away.

Christianson decides to stand and escape the position.
Christianson turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Matsumoto takes a swing at Christianson's ribcage but misses.
Matsumoto misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Christianson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Christianson is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Nice body punch from Matsumoto.
Christianson takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Matsumoto uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Christianson.
Matsumoto lands with a good body shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A big left from Matsumoto misses.
Matsumoto throws a predictable looking body shot
and Christianson counters with a straight right hand.
Matsumoto scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Christianson lands a jab to Matsumoto's midsection.
Christianson fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Christianson looks to throw the jab but Matsumoto is out of range.
Matsumoto checks a low kick from Christianson.
Christianson does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Matsumoto throws a lazy uppercut
and Christianson counters with an inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Christianson misses with a low kick.
Christianson fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Matsumoto has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Matsumoto throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Christianson throws a jab but it's blocked by Matsumoto.
Christianson throws a quick inside leg kick.
Christianson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Matsumoto's sensitive parts.
Christianson throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Matsumoto.

It looks like Makao Matsumoto has been cut.
Gabe Christianson is winning the standup battle so far.
Christianson lands a nice hook to Matsumoto's body. Matsumoto takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Matsumoto is breathing heavily.
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!
Sloppy strikes from Christianson. Those never looked like landing.
Matsumoto jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsumoto connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Christianson momentarily.
A nice leg kick lands there from Christianson.
Christianson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Matsumoto.
Matsumoto takes a swing at Christianson's ribcage but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto throws a right and a left that both miss.
Christianson lands with a nice body punch.
Christianson darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Matsumoto misses the target.
Christianson walks into a straight right hand from Matsumoto.
Matsumoto on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Matsumoto swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Matsumoto throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Matsumoto blocks a jab.
Christianson looks for the body kick but Matsumoto saw that one coming.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Matsumoto throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Christianson was covering up waiting for the punch and Matsumoto finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Christianson pulls Matsumoto in close to his closed guard and prevents Matsumoto from doing any damage or advancing position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gabe Christianson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Makao Matsumoto's cut.
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.

The fighters circle momentarily. Matsumoto darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Christianson throws a right and a left that Matsumoto avoids nicely.
Christianson does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Christianson swings for the body but Matsumoto moves out of range.
Matsumoto scores with a hook to the body. Christianson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Christianson misses with a lunging right hand

and Matsumoto counters with a takedown into side control.
Matsumoto is looking to take a break and control but Christianson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Christianson taking punishment in the form of punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Christianson is not content to let Matsumoto control the position.
Makao Matsumoto has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsumoto sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Christianson is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Matsumoto wants to control for a moment but Christianson uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Matsumoto tries to pass the half guard into mount. Christianson knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Christianson trying to hold on to Matsumoto's head to control him but Matsumoto postures up.
Matsumoto content to control rather than advance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Christianson is looking to escape.
Christianson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Christianson is looking to improve his position.
Christianson is working hard here to advance position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Matsumoto is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Matsumoto wants to pass the guard but Christianson is keeping the position.
Christianson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Matsumoto is looking to work some ground and pound but Christianson has wrist control.
Matsumoto wants to control from the top but Christianson keeps moving.
Christianson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Matsumoto wants to control from the top but Christianson keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Christianson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Matsumoto working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Matsumoto throwing strikes but missing.
Christianson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Matsumoto looking to sit in guard and control but Christianson gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Matsumoto has his foot on Christianson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Christianson works his way back into a safe position though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Matsumoto looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Christianson has picked Matsumoto up and slammed him! Matsumoto can't keep hold of the triangle and Christianson manages to pass to side control!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Christianson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Makao Matsumoto really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Makao Matsumoto's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Matsumoto ducks under a wild hook from Christianson.
A slow jab from Christianson misses its intended target.
Matsumoto swings for the body but Christianson moves out of range.
A solid leg kick lands there for Christianson.
Matsumoto takes a swing at Christianson's ribcage but misses.
No joy there for Matsumoto, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Christianson cracks Matsumoto with an open hand slap.
Matsumoto just misses with a punch to the body.
A head kick misses from Christianson.
Matsumoto's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Matsumoto stalks Christianson and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Christianson's face. Christianson staggers backwards, shaken.
Matsumoto comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Christianson connects with a solid leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsumoto on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Matsumoto bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Matsumoto walks into a left hand.
Matsumoto scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Christianson doesn't seem bothered though.
Matsumoto swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Matsumoto is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Christianson fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Matsumoto.
Christianson tries to bum rush Matsumoto with a series of wild strikes but Matsumoto uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Christianson scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Christianson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Christianson throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Matsumoto.
Matsumoto throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matsumoto misses with a straight right.
Matsumoto takes one on the button.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Christianson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Christianson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Christianson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Matsumoto.
Matsumoto throws a left and a right that both miss
and Christianson makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Matsumoto works the jab nicely.
Christianson fails to land with a series of punches.
Matsumoto uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Christianson.
Matsumoto takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Christianson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Matsumoto manages to avoid it.
Matsumoto thows a body shot but no joy.
Christianson pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Christianson misses the shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Nice takedown defense from Christianson. No joy for Matsumoto on that attempt.
Christianson walks into a stiff left hand from Matsumoto.
Christianson misses with a low kick as Matsumoto jumps back.
Christianson throws a nice inside leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matsumoto. Christianson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Christianson bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Matsumoto swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Matsumoto scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Matsumoto throws a jab but it's blocked by Christianson.
Matsumoto bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Christianson's head.
Matsumoto throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A solid body kick from Christianson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Christianson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Matsumoto misses with the combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Christianson scores with a jab.
Matsumoto lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
A telegraphed right hand from Matsumoto misses the target.
Matsumoto keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Christianson misses with an uppercut. Matsumoto saw that one coming.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Matsumoto checks a leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Matsumoto lands a right hook to the body.
Matsumoto tries for a takedown but Christianson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Gabe Christianson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Makao Matsumoto.
Matsumoto thows a left - swing and a miss!
Christianson takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Gabe Christianson will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Makao Matsumoto's cut.
That's time! Christianson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

That kick from Christianson tenderised Matsumoto's leg. Matsumoto is trying to keep his angry face on.
Christianson throws a head kick that Matsumoto semi-blocks.
Christianson scores with a head kick.

Matsumoto is rocked!
Matsumoto jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsumoto is still on wobbly legs! Can Christianson finish him?
A slow jab from Matsumoto misses its intended target.
A head kick misses from Christianson.
Matsumoto misses with a two punch combination.
Matsumoto takes a swing at Christianson's ribcage but misses.
Matsumoto seems to have recovered his senses.
The crowd cheers as Matsumoto lands an impressive looking overhand right. Christianson doesn't seem phased though.
An inside leg kick from Christianson misses.
Matsumoto just misses with a punch to the body.
Christianson scores with a nice strike.
Christianson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
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!
Christianson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Matsumoto.
Christianson misses with a straight left.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Christianson - that will leave a mark!
Christianson slips under a jab from Matsumoto.
No joy there for Christianson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Matsumoto fails to land the takedown.
Christianson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Christianson throws a head kick that Matsumoto semi-blocks.
Matsumoto pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Matsumoto bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Christianson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Christianson throws out a leg kick but Matsumoto moves out of range and Christianson only half commits.
Christianson connects with a high kick.
Matsumoto looks to land a left hand but Christianson moved out of range nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Christianson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Matsumoto scores with a decent looking hook.
Christianson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Matsumoto paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsumoto lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Christianson circles away quickly and effectively.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matsumoto. Christianson does a little dance to reset his feet.
No joy there for Christianson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Christianson throws a hook to the side of Matsumoto's head but Matsumoto sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Matsumoto drives through with a takedown into guard.
Matsumoto wants to control from the top but Christianson keeps moving.

Christianson pushes Matsumoto off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto swings for the body but Christianson moves out of range.
Christianson misses with a jab, cross combination.
Christianson misses with a hook.
Matsumoto wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Christianson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

Matsumoto decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Matsumoto sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Christianson defending well though.
Christianson is looking to control Matsumoto's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Christianson avoid being mounted?
Matsumoto passes to side control.
Matsumoto working the strikes but Christianson uses the opportunity to regain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsumoto wants to pass the guard but Christianson is defending well.

Matsumoto is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Christianson is just riding it out for now. Matsumoto eventually gives up the hold.
Christianson trying to control but Matsumoto postures up.
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Matsumoto lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Makao Matsumoto.
I think Matsumoto 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 47:48
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 48:47
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Gabe Christianson retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!