PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Akira Toriyama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jay Zol (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Toriyama kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Three 6 Mafia - It's a Fight. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Toriyama
vs
Zol

173 cm
23
167 lbs
11 - 2 - 1

170 cm
23
160 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

$50

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Akira Toriyama!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Jay Zol!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, William Gold and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Zol shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Zol was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Toriyama managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Zol.
Zol tries to score with some ground and pound. Toriyama controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Toriyama regains half guard, as Zol was trying to land strikes.
Zol looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Zol lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Toriyama is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Nice strikes from Zol there.
Zol thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Zol missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zol drops an elbow to the side of Toriyama's head.
Zol missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Zol missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Zol sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Toriyama defending well though.
Toriyama trying to control from the bottom.
Toriyama keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Toriyama tries to get to full guard but Zol has control of the leg.
Zol working the head and body with strikes.
Toriyama is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Zol's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Zol's back!
Toriyama throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Zol looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Zol is looking to stand back up. He's having to work hard to escape but eventually he manages it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Toriyama fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Zol has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Zol shoots in looking for a takedown but Toriyama manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Zol's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Toriyama defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zol.
Zol closes the distance and clinches up with Toriyama, looking for a takedown. Zol pushes Toriyama against the cage but Toriyama circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Akira Toriyama has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jay Zol.
Good exchange - Toriyama coming out on top.
Toriyama lands a leg kick that knocks Zol off balance momentarily.
Zol misses with a takedown attempt - Toriyama sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A nice leg kick lands there from Toriyama.
Toriyama bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Zol shoots in looking for a takedown. Toriyama tries to sprawl out of it but Zol keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Toriyama manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Zol.
Toriyama stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Toriyama wants it to stay on the feet.
Zol fails to land the takedown.
Zol is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Zol shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Nice body kick from Toriyama.
Zol takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Toriyama leaves Zol with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A nice inside leg kick there by Toriyama. That's going to slow Zol down.
Toriyama buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Toriyama cracks the inside of Zol's front leg.
Toriyama lands with a thumping leg kick.
Zol gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zol with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Toriyama to score with a decent uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Toriyama scores with a kick to the midsection.
Zol fails with a takedown attempt.
Toriyama buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Toriyama scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Toriyama jabs at Zol's body.

Zol closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Toriyama's guard.
Zol postures up and lands a big shot to Toriyama's brow.
Zol slips nicely into half guard.
Zol thows a huge punch but Toriyama dodges it nicely.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Zol connects with a nice short shot to Toriyama's temple.
Toriyama regains full guard. Nicely done.
Zol postures up in Toriyama's guard and throws a big left but Toriyama blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jay Zol will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Zol shoots in looking for a takedown. Toriyama tries to sprawl out of it but Zol keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Toriyama manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Toriyama feints and then cracks Zol's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Zol down.
Toriyama lands a two punch combo.
Zol shoots in for a double leg but Toriyama sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Toriyama gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Zol to score an easy takedown into full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zol trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Zol loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Zol landing with the ground and pound.
Zol postures up in Toriyama's guard and throws a big left but Toriyama blocks it.
Zol throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zol missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Zol's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Zol scoring with some ground and pound.
Zol content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Zol landing with the ground and pound.
Zol is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Zol throwing strikes from guard but Toriyama blocks nicely.
Zol throws a big elbow that misses.
Zol postures up and lands a big shot to Toriyama's brow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zol loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Toriyama keeping moving, preventing Zol from controlling successfully.
Zol is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Zol tries to free his leg and advance position but Toriyama is retaining full guard.
Zol is looking to work some ground and pound but Toriyama has wrist control.
Zol throws a big right hand that misses.
Zol loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Toriyama will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Toriyama wants to sweep here but Zol controlling him for the moment.
Zol keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Toriyama's head.

Toriyama throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Toriyama avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Zol throwing strikes from guard but Toriyama blocks nicely.
Zol throwing strikes from guard but Toriyama blocks nicely.
Toriyama utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Zol postures up in Toriyama's guard and throws a big left but Toriyama blocks it.
Zol trying to control but Toriyama is working from the bottom.
Zol distracts Toriyama with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Toriyama has momentary wrist control but Zol slips an elbow through the middle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zol is looking to work some ground and pound but Toriyama has wrist control.
Toriyama trying to control the position.
Zol stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Toriyama swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Zol working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Toriyama working a defensive guard here.
Zol controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Toriyama working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zol.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jay Zol showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Toriyama throws a push kick but Zol slaps the foot to one side.
A thudding body kick lands there by Toriyama!
Toriyama displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Zol.

Zol tries to keep at a distance but Toriyama has taken the fight into the clinch.
Zol goes for a takedown in the clinch but Toriyama prevents it.
A shot in the inside from Toriyama.
Zol is looking for a takedown.
Akira Toriyama has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jay Zol.
Toriyama is pressed up against the cage. Zol has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Toriyama down to the mat. Toriyama avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Toriyama stuffs the takedown attempt from Zol. Zol gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice takedown defense from Toriyama. No joy for Zol on that attempt.
Zol avoids the body shot from Toriyama.
Crunch! Toriyama slams his shin into Zol's torso.
Zol takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Toriyama gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Zol to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Zol working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Toriyama throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Toriyama working for a triangle but Zol defends it easily.
Toriyama preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Zol avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Zol scoring with some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zol throws a strike but Toriyama rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Jay Zol has got the better of the ground game so far.
Zol is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Toriyama is controlling him.
Toriyama trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Toriyama won't allow Zol to get back to his feet.
Toriyama lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Toriyama looking to pass the guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Zol pushes Toriyama off and scrambles back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zol takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Zol tries for a takedown but Toriyama sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Akira Toriyama is winning the standup battle so far.
Toriyama moves into range and connects with a jab.
Zol walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Toriyama lands a right hook to the body.
Toriyama misses with a wild body shot.

Toriyama clinches up against the cage.
Toriyama lands with a left to the head.
Zol is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Toriyama is defending well.
Toriyama swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Zol is looking to take this one to the mat.
Toriyama lands a hook to the side of the head.
Toriyama prevents the takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Toriyama lands an elbow inside.

It looks like Jay Zol has been cut.
Toriyama gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Zol.
Toriyama makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Toriyama.
Toriyama gets underhooks to prevent Zol's takedown attempt.
Zol goes for a takedown in the clinch but Toriyama prevents it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zol is looking to take this one to the mat.
Toriyama looking to stall.
Toriyama is pushing Zol up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zol has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Toriyama after a bit of a struggle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Akira Toriyama clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Jay Zol's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Toriyama misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Toriyama displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Zol.
Toriyama throws a head kick but Zol moves out of range.
Zol staying out of range there.
Toriyama dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Zol. That did some damage!
Zol shoots for a double leg takedown but Toriyama sprawls well. He's pushed Zol's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Zol shoots in for a takedown but Toriyama shows good takedown defense.
Akira Toriyama has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jay Zol.
Toriyama misses with a few strikes there.
Toriyama fails with an attempt to clinch.
Toriyama throws a body punch but Zol moves out of range.
Toriyama fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Zol has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Zol stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Toriyama.
Toriyama fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Zol.
Toriyama tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zol shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Toriyama cracks Zol with a right hand to the side of the head.
Zol uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Toriyama.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Toriyama with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Toriyama thumps Zol with a low kick.
Zol on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Zol.
Zol is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Zol shoots for a takedown but Toriyama saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Akira Toriyama is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Toriyama throws a shot from downtown. Zol moves away and avoids it.
Toriyama with a hook.
Zol misses with a few strikes there.
Zol's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Toriyama stuffs the takedown attempt from Zol. Zol gets slowly back to his feet.
Toriyama leaves Zol with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Zol takes one to the side of the head.
Toriyama throws out a powerful jab.
Toriyama throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zol keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Toriyama.
Zol with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Toriyama to score with a decent uppercut.
Toriyama throws a wild body kick that Zol sees coming a mile off.
Toriyama slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Zol on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Zol avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zol dives in and grabs Toriyama's left leg, looking for a takedown. Toriyama pushes down on Zol's head and hops out.
Toriyama lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Zol at a distance.
Toriyama connects with a leg kick. Zol looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Toriyama defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zol.
Donk. Toriyama catches Zol right on the button with a cross.
Toriyama throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zol shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Toriyama defends it nicely.
Toriyama connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Zol's hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Toriyama tries to close the distance and clinch up but Zol swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Nice sprawl there from Toriyama as Zol shoots in.
Toriyama tests Zol's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Zol closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Toriyama taking some punishment here, with Zol in his half guard.
Toriyama trying to control here.

Toriyama actively working from the bottom here.
Ground and pound from Zol.
Toriyama looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zol is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Toriyama on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Toriyama looking for submissions off his back.
Zol with the ground and pound but Toriyama uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Zol is looking to work some ground and pound but Toriyama has wrist control.
Toriyama looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zol is one step ahead there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zol with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Akira Toriyama had his way with Jay Zol in that round.
The cut man is working on Jay Zol's cut.
That's time! Toriyama's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Toriyama defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zol.
Toriyama scores with a one two! Zol had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Toriyama lands with a shot to the body.
Toriyama throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Zol looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Toriyama is fending him off so far but Zol persists. Nope, Toriyama circles away and we're back to standing.
Zol on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Toriyama. Toriyama obviously looking to wear him down.
A nice leg kick lands there from Toriyama.
Toriyama fails in his attempt to clinch.
Zol slips under a jab from Toriyama.
Toriyama throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Toriyama scores with a jab to the jaw.
Zol has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Toriyama.
Toriyama throws a jab when Zol was well out of range.
Toriyama dodges the punch combination from Zol.
Zol shoots in looking for a takedown. Toriyama tries to sprawl out of it but Zol keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Toriyama manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Akira Toriyama has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jay Zol.
Zol is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Toriyama lands the left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zol throws a series of punches but Toriyama avoids them all with ease.
A jab from Toriyama misses.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Zol.
Zol shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Toriyama defends it nicely.
Toriyama works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Toriyama stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Toriyama wants it to stay on the feet.
Zol has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A left lands for Toriyama.
Toriyama scores with a spinning back kick!
Toriyama moves into range and connects with a jab.
Zol takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Toriyama throws a combination. Zol tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Toriyama bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Zol's head backwards.
Toriyama is looking to slow Zol down with leg kicks.
Akira Toriyama seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zol shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Toriyama sprawls well. Toriyama wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Zol gets slowly back to his feet.
Toriyama fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Zol.
Toriyama defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zol.
Zol walks into a stiff left hand from Toriyama.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Toriyama connects with a looping right hand.
Nice defenses there by Zol.
Toriyama thuds his shin into the meat of Zol's side.
Toriyama digs a good hook to Zol's body.
Zol is trying hard to land a takedown here. Toriyama sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Toriyama scores with a nice strike.
Toriyama swings for the body but Zol moves out of range.
Toriyama lands a glancing blow to the side of Zol's head.
Zol steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Toriyama.
Zol chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Toriyama can pounce on him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zol shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Jay Zol is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Toriyama lands a slapping body shot.
Toriyama misses with an uppercut. Zol saw that one coming.
Toriyama is looking to clinch.
Zol avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Toriyama thows a left - swing and a miss!
Toriyama bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Zol has a takedown stuffed.
Zol swats away the attempt to clinch by Toriyama.
Toriyama scores with a body shot.
Zol shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Toriyama pinned against the cage. Toriyama gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Toriyama throws a good cross that connects.
Toriyama lands with an uppercut that bounces Zol off the cage and back into range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zol takes a swing at Toriyama's ribcage but misses.

Toriyama fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Zol, pushing him back against the cage.
Toriyama trying to control the position but instead, Zol has worked for underhooks and has pushed Toriyama into the cage.
Toriyama is pressed up against the cage. Zol has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Toriyama down to the mat. Toriyama avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Toriyama lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Zol closes the distance and clinches up with Toriyama, looking for a takedown. Zol pushes Toriyama against the cage but Toriyama circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Zol throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Toriyama was covering up waiting for the punch and Zol finishes the takedown easily into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Toriyama preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Toriyama is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Zol is aware though and is defending well.
Zol postures up in Toriyama's guard and throws a big left but Toriyama blocks it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Akira Toriyama showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Toriyama has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 James Atkins scores the fight 48:47
Judge William Gold scores the fight 48:47
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Akira Toriyama!
Akira Toriyama retains his lightweight title!
Akira Toriyama decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.