PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Kevin McArthur (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shinji Tanaka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McArthur comes to the cage accompanied by Breathing. The crowd seem to be enjoying Tanaka's choice of entrance music: Yuudachi. The key to victory for Kevin McArthur has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

McArthur
vs
Tanaka

200 cm
23
144 lbs
9 - 7 - 0

160 cm
23
130 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

[WOT] DTK Designs (Laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kevin McArthur!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shinji Tanaka!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yuuki Gou and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tanaka shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says McArthur as he avoids it easily.
Shinji Tanaka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tanaka is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Tanaka shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with McArthur but McArthur pushes him off and we're back to square one.
McArthur lands a jab.
Tanaka shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has McArthur pinned against the cage. McArthur gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Kevin McArthur has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Tanaka.
Tanaka changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. McArthur tries to avoid it but Tanaka manages to keep hold of a leg and drag McArthur to the ground. McArthur escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Tanaka looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Tanaka tries to clinch
and McArthur counters with a nice uppercut.

McArthur closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables McArthur to keep the fight standing.

McArthur pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Tanaka closes the distance and clinches up with McArthur, looking for a takedown. Tanaka pushes McArthur against the cage but McArthur circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tanaka looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tanaka tries to clinch there but McArthur circles away.
McArthur scores with a hook.
McArthur throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Tanaka tries to clinch
and McArthur counters with a lovely straight right hand!

McArthur clinches up with Tanaka and pushes him back against the cage.
McArthur is leaning against Tanaka and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
McArthur scores with a hook to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McArthur leaning against his opponent.

McArthur pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Tanaka has his takedown stuffed
and McArthur counters with a left and a right that stings Tanaka.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McArthur stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and McArthur wants it to stay on the feet.
A left lands for McArthur.

McArthur gets tackled into the cage by Tanaka. Tanaka maintains the clinch.

McArthur breaks from the clinch.
Tanaka is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
McArthur circles away from the clinch attempt.
McArthur is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tanaka looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tanaka tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but McArthur swivels and escapes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McArthur circles away from the clinch attempt
enabling McArthur to counter with a crisp jab.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Tanaka keeps control of McArthur as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Tanaka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite McArthur's efforts to push away.
McArthur really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
McArthur is trying to maintain a safe position but Tanaka gets an underhook and turns McArthur into the cage.
Tanaka tries for a takedown but McArthur manages to get underhooks.
McArthur struggles to land a body shot inside as Tanaka controls his hands.
McArthur content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Tanaka scores with a shoulder strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka has McArthur pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. McArthur manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Tanaka is trying to pull guard but McArthur has him pressed against the cage.
Tanaka is looking to take this one to the mat.

McArthur's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tanaka shoots in looking for a takedown. McArthur tries to sprawl out of it but Tanaka keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. McArthur manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tanaka.
McArthur cracks Tanaka with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tanaka is looking to clinch.
Tanaka looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
McArthur is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McArthur connects with a looping right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kevin McArthur dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Tanaka fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging McArthur to the ground. Tanaka is now in McArthur's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
McArthur looking to control.
Tanaka trying to control the position from guard on top but McArthur is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Tanaka trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tanaka trying to control but McArthur is working from the bottom.
McArthur will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
McArthur knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Tanaka on the ground.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Shinji Tanaka was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Tanaka closes the distance but McArthur moves to the side
and McArthur counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
McArthur moves out of range as Tanaka throws a body kick.
McArthur scores with a jab to the jaw.
Tanaka tries to clinch but McArthur moves out of range.

Tanaka darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
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!
McArthur is trying to stand back up but Tanaka is controlling him

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tanaka seems to be looking for submissions.
Tanaka prevents McArthur from standing back up.
Tanaka is trying to control. McArthur wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
McArthur wants to get back to his feet.
Tanaka looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
McArthur looks like he's trying to stand up.
Tanaka not landing any meaningful shots this time.
McArthur tries to roll over but Tanaka keeps him under control.
McArthur is staying active underneath Tanaka, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Shinji Tanaka hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Tanaka shoots and misses
and McArthur cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
McArthur stuffs the takedown.
Tanaka closes this distance looking for a takedown but McArthur circles away.
Kevin McArthur has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Tanaka.
Tanaka shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with McArthur but McArthur pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Tanaka closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. McArthur quickly recovers to half guard.
Tanaka is breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McArthur is looking for a sweep. Tanaka is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Tanaka is sneakily working for an arm triangle but McArthur sees it coming and defends easily.
Tanaka is thwarting McArthur's attempts to control the position.
McArthur is trying to stand back up but Tanaka is controlling him

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tanaka is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, McArthur has managed to free his arm - good work.
McArthur is trying to maintain the position but Tanaka is very close to passing his half guard.

McArthur kicks Tanaka off and gets back to his feet.

McArthur closes the distance and clinches.
McArthur tries to throw a body punch but Tanaka avoids it by throwing McArthur back against the cage.
McArthur tries to break free but Tanaka pushes him back against the cage.
McArthur tries to circle away but Tanaka has him pinned against the cage.
Tanaka tries to pull guard but McArthur won't allow it.
McArthur lands a body punch.
Tanaka tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. McArthur smiles and moves away.

McArthur closes the distance and clinches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

McArthur breaks the clinch.
Tanaka takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Tanaka shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts McArthur as he jumps to the side.
Tanaka shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts McArthur as he jumps to the side.
Tanaka is looking to clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tanaka doesn't succeed with the takedown
and McArthur counters with a series of strikes. Tanaka will be more careful next time no doubt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Shinji Tanaka will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Tanaka misses with a takedown attempt - McArthur sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
McArthur avoids the head kick by Tanaka.

McArthur moves into the clinch.

McArthur breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nice jab there from McArthur.
Tanaka changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. McArthur tries to avoid it but Tanaka manages to keep hold of a leg and drag McArthur to the ground. McArthur escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Tanaka drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

McArthur kicks Tanaka off and gets to his feet.
Tanaka is looking to clinch but McArthur is avoiding it.
McArthur connects with a crisp jab.
McArthur keeps the fight on the outside.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tanaka shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in McArthur's guard.
McArthur wants to stand up but Tanaka is controlling him.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tanaka trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
McArthur is looking to stand up but Tanaka isn't so interested in that idea.
Tanaka looking to pass the guard.
Tanaka trying to control the position from guard on top but McArthur is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
McArthur manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Tanaka tries to hold on but McArthur pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McArthur controlling the pace for now.
Tanaka is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
McArthur controlling the position easily from mount.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McArthur lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Tanaka is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
McArthur takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka working to try and regain half guard.
McArthur looking to control and managing it successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Kevin McArthur wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Nice uppercut there from McArthur.
Kevin McArthur is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

McArthur closes the distance and pushes Tanaka back into the cage.
McArthur scores with a hook to the body.
Tanaka jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as McArthur walks away with a smile on his face. Tanaka gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kevin McArthur has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Tanaka.
McArthur rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Tanaka moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Tanaka fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Tanaka takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tanaka fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
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.
McArthur scores with a three punch combo!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kevin McArthur clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Tanaka gets cracked with a nice right hand there by McArthur.
Kevin McArthur is winning the standup battle so far.
Tanaka takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Tanaka has a takedown stuffed.
McArthur scores with a shot to the body.
McArthur is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
McArthur fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
McArthur keeps the fight on the outside.
McArthur with a nice cross.
Tanaka tries to clinch
and McArthur cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nice takedown defense from McArthur. No joy for Tanaka on that attempt.
McArthur avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Nice takedown defense from McArthur. No joy for Tanaka on that attempt.
Kevin McArthur has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Tanaka.
Tanaka shoots in looking for a takedown. McArthur tries to sprawl out of it but Tanaka keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. McArthur manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Tanaka is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Tanaka wants to clinch up but McArthur keeps it at a distance.
Shinji Tanaka is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

McArthur clinches with his opponent.
Tanaka is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but McArthur is keeping busy.
McArthur lands a hook that snaps the head of Tanaka backwards.
McArthur lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McArthur tries to break the clinch but Tanaka is controlling the position.
Tanaka has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by McArthur after a bit of a struggle.
A shot in the inside from McArthur.
McArthur is pressed up against the cage. Tanaka has hold of a leg and is looking to drag McArthur down to the mat. McArthur avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Tanaka has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
McArthur avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McArthur connects with a jab.
Tanaka shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts McArthur as he jumps to the side.
Tanaka fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
McArthur fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
McArthur uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka closes this distance looking for a takedown but McArthur circles away.
Tanaka fails with a takedown attempt.
Good standup being displayed there by McArthur as he connects with a hook.

Tanaka is rocked!
Jab, jab by McArthur - just one landing.
Tanaka is still on wobbly legs! Can McArthur finish him?
McArthur lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Jab from McArthur.
Tanaka tries to clinch there but McArthur circles away.
McArthur circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tanaka seems to have recovered his senses.
McArthur is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka tries to close the distance and clinch up but McArthur swats him away and circles back towards the center.

McArthur instigates a clinch.
McArthur prevents a takedown attempt there.
McArthur misses with a punch to the body.
McArthur wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Tanaka has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by McArthur after a bit of a struggle.
Tanaka is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables McArthur to keep the fight standing.
Tanaka wants to take the fight to the mat but McArthur manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tanaka being controlled against the cage.
Tanaka keeps control of McArthur as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kevin McArthur had his way with Shinji Tanaka in that round.
That's time! McArthur's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Horrible takedown by Tanaka or perhaps it was just good defense by McArthur which made him look bad.
McArthur jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.

Tanaka drives through with a takedown into guard.
Shinji Tanaka has got the better of the ground game so far.
McArthur has control of Tanaka's left arm, preventing Tanaka from doing any damage.
McArthur tries to land a sweep but no joy.
McArthur is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Tanaka is controlling him.
Tanaka postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Tanaka trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
McArthur wants to stand and escape but Tanaka is having none of it.
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 one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka trying to control the position from guard on top but McArthur is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McArthur on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if McArthur tries to get out of the position.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Tanaka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
McArthur circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tanaka tries a head kick but it misses.
Tanaka on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tanaka looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tanaka is trying hard to land a takedown here. McArthur sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Tanaka closes the distance but McArthur moves to the side
and McArthur counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka tries to clinch up but McArthur circles away and keeps his distance.
Tanaka shoots in for a takedown but McArthur shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Kevin McArthur has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shinji Tanaka.
Tanaka will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Tanaka throws a body kick that misses.
Tanaka throws a lazy right hand but McArthur sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nice shot by McArthur.
Tanaka with a lazy takedown attempt
and McArthur counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Tanaka ducks right into an uppercut from McArthur.
Tanaka looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka looks for a takedown but McArthur sprawls well.
Tanaka takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
McArthur moves into range and connects with a jab.
McArthur fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Tanaka on the side of the head.
Tanaka takes a swing at McArthur's ribcage but misses.
Tanaka is looking to clinch but McArthur is avoiding it.
Tanaka fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
McArthur swinging wildly here.
Shinji Tanaka has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McArthur lands a nice hook to Tanaka's body. Tanaka takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Tanaka walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

McArthur gets in close and instigates a clinch.
McArthur pushes Tanaka back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tanaka tries to score a body lock takedown but McArthur shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
McArthur controlling the action here for a moment.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tanaka looking to slow down the pace here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McArthur wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kevin McArthur showed his dominance in that final round.
I think McArthur 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 Ren Mimura scores the fight 49:46
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 49:46
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kevin McArthur!
An out of breath Kevin McArthur thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.