PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Eiji Kawashima (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yury Vesnev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yury Vesnev has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kawashima
vs
Vesnev

182 cm
37
162 lbs
40 - 12 - 1

170 cm
35
159 lbs
32 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Fast

Modern Wear Apparel
Spartan Nutrition

Pearson Specter Litt
Sun-Tzu

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 40 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Eiji Kawashima!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 32 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Yury Vesnev!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kawashima swings for the body but Vesnev moves out of range.
Kawashima throws a quick inside leg kick.
Vesnev with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Kawashima to score with a decent uppercut.
Vesnev connects with a looping right hand.

It looks like Eiji Kawashima has been cut.
Good work by Vesnev as he checks the leg kick.
A jab lands there for Kawashima.
Kawashima throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Vesnev misses with a two punch combination.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kawashima.
Vesnev dips to his left and cracks Kawashima with an uppercut!
Vesnev tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kawashima was well out of range. Poor timing from Vesnev.
Kawashima throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A looping hook to the body misses from Vesnev. Kawashima does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kawashima throws a right hand that Vesnev ducks under and follows up with a left that Vesnev also avoids with ease.
Nice straight punches there by Kawashima. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kawashima.
Vesnev dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Kawashima. That did some damage!
A clash of legs there as Vesnev blocks the low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vesnev throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kawashima thinks about countering with a body kick.
Vesnev bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Vesnev is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Vesnev has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Kawashima blocks a jab.
Kawashima avoids the body shot from Vesnev.
An inside leg kick lands from Kawashima.
Kawashima throws a body punch but Vesnev moves out of range.
Kawashima will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Kawashima fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Vesnev.
Vesnev lands with a straight right. Kawashima didn't see that one coming.
Vesnev looks to score with a jab to the body but Kawashima is just out of range.
Kawashima throws a body punch but Vesnev moves out of range.
Kawashima throws a shot to the body.
Kawashima throws a quick inside leg kick.
Vesnev checks the leg kick.
Kawashima throws a wild body kick that Vesnev sees coming a mile off.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kawashima.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kawashima fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Vesnev has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Vesnev checks a leg kick.
Vesnev doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

Vesnev closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Kawashima to the mat! Kawashima manages to get full guard.
Vesnev stops Kawashima from standing up.
Kawashima wants to sweep here but Vesnev controlling him for the moment.
Vesnev looking to sit in guard and control but Kawashima gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Kawashima is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Furia Top Team that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kawashima won't allow Vesnev to sweep him here.
Vesnev trying to keep a closed guard but Kawashima is proving a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev controlling the position.
Vesnev is trying to control the position but Kawashima postures up.
Kawashima preventing the sweep.
Vesnev working a defensive guard here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Vesnev's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kawashima connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Vesnev scrambles back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
A jab lands there for Kawashima.
Kawashima connects with a body shot that sends Vesnev's belly button to the back.

Vesnev scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
Kawashima is trying to control Vesnev's posture but Vesnev avoids it.
Vesnev landing a few strikes.
Vesnev throws an elbow but Kawashima slips to the side and avoids it well.
Vesnev trying to control the action but Kawashima is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

The fighters circle momentarily. Vesnev darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Vesnev checks a leg kick nicely.
Vesnev moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kawashima scores with a kick to the midsection.
Kawashima scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
An inside leg kick lands from Kawashima.
Kawashima throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Kawashima slips a straight right by Vesnev.
Vesnev lands with a hook. Kawashima tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kawashima bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kawashima swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Vesnev thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kawashima throws a front kick that sends Vesnev stumbling back into the cage.
Vesnev misses with a series of wild punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kawashima uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Vesnev has time to react.
Kawashima uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Vesnev has time to react.
A punch lands to the side of Kawashima 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Eiji Kawashima is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kawashima throws a looping overhand right but Vesnev ducks down to avoid it.
Kawashima throws a leg kick but Vesnev sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Vesnev misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kawashima.
Kawashima misses with a body shot.
Kawashima misses with a kick to the body.
Vesnev let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Kawashima misses with a series of wild punches.
Kawashima just misses with a punch to the body.
Kawashima throws a leg kick but Vesnev sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Kawashima smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Kawashima throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev checks a leg kick nicely.
Vesnev throws a body punch but Kawashima moves out of range.
Kawashima uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Vesnev.
Vesnev has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vesnev throws a jab but it's blocked by Kawashima.
Kawashima is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Vesnev can do to turn this around?
Vesnev punishes Kawashima's body with a nice straight punch.
Vesnev takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Vesnev uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kawashima.
Kawashima looks to throw a body kick

and Vesnev counters with a shoot takedown. Kawashima fights it but they end up in guard.
Vesnev with a flurry of punches that miss.
Vesnev stopping the sweep attempt from Kawashima.
Vesnev wants to control from the top but Kawashima keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev throws a strike but Kawashima rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Kawashima preventing the sweep.
Kawashima trying to control but Vesnev is working from the bottom.
Kawashima will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Vesnev trying to keep a closed guard but Kawashima is proving a slippery customer.
Vesnev trying to control the position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Vesnev is looking for a triangle but Kawashima pushes his legs off easily.
Vesnev controls Kawashima momentarily but Kawashima frees himself.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Kawashima scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Vesnev takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Vesnev looks to land a left hand but Kawashima moved out of range nicely.
Kawashima feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Kawashima staying out of range there.
Kawashima cracks Vesnev with an open hand slap.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eiji Kawashima dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Eiji Kawashima'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.

Vesnev walks into a stiff left hand from Kawashima.
Vesnev looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Vesnev looks to land a left hand but Kawashima moved out of range nicely.
Kawashima throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Vesnev misses with an uppercut
and Kawashima counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Vesnev missing with a left hand there. Kawashima was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kawashima slips under a jab from Vesnev.
Kawashima connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Vesnev throws a big shot that misses.
Vesnev fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kawashima looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Vesnev throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kawashima.
Vesnev's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kawashima connects with a nice looking jab.
Vesnev takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kawashima takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
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!
Vesnev swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kawashima is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kawashima.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kawashima will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kawashima lands a nice looking body kick.
Donk. Vesnev catches Kawashima right on the button with a cross.
Kawashima throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kawashima dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Vesnev. That did some damage!
Kawashima is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Kawashima throws a lazy right hand but Vesnev sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Vesnev tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kawashima was well out of range. Poor timing from Vesnev.
Vesnev gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kawashima.
Eiji Kawashima seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kawashima with a hook.
Vesnev lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Vesnev 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.
Kawashima throws a leg kick but Vesnev sees it coming and moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kawashima throws a right hand that Vesnev ducks under and follows up with a left that Vesnev also avoids with ease.
Kawashima throws a leg kick but Vesnev checks it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vesnev throws a jab when Kawashima was well out of range.
Kawashima is looking to chop away at Vesnev's legs.
Kawashima jabs Vesnev to the body, keeping him at a distance.
A clash of legs there as Vesnev blocks the low kick.
Vesnev checks a leg kick.
Vesnev takes one to the side of the head.
Good work by Vesnev as he checks the leg kick.
Kawashima connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Vesnev walks into a left hand.
Kawashima avoids the body shot from Vesnev.
Kawashima avoids the body shot from Vesnev.
Kawashima misses with an uppercut.
Kawashima uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Vesnev.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kawashima lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Vesnev throws the left hand but Kawashima avoids the punch easily.
Kawashima swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Kawashima throws a low kick but Vesnev moves out of range easily.
Kawashima lands a jab.
Kawashima fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Vesnev has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Vesnev has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Vesnev checks the leg kick.
Vesnev misses with an uppercut.
Vesnev looks to land a right hand but Kawashima moved out of range.
Kawashima misses with an uppercut. Vesnev saw that one coming.
Kawashima avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kawashima with a jab.
Vesnev takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kawashima connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Vesnev momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kawashima connects with an inside leg kick.
Kawashima throws a wild body kick that Vesnev sees coming a mile off.
Eiji Kawashima is winning the standup battle so far.
Vesnev slips under a jab from Kawashima.
Kawashima throws a leg kick but Vesnev moved away.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kawashima feints and then cracks Vesnev's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Vesnev down.
Kawashima throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Kawashima moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Vesnev scores with a sloppy right hand. Kawashima should have avoided that one.
Vesnev checks a leg kick.
Kawashima connects with a body shot that sends Vesnev's belly button to the back.
Vesnev throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kawashima tried to counter with a leg kick but Vesnev avoided it.
A clash of legs there as Vesnev blocks the low kick.
A good leg kick by Kawashima.
Kawashima lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eiji Kawashima clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Eiji Kawashima's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Vesnev ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kawashima moves away.
No joy there for Kawashima, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kawashima swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Vesnev swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A punch lands to the side of Vesnev 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Vesnev jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Vesnev uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Kawashima has time to react.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kawashima.
Kawashima throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Vesnev stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Kawashima ducks under a wild hook from Vesnev.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kawashima blocks a jab.
Decent striking displayed by Kawashima there.
Good leg kick by Kawashima there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kawashima buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Vesnev throws a big shot that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kawashima looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kawashima ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Vesnev moves away.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Kawashima.
Kawashima stuffs the takedown attempt from Vesnev. Vesnev gets slowly back to his feet.
Kawashima tries to score with a low kick but Vesnev moves his leg out of the way.
Kawashima thumps Vesnev with a low kick.
Kawashima feints and then cracks Vesnev's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Vesnev down.
Kawashima swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Vesnev throws a big shot that misses.
Vesnev takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kawashima dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kawashima lands with a good body shot.
A big left from Vesnev misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev moves out of range of the leg kick from Kawashima.
Vesnev uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kawashima.
Kawashima uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Vesnev.
Kawashima cracks Vesnev with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A nice inside leg kick there by Kawashima. That's going to slow Vesnev down.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kawashima.
Kawashima fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Vesnev looks to score with a jab to the body but Kawashima is just out of range.
Kawashima throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kawashima misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Vesnev swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kawashima paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Vesnev ducks under a wild hook from Kawashima.
Vesnev looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Vesnev looks to throw the jab but Kawashima is out of range.
Kawashima jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kawashima ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Vesnev feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kawashima's calf.
Kawashima wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kawashima throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Vesnev on the side of the head.
Some wild striking there from Vesnev.
Kawashima uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vesnev.
Kawashima connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Vesnev tries to move into range but Kawashima moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kawashima turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Vesnev misses with an uppercut. Kawashima saw that one coming.
Kawashima connects with a solid leg kick.
Kawashima throws a hook but Vesnev avoids it easily.
Vesnev lands a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kawashima uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Vesnev has time to react.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice jab there from Kawashima.
Vesnev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
A good leg kick by Kawashima.
That kick from Kawashima tenderised Vesnev's leg. Vesnev is trying to keep his angry face on.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kawashima. That's going to slow Vesnev down.
Vesnev looks to land a right hand but Kawashima moved out of range.
Vesnev scores with a jab to the head.
A big left from Vesnev misses.
Kawashima lands a nice shot that snaps Vesnev's head back.
Vesnev takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Vesnev misses with a wild body shot.
Kawashima misses with a leg kick

and Vesnev counters with a nice double leg into guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eiji Kawashima had his way with Yury Vesnev in that round.
The cut man is working on Eiji Kawashima's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Vesnev throws a hook to the side of Kawashima's head but Kawashima sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kawashima feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Kawashima throws out a leg kick but Vesnev moves out of range and Kawashima only half commits.
Vesnev shoots in looking for a takedown but Kawashima manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Vesnev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Vesnev has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kawashima finds it's way round the side to connect with Vesnev's head.
Vesnev connects with a body shot.
Kawashima fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
A punch combination from Vesnev misses.
Kawashima throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kawashima swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Vesnev.
Kawashima blocks a leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vesnev looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kawashima just misses with a punch to the body.
Vesnev fails to land the takedown.
Vesnev is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Kawashima - that will leave a mark!
Vesnev jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kawashima cracks Vesnev with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
That kick from Kawashima tenderised Vesnev's leg. Vesnev is trying to keep his angry face on.
A jab lands there for Kawashima.
That kick from Kawashima tenderised Vesnev's leg. Vesnev is trying to keep his angry face on.
Vesnev takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Kawashima connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Vesnev momentarily.
Vesnev throws a solid leg kick but Kawashima takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Vesnev.
Vesnev fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kawashima dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Vesnev. That did some damage!
Vesnev has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kawashima.
Vesnev walks into a jab.
Yury Vesnev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vesnev has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kawashima finds it's way round the side to connect with Vesnev's head.
Kawashima looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kawashima lands with a cross.
Kawashima with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kawashima fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Vesnev is out of range.
Vesnev changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kawashima.
Kawashima scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Vesnev takes a swing at Kawashima's ribcage but misses.
Kawashima connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Vesnev momentarily.
Kawashima uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Vesnev.
A big left from Vesnev misses.
Vesnev scores with a crisp jab that stopped Kawashima in his tracks.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Kawashima. Vesnev shrugs it off though.
Vesnev stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kawashima.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
A decent looking body kick lands there for Kawashima.
Kawashima scores with a nice right hand.
Vesnev with a poor takedown
and Kawashima counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Vesnev thinking.
Eiji Kawashima has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yury Vesnev.
Kawashima connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Vesnev momentarily.
Vesnev takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Vesnev has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kawashima finds it's way round the side to connect with Vesnev's head.
Kawashima blocks a jab.
Kawashima cracks Vesnev with a good jab.
A slapping leg kick lands for Vesnev.
Vesnev takes a jab right on the kisser.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kawashima lands a glancing blow to the side of Vesnev's head.
Kawashima digs a good body shot into Vesnev's ribs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev looks to throw the jab but Kawashima is out of range.
Vesnev misses with a hook.
Good exchange - Kawashima coming out on top.
The crowd cheers as Kawashima lands an impressive looking overhand right. Vesnev doesn't seem phased though.
Vesnev cracks Kawashima with an open hand slap.
A looping hook to the body misses from Vesnev. Kawashima does a little dance to reset his feet.
Vesnev tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kawashima sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Vesnev somewhat.
Eiji Kawashima is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kawashima staying out of range there.
Kawashima lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Kawashima chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Kawashima. Vesnev shrugs it off though.
Vesnev takes a swing at Kawashima's ribcage but misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Eiji Kawashima showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kawashima, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 50:45
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eiji Kawashima!
Eiji Kawashima decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.