PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Yves Jabouin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kyoji Horiguchi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jabouin kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Trobule On My Mind- Pusha T and Tyler The Creator. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Jabouin
vs
Horiguchi

175 cm
34
145 lbs
22 - 9 - 1

164 cm
29
141 lbs
22 - 12 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Spartan Nutrition

Sun-Tzu

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Yves Jabouin!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kyoji Horiguchi!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jabouin takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Jabouin scores with the left hand. Horiguchi knows he should have avoided that one.

It looks like Kyoji Horiguchi has been cut.

Horiguchi gets a takedown into half guard.
Horiguchi thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Jabouin's head.
Horiguchi thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Horiguchi lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Horiguchi is looking for a kimura but Jabouin is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Horiguchi to get the leverage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jabouin avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Horiguchi.
Horiguchi throwing shots but Jabouin is blocking nicely.
Jabouin is concentrating on defense, preventing Horiguchi from advancing position.
Jabouin is staying active underneath Horiguchi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Horiguchi might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Jabouin haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horiguchi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Horiguchi wants to pass the guard but Jabouin is defending well.
Horiguchi wants to take a breather but Jabouin is having none of it.
Jabouin landing strikes from the bottom.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Horiguchi content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Jabouin darts in and clinches Horiguchi up against the cage.
Jabouin tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Horiguchi misses with a body punch.
Horiguchi misses with a body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horiguchi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Horiguchi prevents a body shot from Jabouin.
Jabouin misses with some punches.
Jabouin misses with a punch on the inside.
Horiguchi wants to take the fight to the mat but Jabouin manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Jabouin tries a body shot but Horiguchi blocks it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Jabouin.
Horiguchi blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A left hand lands to the body for Horiguchi.
Horiguchi doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Jabouin gets underhooks to prevent Horiguchi's takedown attempt.
Yves Jabouin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyoji Horiguchi.
Horiguchi tries to throw a body punch but Jabouin avoids it by throwing Horiguchi back against the cage.
Horiguchi has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Jabouin after a bit of a struggle.
Horiguchi struggles to land a body shot inside as Jabouin controls his hands.
Horiguchi tries to score a body lock takedown but Jabouin shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Jabouin gets through Horiguchi's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Jabouin lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Jabouin prevents a body shot from Horiguchi.
Horiguchi can't get the takedown.
Jabouin lands a body punch in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Horiguchi has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Jabouin clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Jabouin is really stuck here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Horiguchi connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Jabouin to escape the position.
Horiguchi is looking to control Jabouin but Jabouin is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Jabouin needs to remain patient if he's going to get out of this sticky situation.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
I would not like to be Jabouin right now.
Horiguchi trying to control momentarily.
I really don't envy Jabouin right now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jabouin is working hard here to advance position.
Horiguchi wants to control but Jabouin is keeping busy.
Horiguchi thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Horiguchi is landing with strikes. Jabouin can't take much more of this.
Horiguchi scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Jabouin is looking for a way out.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Horiguchi throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Horiguchi is looking to control Jabouin but Jabouin is wriggling around and keeping busy.

Horiguchi is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Jabouin has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Horiguchi trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kyoji Horiguchi will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Kyoji Horiguchi'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.

Jabouin misses with a wild body shot.
Jabouin looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Horiguchi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Jabouin but Jabouin pushes him off and we're back to square one.
As Horiguchi tries to get set, Jabouin tries to push him back and clinch up but Horiguchi manages to avoid the attempt.
Jabouin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A telegraphed right hand from Jabouin misses the target.
Jabouin tries to move into range but Horiguchi moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Jabouin looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
A low kick from Horiguchi is predictable there
and Jabouin counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kyoji Horiguchi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Horiguchi scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Horiguchi wants to control but Jabouin is keeping him busy.
Horiguchi lands a few punches from side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Horiguchi misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Jabouin tries to buck Horiguchi off but Horiguchi is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horiguchi misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Jabouin gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Horiguchi controlling from the full mount.
The referee warns Jabouin that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Horiguchi landing shots from mount.
Horiguchi wants to control but Jabouin has made it back to half guard. Nice work.
Horiguchi throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Horiguchi lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Horiguchi thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Jabouin is defending against the submission attempts here by Horiguchi.
Horiguchi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
My spies in Hugs & Kisses inform me that Horiguchi has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Jabouin trying to control but Horiguchi postures up.
Horiguchi trying to advance position but Jabouin counters by regaining guard.
Jabouin keeping moving, preventing Horiguchi from controlling successfully.
Horiguchi lands a couple of elbows.
Horiguchi sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horiguchi tries to free his leg and advance position but Jabouin is retaining full guard.
Horiguchi prevents Jabouin from getting back to his feet.
Horiguchi trying to control the position from guard on top but Jabouin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Jabouin misses with a hook. Horiguchi ducked under it nicely.
Horiguchi scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Yves Jabouin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jabouin throws a hook but Horiguchi blocks it.
Jabouin takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Jabouin stuffs the takedown.
Jabouin throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Horiguchi punishes Jabouin's body with a nice straight punch.
Horiguchi shoots in and drives through. Jabouin sprawls well.
Yves Jabouin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyoji Horiguchi.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Horiguchi fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Horiguchi looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Jabouin clinches.
Jabouin blocks a body shot from Horiguchi.
Horiguchi drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Jabouin gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Horiguchi has hold of one of Jabouin's legs. Jabouin is fighting the takedown attempt but Horiguchi gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.

Jabouin is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Horiguchi presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Horiguchi has Jabouin pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Jabouin manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Jabouin working aggressively here.
Jabouin throws a punch but it's blocked by Horiguchi.
Jabouin stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Horiguchi misses with a hook to the ribs.
Jabouin swings wildly with an uppercut but Horiguchi uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Kyoji Horiguchi will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Kyoji Horiguchi's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Horiguchi drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Jabouin keeping moving, preventing Horiguchi from controlling successfully.
Horiguchi is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Jabouin preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Jabouin has Horiguchi pulled in close to control his posture.
Horiguchi looking to pass the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horiguchi throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Jabouin works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Jabouin keeping moving, preventing Horiguchi from controlling successfully.
Horiguchi controls from within his opponent's guard.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jabouin loads up on a big right hand but Horiguchi slips the punch.
Horiguchi misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Horiguchi shoots in and bounces Jabouin off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Jabouin pushes Horiguchi off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Jabouin throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Horiguchi counters with a single leg into guard. Jabouin didn't expect that.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Horiguchi looking to sit in guard and control but Jabouin gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Jabouin postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Horiguchi is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Let's hope that Horiguchi has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Jabouin stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Horiguchi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Jabouin controls from within his opponent's guard.
Kyoji Horiguchi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Horiguchi controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jabouin trying to control but Horiguchi is working from the bottom.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Jabouin wanted to stand there but Horiguchi had control of the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Jabouin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Horiguchi connects with a body shot.
Horiguchi scores with a leg kick.
Jabouin drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Horiguchi throws a leg kick but Jabouin checks it.
Jabouin is looking to counter the offense by Horiguchi and move into the clinch.
Horiguchi fails with the takedown
and Jabouin counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
An inside leg kick lands from Horiguchi.
Jabouin moves out of range of the strikes.
Kyoji Horiguchi seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Jab, jab by Horiguchi - just one landing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kyoji Horiguchi really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kyoji Horiguchi's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Jabouin misses with a straight right.
Horiguchi scores with a jab to the body.
Jabouin lands a slapping body shot.
Horiguchi throws a leg kick but Jabouin moved away.
Horiguchi throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jabouin was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Horiguchi throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Jabouin scores with a sloppy right hand. Horiguchi should have avoided that one.
Horiguchi will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Horiguchi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Horiguchi with the counter takedown but Jabouin avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horiguchi shoots in but Jabouin avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Jabouin cracks Horiguchi with an open hand slap.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jabouin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Horiguchi throws out the jab.
Horiguchi lands a lovely overhand right.

Jabouin has managed to clinch.
Horiguchi changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Jabouin fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Yves Jabouin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyoji Horiguchi.
Horiguchi connects with a body shot that sends Jabouin's belly button to the back.
Horiguchi fails with the takedown.
Horiguchi avoids the head kick by Jabouin.
Horiguchi takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Horiguchi scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Horiguchi fails with a takedown attempt.
Horiguchi is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jabouin avoids the body shot from Horiguchi.
Jabouin defending well as Horiguchi loads up on a big left hand.
Horiguchi throws a shot to the body.
Horiguchi misses with a jab, cross combination.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Horiguchi misses with a low kick.
Horiguchi is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Jabouin rather than just go for the knockout.
Horiguchi doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Jabouin counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Horiguchi throws a low kick but Jabouin avoids it.
Jabouin is looking to counter with head kicks.
Horiguchi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Jabouin pinned against the cage. Jabouin gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horiguchi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Jabouin moves away.
Jabouin throws the left hand but Horiguchi avoids the punch easily.
Jabouin takes a swing at Horiguchi's ribcage but misses.
Horiguchi feints the counter takedown.
Horiguchi misses with the combination.
Jabouin throwing a counter right hand but Horiguchi manages to avoid it.

Jabouin has Horiguchi up against the cage in a clinch.
Jabouin lands a body shot.
Jabouin lands a right hand.
Good body shot from Horiguchi.
Horiguchi blocks a body shot from Jabouin.
Horiguchi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Horiguchi gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Jabouin is trying to maintain the position but Horiguchi is very close to passing his half guard.
Horiguchi looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Jabouin makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Jabouin.
Jabouin looking to control.
Jabouin keeping moving, preventing Horiguchi from controlling successfully.
Horiguchi throwing strikes from guard but Jabouin blocks nicely.
Jabouin knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Horiguchi on the ground.
Horiguchi throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Jabouin works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
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 Yves Jabouin will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Kyoji Horiguchi'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. This is the final round!

Horiguchi throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Horiguchi with a lazy takedown attempt
and Jabouin counters with a big head kick but Horiguchi shrugs it off.
Jabouin misses with a straight right.
Horiguchi swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Horiguchi on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Horiguchi closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Horiguchi missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Jabouin has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Horiguchi is on him like a limpet, forcing Jabouin back against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Horiguchi scores with a hook to the body.
Horiguchi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Jabouin is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Horiguchi tries a body shot but Jabouin blocks it.
Horiguchi is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Jabouin gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Yves Jabouin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyoji Horiguchi.
Horiguchi is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Horiguchi misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Horiguchi misses with a body punch.
Jabouin is defending well against a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jabouin throws a punch but it's blocked by Horiguchi.
Horiguchi misses with a body punch.
Jabouin lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Horiguchi backwards.
Jabouin struggles to land a body shot inside as Horiguchi controls his hands.
Jabouin throws a punch but it's blocked by Horiguchi.
Horiguchi has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Jabouin after a bit of a struggle.
Horiguchi misses with a hook to the ribs.
Horiguchi is looking for a takedown.
Jabouin swings wildly with an uppercut but Horiguchi uses good head movement to avoid it.

Horiguchi is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Jabouin can't fight it off and eventually Horiguchi manages to take the fight to the floor. Jabouin looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Horiguchi wants the takedown. Jabouin is fighting it off but Horiguchi persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Jabouin's guard against the cage.

Jabouin kicks Horiguchi off and gets to his feet.
Yves Jabouin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kyoji Horiguchi is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jabouin throws a head kick that half lands.
Horiguchi fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Jabouin looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Horiguchi takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

Horiguchi closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Jabouin quickly recovers to half guard.
Horiguchi trying to control from half guard but Jabouin is working away.
Horiguchi looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Jabouin has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Horiguchi is working away from the top position though.
Horiguchi trying to control the pace.
Horiguchi wants to pass to mount but Jabouin is defending the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jabouin looks like he's trying to stand up.
Horiguchi looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Horiguchi has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Horiguchi passes to side control.
Jabouin is not content to let Horiguchi control the position.
Jabouin being controlled for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Jabouin is looking to regain half guard here but Horiguchi keeps moving and retains side control.
Horiguchi controlling from side mount.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yves Jabouin showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Horiguchi 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight 48:48
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 48:48
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 47:48

The fight is ruled a majority draw!
Yves Jabouin 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!