PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Segey Taranin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Asato Mikio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mikio has chosen Ain't No Grave as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Taranin
vs
Mikio

166 cm
20
151 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

168 cm
20
148 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Basic striking
Insanely flexible

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Russian Bears Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Segey Taranin!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Asato Mikio!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Shigeki Sano and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Good work by Taranin as he checks the leg kick.
Segey Taranin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Mikio.
Mikio throws a head kick but Taranin moves out of range.
Taranin half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Taranin has his takedown stuffed
and Mikio finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Mikio throws out a leg kick but Taranin moves out of range and Mikio only half commits.
Taranin swings for the body but Mikio moves out of range.
Taranin will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Taranin lands with a shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taranin connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Mikio momentarily.
Mikio throws a shot from downtown. Taranin moves away and avoids it.

Taranin feints and as Mikio raises his hands in defense, Taranin changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mikio is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Taranin is looking to advance position but Mikio has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taranin regains half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Taranin manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Mikio loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Mikio wants to control from the top but Taranin keeps moving.
Mikio must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Mikio is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Taranin is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Taranin bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Mikio's guard.

Taranin passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Taranin trying to control the action but Mikio is working from the bottom.
Taranin in side control, just content to control the action for now.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mikio managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Taranin.
Mikio taking a bit of punishment here - Taranin scoring with strikes.
Taranin taking a breather here.
Mikio is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Taranin thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Mikio felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Taranin trying to control the action but Mikio is working from the bottom.
Mikio being controlled for a moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Taranin working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Segey Taranin dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Mikio bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Taranin's head.
No joy there for Taranin, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Taranin thows a left - swing and a miss!
Taranin tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mikio sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Taranin somewhat.
Mikio tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Taranin was well out of range. Poor timing from Mikio.
Taranin throws a body shot but no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taranin throws a lazy right hand but Mikio sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A little jabbing left from Mikio on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Mikio swings for the body but Taranin moves out of range.
Mikio tries to clinch but Taranin is having none of it.
Taranin cracks Mikio with an open hand slap.
Mikio swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Taranin.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mikio throws a chopping leg kick but Taranin manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Taranin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Taranin changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Taranin shoots in and bounces Mikio off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.
Mikio working a defensive guard here.
Mikio wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Taranin throwing strikes but missing.
Taranin trying to control the position from guard on top but Mikio is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Segey Taranin overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taranin pushes down on Mikio's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Taranin not doing much here.
Mikio is refusing to be controlled, as Taranin sits in half guard.
Mikio tries to get to full guard but Taranin has control of the leg.
Taranin is pressing down on Mikio's thigh, looking to free his foot. Mikio is holding on for now.
Taranin is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mikio can do to turn this around?

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mikio is defending against the submission attempts here by Taranin.

Taranin is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Mikio sees it coming and defends easily.
Taranin throwing shots but Mikio is blocking nicely.
Taranin wants to take a breather but Mikio is having none of it.
Mikio really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Taranin. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Taranin is working for a submission of some sort.

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.
Mikio trying to get back to full guard but Taranin takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Taranin can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Mikio is looking to escape.
Taranin fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Taranin can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Mikio is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Segey Taranin dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Taranin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mikio.

Taranin throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Mikio was covering up waiting for the punch and Taranin finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Taranin trying to control the position from guard on top but Mikio is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've been hearing that Taranin has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Taranin trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mikio seems keen to control Taranin's posture.
Taranin works over Mikio with some ground and pound from guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taranin advances position into side control!
Taranin tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
A lull in the action here.
Mikio dodges the ground and pound from Taranin.
Taranin looks up at the clock and then as Mikio takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Taranin smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!

Taranin goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Mikio has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Taranin but great work by Mikio.
Taranin tries to improve position but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mikio 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.
Mikio tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Taranin manages to get back to half guard.
Taranin is trying to get back to full guard.

Mikio is working for a kimura but Taranin is defending it quite comfortably.
The fighters are battling for position here. Taranin manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Taranin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mikio has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Taranin is working away from the top position though.
Taranin is trying to control the action in half guard but Mikio is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Taranin is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Taranin seems to be working for a kimura but Mikio defends the submission attempt.
Mikio on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Taranin is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Mikio defends it well.

Taranin is working for a submission of some sort.
Taranin looks to land a strike but Mikio avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Mikio is trying to keep Taranin in close.
Taranin throwing strikes but missing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Segey Taranin clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Taranin scores with a takedown into Mikio's guard.
Taranin showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Taranin keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Mikio's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Taranin controlling from the top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taranin's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Taranin stopping the sweep attempt from Mikio.
Taranin chips away with some ground and pound.
Taranin trying to control the position from guard on top but Mikio is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Taranin slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

That's two 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.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Taranin throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Taranin looks to score with a jab to the body but Mikio is just out of range.
Mikio lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

Taranin drives through with a takedown into guard.
Taranin lands a couple of elbows.
Mikio keeping moving, preventing Taranin from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taranin sitting in guard here, content to control.

Taranin drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Mikio manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Taranin has Mikio in his guard.

Mikio trying to control but Taranin is working from the bottom.
Taranin working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Taranin looking to hit a scissor sweep but Mikio is one step ahead there.

Taranin working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Mikio has passed into half guard!
Taranin regains full guard. Nicely done.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Mikio won't allow Taranin to sweep him here.
Taranin is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Taranin looking for subs off his back but Mikio has passed one foot through into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Segey Taranin had his way with Asato Mikio in that round.
That's time! Taranin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Mikio throws a right hand that Taranin ducks under and follows up with a left that Taranin also avoids with ease.
Mikio lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Mikio cracks Taranin with a good jab.
Mikio fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Taranin checks it well.
Mikio attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Mikio throws a lazy right hand but Taranin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A swing and a miss from Taranin.
Taranin takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Mikio misses with a hook.
Taranin changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Mikio looks to throw the jab but Taranin is out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Taranin fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Mikio sprawls well initially but Taranin persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Taranin not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Mikio is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Taranin scores with a couple of nice shots.
Mikio is refusing to be controlled, as Taranin sits in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taranin thows a huge punch but Mikio dodges it nicely.
Taranin thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Mikio avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Taranin.

Taranin is working for a submission of some sort.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Taranin is working for a submission of some sort.
Mikio is trying to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Mikio wants to control but Taranin is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Taranin content to control rather than advance.

Taranin is trying to work for a kimura but Mikio is defending well.
Segey Taranin is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Taranin wants to work for an arm triangle but Mikio is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Taranin is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Asato Mikio has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Taranin not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Taranin looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

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.
Mikio keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Taranin working Mikio over with strikes.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Taranin is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Taranin is looking for a kimura but Mikio is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Taranin to get the leverage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Segey Taranin showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Taranin, 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 Shirou Masuda scores the fight 50:45
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 50:45
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Segey Taranin!
Segey Taranin retains his featherweight title!