PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Nico World Citizen (ranked 175 p4p, 14 weight class) and Kira Miyata (ranked 225 p4p, 20 weight class). World Citizen comes to the cage accompanied by Rich Bitch. Miyata is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Boa - Energetic. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

World Citizen
vs
Miyata

160 cm
30
145 lbs
20 - 11 - 3

171 cm
38
153 lbs
37 - 24 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin

Fanatic Inc.
Aspire Clothing

Zenith Nutrition (160q/225$)
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 11 - 3, fighting out of Amsterdam, Nico World Citizen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 37 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kira Miyata!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Daniel Bishop and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Miyata ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
A jab from Miyata misses.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by World Citizen.
A jab from Miyata finds it's way through World Citizen's defenses.
Miyata fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and World Citizen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

Miyata gets tackled into the cage by World Citizen. World Citizen maintains the clinch.

Miyata has World Citizen pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Miyata pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending World Citizen tumbling to the mat - Miyata dives into World Citizen's guard.
Miyata postures up in World Citizen's guard and throws a big left but World Citizen blocks it.
World Citizen wants to sweep here but Miyata controlling him for the moment.
World Citizen might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Miyata throws a big elbow that misses.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Miyata working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Miyata stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. World Citizen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
World Citizen wants to sweep here but Miyata controlling him for the moment.
Miyata content to stall in guard here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
World Citizen looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
World Citizen wants to stand and escape but Miyata is having none of it.
Miyata wants to control from the top but World Citizen keeps moving.
World Citizen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Miyata won't allow World Citizen to sweep him here.
Miyata trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Miyata trying to control the position from guard on top but World Citizen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Miyata shoots for a takedown but World Citizen saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Miyata connects with a body shot that sends World Citizen's belly button to the back.

World Citizen rushes Miyata and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
World Citizen misses with some punches.
World Citizen misses with a short punch on the inside.
Miyata drops to a knee looking for a takedown but World Citizen gets the underhooks and prevents it.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from World Citizen.
Miyata lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of World Citizen backwards.

World Citizen pulls guard effortlessly.
Miyata has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
World Citizen pulls Miyata in close to his closed guard and prevents Miyata from doing any damage or advancing position.
Miyata stopping the sweep attempt from World Citizen.

World Citizen throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
World Citizen looking to hit a scissor sweep but Miyata is one step ahead there.
Miyata throws a big elbow that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Miyata postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Miyata stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. World Citizen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Miyata trying to control but World Citizen is working from the bottom.
World Citizen working a defensive guard here.
World Citizen is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
World Citizen is controlling Miyata's posture.
Miyata looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Miyata landing some decent shots from guard.
Miyata loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Miyata won't allow World Citizen to sweep him here.
World Citizen is adopting a defensive guard.
Miyata trying to control the position from guard on top but World Citizen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Miyata is in close to World Citizen's body, working some short punches and elbows.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Miyata pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. World Citizen is keeping the position for now.
World Citizen is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Miyata tries to get to full guard but World Citizen has control of the leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kira Miyata will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Miyata scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Miyata fakes high and swings low for a body shot but World Citizen manages to avoid it.
Miyata misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from World Citizen.
World Citizen throws a low kick but it's checked well by Miyata.

World Citizen moves into the clinch.

Miyata breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
An inside leg kick lands from World Citizen.
World Citizen wants to clinch up but Miyata keeps it at a distance.
World Citizen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Miyata.
World Citizen is looking to clinch.
World Citizen throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
World Citizen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Miyata smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Miyata shoots in but World Citizen avoids the takedown attempt easily.
World Citizen clobbers Miyata with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Miyata steps to the side to avoid the strikes from World Citizen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Miyata throws a body punch but World Citizen moves out of range.
World Citizen swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Miyata counters with a nice uppercut.
Nico World Citizen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
World Citizen steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Miyata.
A swing and a miss from World Citizen.
And Miyata tries to counter it with a takedown but World Citizen pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Miyata keeps the fight on the outside.
Miyata has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
World Citizen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kira Miyata seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Miyata takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Nico World Citizen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Miyata throws a jab but it's blocked by World Citizen.
Miyata checks the leg kick nicely there.
World Citizen is looking to chop away at Miyata's legs.
Miyata lands a straight punch to the body, keeping World Citizen at a distance.
World Citizen bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Miyata's head backwards.
A big right from Miyata misses.
World Citizen connects with an inside leg kick.
Miyata takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
World Citizen with a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Miyata slips under a jab from World Citizen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Miyata tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but World Citizen was well out of range. Poor timing from Miyata.
A right-left combo lands from World Citizen.

It looks like Kira Miyata has been cut.
World Citizen moves away from the strike by Miyata.
Miyata lands a right hook to the body.

World Citizen moves into range and clinches up with Miyata.
Miyata drops to a knee looking for a takedown but World Citizen gets the underhooks and prevents it.
World Citizen is leaning against Miyata and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

Miyata has clasped his hands together around World Citizen's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
World Citizen is trying to buck Miyata off.
World Citizen manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Miyata drops an elbow to the side of World Citizen's head.
World Citizen is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Gangsterdamage, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
World Citizen is concentrating on defense, preventing Miyata from advancing position.
Miyata stops World Citizen from getting back to his feet.
World Citizen wants to improve his position but Miyata is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Miyata is trying to control. World Citizen wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
World Citizen is trying to stand.
Miyata prevents World Citizen from improving his position.
Miyata trying to control from half guard but World Citizen is working away.

Miyata is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so World Citizen is just riding it out for now. Miyata eventually gives up the hold.
Miyata prevents World Citizen from standing back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Miyata trying to mount his opponent but World Citizen defends it.
World Citizen is holding on to half guard well.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
World Citizen throws the left hand but Miyata avoids the punch easily.
A jab from World Citizen finds it's way through Miyata's defenses.
Miyata misses with a straight left.
World Citizen lands a lovely overhand right.

Miyata shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. World Citizen manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
World Citizen utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

World Citizen working for a triangle but Miyata defends it easily.
Miyata throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nico World Citizen dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Kira Miyata's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Miyata walks into a straight right hand from World Citizen.
World Citizen displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Miyata throws out the jab.
A solid leg kick lands there for World Citizen.
World Citizen takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
The fighters circling - Miyata throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Miyata takes one to the chin there.
Miyata misses with a hook. World Citizen ducked under it nicely.

World Citizen gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Miyata goes for a takedown in the clinch but World Citizen prevents it.
World Citizen is trying to pull guard but Miyata turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Miyata breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
World Citizen looks to land a combination but Miyata avoids it well.
Miyata cracks World Citizen with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
World Citizen staying out of range there.
World Citizen wants to clinch up but Miyata keeps it at a distance.
World Citizen looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
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!
Miyata waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract World Citizen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Miyata throws a body shot but no joy.
World Citizen drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Miyata takes a swing at World Citizen's ribcage but misses.
Miyata throws a big shot that misses.
Miyata misses with a straight left.
A looping hook to the body misses from World Citizen. Miyata does a little dance to reset his feet.
Miyata scores with a decent looking hook.
World Citizen jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
World Citizen connects with a nice looking jab.
Miyata lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Miyata works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Miyata looks to land a right hand but World Citizen moved out of range.
World Citizen looks to land a left hand but Miyata moved out of range nicely.
Miyata feints the counter takedown.
World Citizen lands a jab to Miyata's midsection.
Miyata comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
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!
World Citizen moves to clinch but Miyata breaks away
and Miyata connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Miyata moves away from the strike by World Citizen.
Miyata misses with a body shot.
Miyata getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Miyata throws an uppercut from half a mile away. World Citizen sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A low kick from World Citizen misses

and Miyata counters with a single leg into guard. World Citizen didn't expect that.
World Citizen tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Miyata trying to control the position from guard on top but World Citizen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

World Citizen is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Miyata defends well.
Miyata content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Miyata is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Miyata stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. World Citizen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kira Miyata has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Miyata won't allow World Citizen to get back to his feet.
World Citizen is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Miyata controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Miyata tries to roll over but World Citizen keeps him under control.
World Citizen trying to control from half guard but Miyata is working away.

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.
World Citizen wants to pass to mount but Miyata is defending the position.

Miyata looking for submissions off his back.
Miyata is pressing down on World Citizen's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
World Citizen looking to sit in guard and control but Miyata gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Miyata trying to control but World Citizen is working from the bottom.
Miyata in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kira Miyata comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Miyata 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 28:29
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Kira Miyata!
Kira Miyata thanked the fans post fight for their support.
Nico World Citizen spoke after the fight, saying 'Yes, I want another one with 20cm or more reach advantage to give hype to.'.