|
PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Hakuin Ekaku Jr (ranked 103 p4p, 13 weight class) and Phol Hunt (ranked 928 p4p, 133 weight class). Ekaku Jr kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Jiu Jitsu. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
|
|
|
175 cm
31
165 lbs
29 - 10 - 2 |
|
181 cm
38
180 lbs
41 - 18 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
|
Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin |
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world! Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner. With a record of
29 - 10 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hakuin Ekaku Jr! And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner. With a record of
41 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Phol Hunt! The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, Alec Ball and William Peck.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway! Ekaku Jr tries for a takedown but Hunt sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily. Hunt throws a body punch but Ekaku Jr moves out of range. Hunt throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hunt swings and misses with a shot to the body and Ekaku Jr cracks him with a counter punch right on the button. Hunt throws a quick inside leg kick. Hunt waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ekaku Jr. Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr shoots in for a double leg but Hunt sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy. Danga de danga de dang - Ekaku Jr scores with a four punch combination! Ekaku Jr throws out a leg kick but Hunt moves out of range and Ekaku Jr only half commits. Hunt misses with a leg kick and Ekaku Jr counters with a slapping leg kick. Ekaku Jr waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hunt. Hunt thows a left - swing and a miss! Ekaku Jr connects with a body shot that sends Hunt's belly button to the back. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Ekaku Jr lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh. Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick which misses Hunt's front leg but catches the back leg as Hunt tries to avoid it. Hunt uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ekaku Jr. Hunt takes a body punch but keeps moving. Hunt scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
It looks like Hakuin Ekaku Jr has been cut. Hunt walks into a left hand.
That's one minute gone in the round. Hunt loads up on a big right hand but Ekaku Jr slips the punch. Wow, both these guys are really going for it! Hunt misses with a body shot.
Hunt tries to land a front kick but Ekaku Jr steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed. Ekaku Jr takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it. Hunt walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head. Ekaku Jr throws a shot to the body.
Hunt is looking to land body kicks. Hunt stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Ekaku Jr. Hunt misses with a straight right. Ekaku Jr tries to counter with a takedown but Hunt is quick to defend against it. Ekaku Jr just misses with a punch to the body.
Hunt is looking to clinch. Hunt tries to land a front kick but Ekaku Jr steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed. Ekaku Jr misses with a straight left. Ekaku Jr fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Hunt checks it well. Hunt checks a low kick from Ekaku Jr. Hunt connects with a solid leg kick. Hunt slips a straight right by Ekaku Jr. Hunt fakes the leg kick and cracks Ekaku Jr in the body. 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! Some bone on bone action there as Hunt checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Hunt throws a leg kick that misses. Hunt keeps Ekaku Jr at a distance using the push kick. Hunt takes a shot right to the bread basket. Ekaku Jr steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Hunt. That one must have hurt. Hunt scores with a leg kick.
Hunt throws a low kick but Ekaku Jr avoids it. Hunt fails with an attempt to clinch.
Hunt explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work. Ekaku Jr ducks under a wild hook from Hunt. Ekaku Jr lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected. Ekaku Jr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hunt manages to avoid it. Hunt throws a body kick but he wasn't in range. Ekaku Jr takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Hunt misses with an attempted mid kick.
Hunt tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ekaku Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from Hunt. Hunt gets in close and instigates a clinch. Hunt cracks Ekaku Jr with a nice body shot. Ekaku Jr tries a body shot but Hunt blocks it.
Hunt blocks a punch to the side of the head.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Both guys are working to get underhooks. Ekaku Jr lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Hunt. Hunt throws a punch but it's blocked by Ekaku Jr. A right handed body shot lands from Hunt.
Ekaku Jr has Hunt pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hunt manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing. That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hakuin Ekaku Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him. Hunt looking to stall.
Hunt lands a left hand that snaps the head of Ekaku Jr backwards. Ekaku Jr misses with the head strike.
A knee to the head by Hunt.
Ekaku Jr tightens his grip and picks Hunt up, before dumping him to the ground. Hunt manages to land in guard. Ekaku Jr is fighting to break Hunt's control of his arms but Hunt is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment. Ekaku Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Hunt is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing. Ekaku Jr looking to pass the guard. Hunt looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. Hunt seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. Hunt tries to land a sweep but no joy. Hunt keeping moving, preventing Ekaku Jr from controlling successfully. The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work. Ekaku Jr throwing strikes but missing. Hunt pulls Ekaku Jr in close to prevent any damage. Ekaku Jr landing some decent shots from guard. Hunt 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. Ekaku Jr throwing strikes but missing. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Phol Hunt will probably get the nod. The cut man is working on Hakuin Ekaku Jr's cut. Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Ekaku Jr swings for the body but Hunt moves out of range.
Hunt walks into a jab. Hunt bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick. Hunt has taken the fight to the clinch.
Hunt blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hunt looking to stall.
Hunt misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut. Ekaku Jr is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though. A right hand to the body from Ekaku Jr.
Hunt blocks an uppercut.
Hunt lands on the inside with an uppercut. Hunt tries to land knees in the clinch but Ekaku Jr avoids the damage to the body. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Ekaku Jr tries a body shot but Hunt blocks it.
Ekaku Jr has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hunt after a bit of a struggle. A nice right hand lands inside from Ekaku Jr. Hunt scores with a nice hook to the head. This has been an exciting period of action! Hunt blocks an uppercut.
Ekaku Jr is leaning against Hunt and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round. Hunt working aggressively here.
Ekaku Jr wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hakuin Ekaku Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him. Ekaku Jr lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hunt backwards. A right hook to the body lands for Ekaku Jr.
Hunt stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body. Hunt missing with knees to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hunt. Ekaku Jr blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A left hand lands to the body for Ekaku Jr.
Hunt has Ekaku Jr pushed against the cage. A head punch on the inside from Hunt fails to land. Ekaku Jr working some nice short punches in the clinch. Hunt working aggressively here.
Ekaku Jr misses with some punches.
Ekaku Jr lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hunt or not. Hunt throws a head punch that misses. A short left from Ekaku Jr. Hunt prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's two minutes gone in the round. A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors. Ekaku Jr blocks a body shot from Hunt. Hunt struggles to land a body shot inside as Ekaku Jr controls his hands.
A hook to the body from Ekaku Jr.
Hunt swings wildly with an uppercut but Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid it. Ekaku Jr goes for a takedown attempt but Hunt pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
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! Hunt on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Ekaku Jr. Ekaku Jr obviously looking to wear him down.
Ekaku Jr scores with a nice head shot. Hunt is looking to take this fight into the clinch. Hunt throws a hook to the side of Ekaku Jr's head but Ekaku Jr sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully. Hunt throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land. Ekaku Jr digs a good body shot into Hunt's ribs. Ekaku Jr connects with a leg kick. Hunt looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it. Ekaku Jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hunt. Ekaku Jr sets himself, and Hunt steps forward looking for the clinch! Ekaku Jr avoids it this time. Hunt chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ekaku Jr scores with a nice head shot. Hunt misses with a straight right. Ekaku Jr appears to be looking for a counter takedown. A looping hook to the body misses from Hunt. Ekaku Jr does a little dance to reset his feet. Ekaku Jr throws a nice inside leg kick. Ekaku Jr darts in and out, connecting with a jab. Hunt is looking to land body kicks. Ekaku Jr shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Hunt as he avoids it easily. Hunt throws the kick towards the body but Ekaku Jr avoids it. Hunt scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction. Hunt tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Ekaku Jr manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat. Ekaku Jr throws a hook to the side of Hunt's head but Hunt sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully. Ekaku Jr fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Hunt on the side of the head. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. A cross from Ekaku Jr lands. Phol Hunt is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs. Ekaku Jr takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Ekaku Jr will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body. Ekaku Jr sizes up Hunt with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr with a hook. Ekaku Jr lands a jab. Hunt misses with a body shot.
Hunt misses with a low kick. The fighters circling - Ekaku Jr throws out the jab but it was never going to land. Hunt throws an off balance right hand
and Ekaku Jr counters with a nice low kick that buckles Hunt's knee momentarily. A slapping leg kick lands for Hunt.
Ekaku Jr keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ekaku Jr checks a leg kick. Hakuin Ekaku Jr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout. Ekaku Jr looks to land a left hand but Hunt moved out of range nicely. Ouch! a nice leg kick from Ekaku Jr, right into the meat.
Hunt misses with a body kick. Ekaku Jr rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Hunt cracks him with a counter punch right on the button. Ekaku Jr with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Ekaku Jr cracks Hunt with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage. Hunt walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ekaku Jr checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side. Hunt pushing out the jab but it's not landing. A nice inside leg kick there by Ekaku Jr. That's going to slow Hunt down. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr dominated that second round. The cut man is working on Hakuin Ekaku Jr's cut. The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but Hunt sees it coming and checks it nicely. Hunt throws a body kick but he was well out of range there. Ekaku Jr attempts a counter takedown but Hunt avoids it well and moves away. Ekaku Jr lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw. Ekaku Jr wants to land a leg kick but Hunt is out of range. Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but Hunt checks it. Hunt ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face. Ekaku Jr throws a low kick but it's checked well by Hunt. Ekaku Jr scores with a body shot.
Ekaku Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hunt moves away. Hunt throws a wild body kick that Ekaku Jr sees coming a mile off. Ekaku Jr scores with a nice right hand.
A bone on bone clash there as Hunt blocks the leg kick.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr is winning the standup battle so far. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Ekaku Jr closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Hunt's guard. Hunt wriggles free and stands up. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Hunt misses with a body kick. Ekaku Jr walks forward, straight into a front kick from Hunt. Ekaku Jr connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son. A good leg kick by Hunt.
That's one minute gone in the round. Hunt misses with a body kick. Ekaku Jr blocks the body kick.
Ekaku Jr smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button. Ekaku Jr lands a glancing blow to the side of Hunt's head. Hunt on the wrong end of a nice jab. Hunt throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ekaku Jr. Ekaku Jr throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land. Ekaku Jr moves away from the strike by Hunt. Hunt steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ekaku Jr. Hunt misses with a body kick. Ekaku Jr swats away the attempt to clinch by Hunt. Hunt tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ekaku Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from Hunt. Ekaku Jr throws the left hand but Hunt avoids the punch easily. Ekaku Jr checks a low kick from Hunt. Ekaku Jr fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Hunt looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath. Ekaku Jr lands a head shot. Hunt's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Hunt. Ekaku Jr moves out of range as Hunt throws a body kick.
Hunt tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ekaku Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from Hunt. This has been an exciting period of action! Hunt on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere. Ekaku Jr is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hunt. Ekaku Jr fails to land with a series of punches.
Hunt throws out a loose jab but Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid it. An attempted straight right counter from Ekaku Jr misses the target. Ekaku Jr throws a hook but Hunt blocks it. Ekaku Jr lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected. Ekaku Jr scores with a punch to the head. Ekaku Jr attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin. Ekaku Jr throws a poor cross that misses
and Hunt counters with a thumping low kick. Ekaku Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hunt. Ekaku Jr avoids a kick to the body.
Ekaku Jr fakes a jab and then connects with a hook. Hunt moves forwards but Ekaku Jr connects with a nice, crisp jab. Hunt steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ekaku Jr.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Hunt. Hunt looks to land a body kick but Ekaku Jr moved away. Ekaku Jr appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick. Ekaku Jr loads up on a big right hand but Hunt slips the punch. Hunt throws a push kick but Ekaku Jr slaps the foot to one side. Hunt throws a low kick but Ekaku Jr moves out of range easily. Hunt thows a leg kick but Ekaku Jr checks it and Ekaku Jr counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground. Ekaku Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Hunt is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. Ekaku Jr scoring with some ground and pound. Hunt controlling Ekaku Jr's posture. Ekaku Jr cracks Hunt with a solid left hand. Hunt working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ekaku Jr. Ekaku Jr throws a strike but Hunt rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. Hunt trying to control but Ekaku Jr is working from the bottom.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hunt's guard. Hunt can't keep his opponent in guard - Ekaku Jr advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount. This has been an exciting period of action! Ekaku Jr is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Hunt reverses the position - he's now on top in Ekaku Jr's guard. Ekaku Jr pulls Hunt in close to his closed guard and prevents Hunt from doing any damage or advancing position. Hunt controls the pace of the fight for a moment. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr clearly takes that round. The cut man is working on Hakuin Ekaku Jr's cut. The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Hunt scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business. Ekaku Jr just misses with a punch to the body.
Ekaku Jr misses with a looping left. Ekaku Jr bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Hunt's head. Ekaku Jr lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected. Ekaku Jr shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down. Hunt just misses with a punch to the body.
Hunt throws a quick inside leg kick. Hunt looks for the body kick but Ekaku Jr saw that one coming. Ekaku Jr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hunt.
Ekaku Jr lands with a straight right. Hunt didn't see that one coming. Hunt misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ekaku Jr.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Hunt walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush. Hunt uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ekaku Jr. Hunt swings widly with a right hand
and Ekaku Jr counters with a straight punch to the midsection. A clash of legs there as Hunt blocks the low kick. Ekaku Jr lands a jab to the nose. We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out! Hunt moves out of range as Ekaku Jr strikes.
That's one minute gone in the round. Ekaku Jr blocks a low kick nicely. Hunt takes a swing at Ekaku Jr's ribcage but misses. A chopping leg kick lands by Hunt. Ekaku Jr motions for Hunt to come forward. Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but it misses it's target. Hunt follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land. Ekaku Jr ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face. Hunt is looking to chop away at Ekaku Jr's legs. Hunt missing with a left hand there. Ekaku Jr was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one. Excellent takedown into side control there by Ekaku Jr. Ekaku Jr fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Hunt is positioning himself to get back to half guard. You can see the frustration on Hunt's face, being in this tough position on the bottom. Ekaku Jr tries to move to mount but Hunt blocks the move with his legs.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr tries to score with some ground and pound. Hunt controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage. Hunt tries to bench press Ekaku Jr off him but Ekaku Jr keeps the position. Hunt is trying to buck Ekaku Jr off. Hunt tries to bench press Ekaku Jr off him but Ekaku Jr keeps the position. Hunt holding on. Hunt tries to improve position but can't. Ekaku Jr content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though. Ekaku Jr working away. Hakuin Ekaku Jr overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr throwing shots but missing, from side control. Hunt is not content to let Ekaku Jr control the position. The referee asks Ekaku Jr politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Ekaku Jr prefers to stall for the moment though. Ekaku Jr working away. Ekaku Jr working the ground and pound. Hunt tries to buck Ekaku Jr off but Ekaku Jr is having none of it. Ekaku Jr scoring with punches and elbows. Hunt tries to buck Ekaku Jr off but Ekaku Jr is having none of it. Ekaku Jr working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Ekaku Jr lands some shots froms side control. You can see the frustration on Hunt's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hunt keeps working. Ekaku Jr advances to mount. Ekaku Jr with a couple of short strikes. Hunt keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Ekaku Jr scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Ekaku Jr raining down hammerfists from mount. Ekaku Jr is in the full mount, landing strikes. 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! Hunt is in all sorts of trouble here.
Ekaku Jr wants to control the pace but Hunt is squirming around nicely. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr had his way with Phol Hunt in that round. The cut man is working on Hakuin Ekaku Jr's cut. The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!
Hunt tries to clinch up but Ekaku Jr circles away and keeps his distance. Ekaku Jr moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Ekaku Jr is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hunt can do to turn this around? A lazy left from Ekaku Jr finds it's target. Ekaku Jr throws a jab when Hunt was well out of range. Hunt buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hunt throws a body kick that misses. Hunt slips a jab from Ekaku Jr. Ekaku Jr loads up on a big right hand but Hunt slips the punch. Ekaku Jr misses with a double jab.
As Ekaku Jr backs off Hunt throws a huge counter combo but Ekaku Jr manages to avoid it all. Hunt misses with a wild body shot. A big right from Ekaku Jr misses. Ekaku Jr bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Hunt's head. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Ekaku Jr looks to land a right hand but Hunt moved out of range. A nice side step and Hunt releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home. Ekaku Jr looks to land a right hand but Hunt moved out of range. Ekaku Jr lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hunt circles away quickly and effectively. Hunt looks to land a body kick but Ekaku Jr moved away. Hunt moves into range and clinches up with Ekaku Jr.
That's one minute gone in the round. Hunt goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Ekaku Jr lands a nice shot to the body. Hunt lands a hook to the side of the head. Hunt tries a body shot but Ekaku Jr blocks it.
Ekaku Jr misses with the head strike.
Hunt blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Phol Hunt seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far. Hunt is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body. Ekaku Jr misses with the head strike.
A head punch on the inside from Hunt fails to land. Ekaku Jr scores with an uppercut up the middle. Ekaku Jr drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Hunt gets the underhooks and prevents it.
The referee is keeping an eye on Hunt - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Hunt lands an uppercut. Ekaku Jr tries to work over Hunt's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target. Ekaku Jr tries to throw a body punch but Hunt avoids it by throwing Ekaku Jr back against the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr is working Hunt over against the cage. Ekaku Jr wants to take the fight to the mat but Hunt manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch. Ekaku Jr blocking some punches.
Hunt scores with a shot to the side of Ekaku Jr's head. Hunt is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace. Hunt misses with a punch on the inside.
Hunt scores with a shoulder strike. This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff! Ekaku Jr working aggressively here.
Ekaku Jr has Hunt pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hunt manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing. That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hakuin Ekaku Jr. That's going to take a lot out of him. Hunt lands a left hand.
Hunt lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage. Ekaku Jr has Hunt pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hunt manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing. Ekaku Jr jumps guard.
Hunt forces his way into half guard. Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt. Still in half guard, Hunt seems content to control.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Ekaku Jr tries to get to full guard but Hunt has control of the leg. Still in half guard, Hunt seems content to control. Ekaku Jr is trying to maintain the position but Hunt is very close to passing his half guard. Hunt sitting and controlling from the half guard. Phol Hunt has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here! Ekaku Jr is looking to control Hunt's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Ekaku Jr avoid being mounted? Ekaku Jr wants to improve his position but Hunt is controlling well.
Hunt wants to stand up but Ekaku Jr is controlling the position.
That's four 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. Hunt is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Ekaku Jr defends it well. Hunt controlling the action here. Ekaku Jr wants to control but Hunt is keeping busy.
Ekaku Jr regains full guard. Nicely done. Hunt is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions. Hunt preventing the sweep.
And that's the end of the fight! I would just about give that final round to Phol Hunt. I think Ekaku Jr 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 Elvis Blanc scores the fight 48:47 Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 49:46 Judge William Peck scores the fight 48:47
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hakuin Ekaku Jr! Hakuin Ekaku Jr retains his welterweight title! Hakuin Ekaku Jr looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'Thank you to my inspiration, my father, THE GREATEST EVER Hakuin "Zen" Ekaku.'. Phol Hunt was interviewed post fight and said 'vittu'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
66% |
|
|
|
|
|
|