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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between James Hetfield (ranked 2973 p4p, 135 weight class) and Futoshi Matsunaga (ranked 1919 p4p, 96 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!
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| 170 cm
31
145 lbs
8 - 10 - 0 |
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170 cm
25
145 lbs
10 - 6 - 0 |
Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
8 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, James Hetfield!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
10 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Futoshi Matsunaga!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Johanna Lukiainen and Ben Zyskovitsi.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matsunaga tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hetfield swivels and escapes.
Matsunaga looks to score with a jab to the body but Hetfield is just out of range.
Hetfield gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Hetfield's hands.
Hetfield throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hetfield misses with a hook. Matsunaga ducked under it nicely.
Matsunaga slips under a jab from Hetfield.
Hetfield throws a jab when Matsunaga was well out of range.
Matsunaga throws a hook to the side of Hetfield's head but Hetfield sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've been informed that Matsunaga has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Hetfield counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Matsunaga shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hetfield sprawls well. Hetfield wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Matsunaga gets slowly back to his feet.
Hetfield throws the kick towards the body but Matsunaga avoids it.
Hetfield throws a jab when Matsunaga was well out of range.
Matsunaga moves out of range as Hetfield strikes.
Matsunaga dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hetfield looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hetfield misses with a hook. Matsunaga ducked under it nicely.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Hetfield sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hetfield appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
A slow jab from Matsunaga misses its intended target.
A big right from Matsunaga misses.
Matsunaga throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsunaga tries a head kick but it misses.
Matsunaga misses with a kick to the body
and Hetfield counters with a takedown into side control.
Hetfield is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Matsunaga will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Matsunaga is trying to improve his position.
Matsunaga bucks up and tries to throw Hetfield off but instead Hetfield has got his back!
Matsunaga rolls, trying to escape but Hetfield keeps control of the position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga is still trying to improve position.
A lull in the action here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Matsunaga is in bad spot here.
Matsunaga turns into Hetfield and is now in his guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Matsunaga wants to control from the top but Hetfield keeps moving.
Hetfield managing to control the position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga looking to pass the guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Hetfield not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hetfield doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Matsunaga trying to control the position from guard on top but Hetfield is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hetfield is trying to control the position but Matsunaga postures up.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Matsunaga pushes down on Hetfield's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Matsunaga wants to work for an arm triangle but Hetfield is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
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.
Matsunaga wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hetfield keeps working.
Matsunaga is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Hetfield defends it well.
Matsunaga trying to control from half guard but Hetfield is working away.
Matsunaga is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Hetfield has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Matsunaga is working away from the top position though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hetfield is not content to let Matsunaga control the position.
Hetfield wants to control but Matsunaga is keeping busy and won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that James Hetfield will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Hetfield cracks a nice hook into Matsunaga's ribs.
Matsunaga lands the left hand.
Hetfield is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga goes for a double leg but Hetfield avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Hetfield continues to drive forward.
Hetfield throws a hook but Matsunaga avoids it easily.
Matsunaga staying out of range there.
Matsunaga lands a nice looking body kick.
Matsunaga lands a really nice looking cross but Hetfield seems unphased.
A jab from Matsunaga does it's job there.
Hetfield swinging wildly here.
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!
Matsunaga throws a sloppy head kick and Hetfield moves out of range easily.
Jab by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga misses with a takedown attempt
and Hetfield counters with a two punch combo.
Matsunaga avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Hetfield tries to work over Matsunaga's front leg with a kick but Matsunaga checks it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsunaga fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
James Hetfield has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Futoshi Matsunaga.
A slow jab from Hetfield misses its intended target.
Hetfield takes one on the button.
Hetfield swinging wildly here.
Futoshi Matsunaga seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Matsunaga bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
James Hetfield is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hetfield misses with a few strikes there.
Hetfield keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Matsunaga throws a body punch but Hetfield moves out of range.
Hetfield drops down looking for a counter takedown but Matsunaga sprawls and moves away.
Matsunaga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hetfield throws out a leg kick but Matsunaga moves out of range and Hetfield only half commits.
Hetfield misses with a few strikes there.
Matsunaga lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hetfield circles away quickly and effectively.
Hetfield avoids a kick to the body.
Hetfield has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Matsunaga.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hetfield throws a right and a left that both miss.
Hetfield throws a leg kick
and Matsunaga connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Matsunaga throws a leg kick which misses Hetfield's front leg but catches the back leg as Hetfield tries to avoid it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Matsunaga jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsunaga looks to land a left hand but Hetfield moved out of range nicely.
Matsunaga pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Matsunaga misses with a double jab.
Matsunaga jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsunaga shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Futoshi Matsunaga seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matsunaga misses with a body kick.
Matsunaga swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hetfield fails to land with a series of punches.
Matsunaga falls off balance throwing a combination
and Hetfield counters with a nice uppercut.
Matsunaga gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hetfield uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga scores with a nice right hand.
Matsunaga avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A jab from Matsunaga does it's job there.
Matsunaga slips a jab from Hetfield.
Hetfield lands a nice shot to the body.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Hetfield was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Matsunaga swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Hetfield decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Hetfield not doing much here.
James Hetfield overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Matsunaga is looking for a sweep. Hetfield is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Matsunaga looking for submissions off his back.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hetfield stalling.
Matsunaga is looking for a sweep. Hetfield is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Matsunaga has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Hetfield escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Hetfield!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hetfield works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Hetfield is staying tight to Matsunaga's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Matsunaga is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Futoshi Matsunaga will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!
A big left from Hetfield misses.
A clash of legs there as Matsunaga blocks the low kick.
Hetfield misses with a kick to the body.
Hetfield throws a half hearted mid kick.
Matsunaga wants to slow Hetfield down by chopping away at his legs.
Nice shot lands for Hetfield.
Matsunaga with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hetfield to score with a decent uppercut.
Matsunaga throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsunaga with a nice cross.
Hetfield shoots in for a takedown but Matsunaga shows good takedown defense.
Matsunaga looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hetfield throws a body kick that misses.
Matsunaga thuds a left hand into Hetfield's body.
Matsunaga moves out of range as Hetfield strikes.
Matsunaga with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hetfield keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsunaga throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hetfield sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hetfield wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Hetfield throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Matsunaga cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Matsunaga ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Matsunaga lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Hetfield backs up against the cage.
Matsunaga dodges the punch combination from Hetfield.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Hetfield has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Hetfield there as he acknowledges the shot.
Matsunaga displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hetfield throws out the jab.
Hetfield avoids a punch combination nicely.
Matsunaga throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsunaga uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Matsunaga's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hetfield under the eye.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hetfield misses the shot to the body.
Matsunaga tries to bum rush Hetfield with a series of wild strikes but Hetfield uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hetfield changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Matsunaga falls off balance throwing a combination
and Hetfield connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Matsunaga shoots in looking for a takedown but Hetfield manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Matsunaga's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Hetfield throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsunaga stuns Hetfield with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Hetfield misses with an uppercut.
Matsunaga misses with a double jab.
Matsunaga misses with a looping left.
Matsunaga throws an off balance right hand
enabling Hetfield to counter with a crisp jab.
Matsunaga throws a head kick that half lands.
Hetfield jabs Matsunaga right on the nose. Matsunaga blinks but takes it well.
Matsunaga misses with a right hand
and Matsunaga takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hetfield. Matsunaga does a little dance to reset his feet.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Matsunaga.
Hetfield misses with a wild combination.
Hetfield displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsunaga throws out the jab.
A little feinted left hand from Hetfield on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Matsunaga swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Matsunaga avoids the body shot from Hetfield.
Matsunaga looks to throw the jab but Hetfield is out of range.
Matsunaga throws a nice head kick!
Matsunaga dodges the punch combination from Hetfield.
Matsunaga avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Matsunaga drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hetfield defends it well.
A shot to the body from Matsunaga misses
and Hetfield counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hetfield fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hetfield uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a quick inside leg kick.
Hetfield lands a really nice looking cross but Matsunaga seems unphased.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Matsunaga jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Matsunaga throws a head kick but Hetfield moves out of range.
Matsunaga throws out a loose jab but Hetfield uses good head movement to avoid it.
Matsunaga throws the kick towards the body but Hetfield avoids it.
Hetfield tries to land a leg kick but Matsunaga saw it coming and moves away.
Matsunaga looks to score with a jab to the body but Hetfield is just out of range.
Hetfield tries to counter with a takedown but Matsunaga is quick to defend against it.
Matsunaga tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A nice combination there by Matsunaga.
Hetfield looks to land a right hand but Matsunaga moved out of range.
Nice jab there from Matsunaga.
And that's the end of the fight!
Futoshi Matsunaga comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Matsunaga 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:29
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 29:29
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:29
The fight is ruled a draw!
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
59% |
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