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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Nate Masvidal (ranked 4074 p4p, 418 weight class) and Roku Takenaka (ranked 3949 p4p, 408 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 188 cm
18
185 lbs
2 - 0 - 0 |
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186 cm
18
192 lbs
0 - 1 - 0 |
BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin |
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BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Nate Masvidal!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Roku Takenaka!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Shigeki Fujiwara and Taro Takaoka.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takenaka blocks a jab.
Takenaka lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Masvidal at a distance.
Masvidal throws a right and a left that both miss.
Takenaka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Masvidal throws a right hand that Takenaka ducks under and follows up with a left that Takenaka also avoids with ease.
Takenaka has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Masvidal lands with an overhand left.
A jab from Masvidal misses.
Masvidal keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Masvidal definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Masvidal throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Takenaka throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Masvidal throws a shot from downtown. Takenaka moves away and avoids it.
Masvidal lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Takenaka dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A jab from Masvidal misses.
Takenaka doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
A looping hook to the body misses from Takenaka. Masvidal does a little dance to reset his feet.
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!
Takenaka throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Masvidal sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Takenaka with a lazy takedown attempt
and Takenaka takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Roku Takenaka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Takenaka shoots in looking for a takedown but Masvidal manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Takenaka's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Masvidal is looking to counter punch.
Takenaka misses with a hook.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Takenaka ducks under a wild hook from Masvidal.
Masvidal looks to land a left hand but Takenaka moved out of range nicely.
Masvidal scores with a jab. Takenaka acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Masvidal throws a jab when Takenaka was well out of range.
A punch combination from Takenaka misses.
Takenaka swings away with a body shot that misses
and Masvidal counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Takenaka doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Takenaka throws a body punch but Masvidal moves out of range.
Masvidal is looking to counter punch.
Masvidal connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Masvidal cracks Takenaka with a good jab.
Masvidal thows a left - swing and a miss!
Takenaka takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Takenaka lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Masvidal circles away quickly and effectively.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Masvidal uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Takenaka.
Takenaka looks to score with a jab to the body but Masvidal is just out of range.
Takenaka swings for the body but Masvidal moves out of range.
Takenaka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masvidal fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Takenaka looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Takenaka jabs at Masvidal's body.
Takenaka throws a body punch but Masvidal moves out of range.
Masvidal catches Takenaka with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Takenaka dives in for a single leg takedown but Masvidal sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Nate Masvidal has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Roku Takenaka.
Takenaka is trying hard to land a takedown here. Masvidal sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Masvidal throws a looping overhand right but Takenaka ducks down to avoid it.
Takenaka unleashes a big counter combination but Masvidal bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Takenaka is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Masvidal rather than just go for the knockout.
Masvidal throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Takenaka on the side of the head.
Masvidal throws a hook but Takenaka avoids it easily.
Masvidal takes one to the side of the head.
Takenaka connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Masvidal jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Masvidal is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Masvidal takes a swing at Takenaka's ribcage but misses.
Takenaka unleashes a big counter combination but Masvidal bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Takenaka with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Masvidal to score with a decent uppercut.
Masvidal avoids the body shot from Takenaka.
Takenaka works over Masvidal's head and body with a nice combination.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takenaka misses the jab.
Takenaka moves away from the strike by Masvidal.
Takenaka lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Takenaka gets a takedown into half guard.
Masvidal makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Takenaka throws a hook but Masvidal blocks it.
Masvidal uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Takenaka.
Masvidal is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Masvidal bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Masvidal stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Masvidal wants it to stay on the feet.
Masvidal scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Takenaka lands a nice hook to Masvidal's body. Masvidal takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Nate Masvidal is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Takenaka shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Masvidal defends it nicely.
Masvidal's jab looks to have found its range, popping Takenaka under the eye.
Takenaka is rocked!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Masvidal loads up on a big right hand but Takenaka slips the punch.
Takenaka throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Masvidal throws an overhand right that lands on Takenaka's shoulder, as Takenaka tries to avoid the shot.
Masvidal throws a good cross that connects.
Takenaka is still on wobbly legs! Can Masvidal finish him?
Masvidal scores with a crisp jab that stopped Takenaka in his tracks.
Masvidal scores with a nice right hand.
Masvidal feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Takenaka sprawling to the canvas! Takenaka rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Masvidal finish him?!
Takenaka takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Masvidal throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Takenaka shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Masvidal as he avoids it easily.
Masvidal throws a shot from downtown. Takenaka moves away and avoids it.
Masvidal throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Takenaka on the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Nate Masvidal dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Takenaka uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Masvidal.
And Takenaka tries to counter it with a takedown but Masvidal pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Takenaka seems to have recovered his senses.
Takenaka swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Takenaka throws a right and a left that Masvidal avoids nicely.
Takenaka throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Takenaka swings for the body but Masvidal moves out of range.
Masvidal pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Takenaka steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Masvidal.
And Takenaka tries to counter it with a takedown but Masvidal pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Masvidal paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
A looping hook to the body misses from Takenaka. Masvidal does a little dance to reset his feet.
Takenaka takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Masvidal jabs Takenaka right on the nose. Takenaka blinks but takes it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takenaka throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Masvidal counters with a right hand to the body.
Takenaka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Masvidal lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Takenaka moves out of range of the strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice defenses there by Takenaka.
Takenaka takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Takenaka swings widly with a right hand
and Masvidal counters with a stiff right hand.
Roku Takenaka is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Takenaka decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Takenaka wants to take a breather but Masvidal is having none of it.
Masvidal is positioning himself well to prevent Takenaka advancing to mount.
Masvidal is looking to improve his position.
Masvidal keeping hold of Takenaka's head, controlling as best he can.
Takenaka is looking for a kimura but Masvidal is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Takenaka to get the leverage.
Masvidal is defending against the submission attempts here by Takenaka.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Masvidal is trying to stand up here but Takenaka is controlling him well.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masvidal is not content to let Takenaka control the position.
Takenaka is working for a submission of some sort.
Masvidal controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Takenaka is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Masvidal manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Takenaka keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takenaka tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Takenaka goes for a takedown in the clinch but Masvidal prevents it.
Takenaka misses with a hook from the clinch.
Masvidal is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Masvidal stalling against the cage.
Takenaka has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Masvidal after a bit of a struggle.
Nate Masvidal has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Roku Takenaka.
Masvidal has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Takenaka uses from the top position.
Nate Masvidal overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Masvidal pulls Takenaka in to control the position.
Takenaka trying to control but Masvidal is working from the bottom.
Masvidal tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Masvidal wants to get back to his feet but Takenaka is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Masvidal controlling Takenaka's posture.
Masvidal is looking to stand up but Takenaka isn't so interested in that idea.
Masvidal looking for a sweep. Not yet Masvidal, not yet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Takenaka trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Takenaka trying to control the position from guard on top but Masvidal is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Nate Masvidal dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
Takenaka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Takenaka bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Takenaka throws out a loose jab but Masvidal uses good head movement to avoid it.
Takenaka lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Masvidal moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Masvidal throws a big shot that misses.
Masvidal throws a shot to the body.
Takenaka uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Masvidal.
Takenaka looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Takenaka ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Takenaka swings for the body but Masvidal moves out of range.
Masvidal scores with the left hand. Takenaka knows he should have avoided that one.
Masvidal keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Takenaka.
Jab from Masvidal.
Takenaka moves out of range as Masvidal 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!
Takenaka changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Masvidal tries to avoid it but Takenaka manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Masvidal to the ground. Masvidal escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Takenaka with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Masvidal uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Takenaka.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Takenaka gets a double leg takedown into Masvidal's guard.
Masvidal wants to get back to his feet but Takenaka is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Masvidal throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Takenaka advances to half guard.
Masvidal is trying is best to control the position here.
Masvidal tries to kick Takenaka off but Takenaka keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Masvidal controlling the position for now.
Takenaka is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Takenaka is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Masvidal is just riding it out for now. Takenaka eventually gives up the hold.
Masvidal is not content to let Takenaka control the position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takenaka is working for a kimura but Masvidal is defending it quite comfortably.
Masvidal has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Takenaka is on him like a limpet, forcing Masvidal back against the cage.
Takenaka has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Masvidal regains guard immediately.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Takenaka preventing the sweep.
Masvidal has control of Takenaka's left arm, preventing Takenaka from doing any damage.
Takenaka stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Masvidal swivels though and keeps the full guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takenaka passes into half guard.
Masvidal is trying to stand back up but Takenaka is controlling him
Masvidal is refusing to be controlled, as Takenaka sits in half guard.
Takenaka prevents Masvidal from improving his position.
Nate Masvidal is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Masvidal wants to get back to his feet.
Takenaka is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Takenaka with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
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.
Takenaka prevents Masvidal from improving his position.
Takenaka seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Masvidal does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Masvidal is looking to escape.
Masvidal moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Takenaka trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Masvidal 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.
Takenaka wants to control from the top but Masvidal keeps moving.
Takenaka tries to free his leg and advance position but Masvidal is retaining full guard.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
And that's the end of the fight!
Roku Takenaka comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Masvidal 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 29:28
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 29:28
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 29:28
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nate Masvidal!
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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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