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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Toshi Hijikata (ranked 367 p4p, 48 weight class) and Tony Hibbert (ranked 624 p4p, 79 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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178 cm
30
159 lbs
20 - 9 - 0 |
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172 cm
28
160 lbs
17 - 10 - 1 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division. Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner. With a record of
20 - 9 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Toshi Hijikata! And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner. With a record of
17 - 10 - 1, fighting out of New York, Tony Hibbert! The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway! Hibbert throws a jab when Hijikata was well out of range. Hibbert throws a combination that misses and Hijikata counters with a quick right hand to the jaw. Hibbert fails with an attempt to clinch.
Hijikata is looking to counter the offense by Hibbert and move into the clinch. Hijikata avoids a lazy jab quite easily. A jab from Hibbert misses. A nice leg kick lands there from Hijikata. Hibbert throws a low kick but Hijikata avoids it. Hibbert keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hijikata moves out of range of the leg kick from Hibbert. Hibbert is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hijikata sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet. Hibbert takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness. Hibbert tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him. Hijikata swats away the attempt to clinch by Hibbert. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Hibbert avoids the body shot from Hijikata.
Hibbert looks to land a combination but Hijikata avoids it well. Hijikata lands a nice shot to the body.
Hijikata with a hook. This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff! Hibbert jabs Hijikata to the body, keeping him at a distance. A nice inside leg kick there by Hijikata. That's going to slow Hibbert down. Hijikata lands a body shot.
Hijikata is looking to wear down Hibbert with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
That's one minute gone in the round. Hibbert misses with a body shot
enabling Hijikata to counter with a crisp jab. Hijikata getting the better of the striking in that exchange. That kick from Hijikata tenderised Hibbert's leg. Hibbert is trying to keep his angry face on. Hijikata throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hijikata lands with a good body shot. Hijikata looks to score with a jab to the body but Hibbert is just out of range. We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Hibbert has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat. Hibbert dips to his left and cracks Hijikata with an uppercut! A slapping body kick lands there for Hijikata. Hijikata waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Hibbert. A looping hook to the body misses from Hijikata. Hibbert does a little dance to reset his feet. Hijikata uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hibbert. Hibbert takes a kick to the body and keeps moving. Hijikata moves into range and connects with a jab. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. A big left from Hibbert misses. Hijikata listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut. The fighters circling - Hibbert throws out the jab but it was never going to land. Hibbert tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hijikata swivels and escapes. Hijikata seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance. A nice leg kick lands there from Hijikata. Hibbert throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Hijikata counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Hijikata.
That's two minutes gone in the round. A short right hand to the side of the head by Hijikata. I was talking to Hijikata's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight. Good anti-grappling being displayed by Hijikata as Hibbert tries to tie him up. Good anti-grappling being displayed by Hijikata as Hibbert tries to tie him up. Hibbert looking to stall.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows. Hijikata lands a hook to the side of the head. Hibbert lands a shoulder strike. Hijikata blocks an uppercut.
Hijikata lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hibbert backwards. Good anti-grappling being displayed by Hibbert as Hijikata tries to tie him up. Hibbert has a couple of punches blocked by Hijikata.
Hijikata goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hibbert swings wildly with an uppercut but Hijikata uses good head movement to avoid it. The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Hibbert takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Hijikata taking a breather. Hibbert pulls Hijikata into guard.
Hijikata showing good wrestling skills to control the position. The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing. Hijikata wants to control from the top but Hibbert keeps moving. Hibbert working a defensive guard here.
Hibbert is looking for a triangle here but Hijikata uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
A lull in the action here as Hijikata stalls from top position. Hibbert manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
That's four minutes gone in the round. Hibbert passes into side control, despite Hijikata's attempt to control the position.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult. Hijikata wants to control but Hibbert postures up. Hibbert thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead. Hibbert wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hijikata keeps working. Hijikata is looking to reverse the position. Hijikata is working hard here to advance position. Hibbert trying to control the action but Hijikata is working from the bottom. Hibbert wants to take a breather but Hijikata manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Hibbert. Hibbert postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Toshi Hijikata dominated that round. The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Hibbert tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hijikata defends well and Hibbert ends up having to push Hijikata into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch. Hibbert throws out a leg kick but Hijikata moves out of range and Hibbert only half commits. Hijikata moves into range and clinches up with Hibbert. Hibbert throws a head punch that misses. Hibbert controlling the action here for a moment.
Hijikata digs a right hand into Hibbert's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Hibbert's gas tank. Hijikata is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hibbert can do to turn this around? Hijikata blocks an uppercut.
Hijikata misses with a body punch.
Hijikata lands a shot to the body. A nice left hand lands by Hijikata.
Hijikata misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hibbert stalling.
Hijikata goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Hijikata lands with a short head shot on the inside. Hijikata misses with a body punch.
Hijikata presses Hibbert against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot. Hibbert throws a punch but it's blocked by Hijikata. Both guys are working to get underhooks. Hijikata misses with a short punch on the inside. Hijikata struggles to land a body shot inside as Hibbert controls his hands.
That's one minute gone in the round. Hijikata lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hibbert backwards. Hijikata lands with a short head shot on the inside. Hibbert is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Hijikata tries to work over Hibbert's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target. Hijikata tries to throw a body punch but Hibbert avoids it by throwing Hijikata back against the cage. An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hijikata. Hibbert misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hibbert blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hijikata misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Hibbert misses with some punches.
Hijikata stalling in the clinch but Hibbert improves position. Hijikata wants to stall.
Hibbert is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath. Hijikata makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut. Hijikata tries to work over Hibbert's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target. Hibbert just leaning against Hijikata, taking a breather. Hibbert blocks a punch to the side of the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round. A nice right hand lands inside from Hijikata. Hibbert misses with some punches.
Hijikata leaning his opponent against the cage. Hijikata lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hibbert or not. Hibbert is breathing heavily. A body shot lands from Hijikata.
Hibbert throws a punch but it's blocked by Hijikata. Hijikata working some nice short punches in the clinch. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Hibbert blocking some punches.
Hijikata lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards. Hijikata misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hijikata taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Hijikata lands a body punch in the clinch. Hibbert scores with a hook to the body. Hibbert blocks a body shot from Hijikata. Hijikata misses with a hook to the ribs.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hijikata. Hijikata can't find room to land a body shot as Hibbert controls the action.
Hijikata blocking some punches.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Hijikata lands a nice uppercut. Hibbert prevents a body shot from Hijikata. Hijikata lands a nice uppercut. Hibbert makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut. Hijikata is working Hibbert over against the cage. Hijikata working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely. Hibbert is trying to drag Hijikata to the mat but Hijikata just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there. Hibbert is trying to stall.
Hibbert is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath. Hijikata lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Hibbert backwards. Hijikata blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Hijikata tries a body shot but Hibbert blocks it.
Hibbert misses with a body punch.
Hibbert lands with a light punch inside. Hibbert misses with the head strike.
Hijikata throws a head punch that misses. Hijikata wants to stall.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Hijikata goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hijikata lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage. Toshi Hijikata has scored more points in the clinch so far. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Nice body punch from Hijikata - that landed with a thud.
Hibbert misses with a short punch on the inside. Hijikata blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hijikata working some nice short punches in the clinch. Hibbert working aggressively here.
Hijikata misses with some punches.
Hijikata softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage. A head punch on the inside from Hibbert fails to land. A right hand to the body from Hijikata.
Hibbert lands a nice uppercut. Hijikata misses with a hook from the clinch. Hijikata pushes Hibbert back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head. Hijikata swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hibbert has a couple of punches blocked by Hijikata.
A right hook to the body lands for Hijikata.
Hijikata is fighting off a takedown attempt but Hibbert is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Hijikata to the mat. Hijikata regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat. Hijikata utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Toshi Hijikata dominated that second round. OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!
Hijikata lands a body shot.
The crowd cheers as Hijikata lands an impressive looking overhand right. Hibbert doesn't seem phased though. Hibbert thows a left - swing and a miss! Hibbert swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hijikata swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect. Hibbert takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Hibbert misses with a hook. Tony Hibbert is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things. Hibbert takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards. Hijikata lands a slapping body shot.
Hibbert throws a nice inside leg kick. Hibbert tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him. Hijikata thumps Hibbert with a low kick. Hijikata lands a leg kick that knocks Hibbert off balance momentarily. Hijikata takes a swing at Hibbert's ribcage but misses. Hibbert misses with a straight left. This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff! Hijikata clinches with his opponent.
Hijikata lands a body punch in the clinch. Hibbert will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Hijikata up against the cage. Hijikata can't find room to land a body shot as Hibbert controls the action.
Hibbert takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
That's one minute gone in the round. Hibbert tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. Hijikata tries to throw a body punch but Hibbert avoids it by throwing Hijikata back against the cage. Hibbert is trying to maintain a safe position but Hijikata gets an underhook and turns Hibbert into the cage. Hibbert is working Hijikata over against the cage. A short left from Hibbert. Hijikata misses with a punch to the body.
Hibbert gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground. Hibbert wants to pass the guard but Hijikata is keeping the position. Hijikata seems keen to control Hibbert's posture. Hibbert trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat. Hijikata is pulling down on Hibbert's head. It's preventing any offense from Hibbert, at least for the moment. Hijikata has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Hibbert wants to control from the top but Hijikata keeps moving. We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace. Hijikata looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up. Hijikata takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
A combination from Hibbert does no damage. Toshi Hijikata is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs. Hibbert dips to his left and cracks Hijikata with an uppercut! Hibbert throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hijikata. Hibbert closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so. This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff! Hijikata misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hibbert.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Hijikata on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere. Hijikata moves out of range as Hibbert strikes. Hijikata is looking to land body kicks. Hibbert fails with a takedown attempt. Hijikata bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut. Hibbert takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Hijikata shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down. Hibbert throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hijikata. Hijikata seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance. Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Hijikata.
A nice inside leg kick there by Hijikata. That's going to slow Hibbert down. The fight stays on the outside here - Hibbert looks like he's thinking about clinching though. Toshi Hijikata is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach. Hijikata ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Hibbert misses with a lunging right hand
and Hijikata counters with a thumping low kick. Hibbert shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hijikata defends it nicely. Hijikata fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done. Hibbert misses with a looping right. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Hibbert catches Hijikata with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong! Hijikata lands a really nice looking cross but Hibbert seems unphased.
Hijikata tries a head kick but it misses.
Hibbert throws a series of punches but Hijikata avoids them all with ease. Hibbert fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
A swing and a miss from Hibbert. Nice defenses there by Hijikata. Hibbert takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards. Tony Hibbert has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here! Hibbert takes a jab right on the kisser.
Hijikata moves into the clinch.
And that's the end of the fight! Toshi Hijikata showed his dominance in that final round. Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hijikata, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision. Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27 Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27 Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Toshi Hijikata!
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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
64% |
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