Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: Highland 213
Date: Dec 04, 2022

#R1#
Nti throws a lazy right hand but Sakuraba sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
And Sakuraba tries to counter it with a takedown but Nti pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Nti lands with a good body shot.
A big left from Nti misses.
Nti scores with a crisp jab that stopped Sakuraba in his tracks.
Nti wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Sakuraba looks winded!
Nti thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nti works Sakuraba's body with a nice hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nti's corner calls for a 1-2. Nti obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Nti throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sakuraba with the counter takedown but Nti avoids it easily.
A telegraphed right hand from Nti misses the target.
Sakuraba with the counter takedown but Nti avoids it easily.#T1#
Nti ducks under a wild hook from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba misses with a straight right.
Nti throws a jab when Sakuraba was well out of range.
Nti dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Nti lands the left hand.
Nti changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.#KD#
Nti lands a big uppercut and Sakuraba crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Sakuraba looks OK. Nti waves Sakuraba back to his feet!#ROC#Sakuraba is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nti scores with a body shot.
Sakuraba is still on wobbly legs! Can Nti finish him?
Nti has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Hammer House of Horror in the buildup to the fight.
Nti lands with a good body shot.#T2#
Nti works Sakuraba's body with a nice hook.
Sakuraba seems to have recovered his senses.
Sakuraba staying out of range there.#KD#
Nti cracks Sakuraba with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Sakuraba looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Nti finish him?
Nti lands with a massive overhand right! Stick a fork in Sakuraba - he's out cold! Ermm... I think I just mixed my metaphors but yeah... That was a nice KO! Big win for Nti!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:29 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Kwame Nti!
Kwame Nti bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

Event: Highland 212
Date: Dec 02, 2022

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Sakuraba lands a jab to the head.
Sakuraba misses with a takedown attempt - Smif sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Smif throwing a counter right hand but Sakuraba manages to avoid it.
Smif looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Sakuraba darts in looking for a takedown but Smif gets double underhooks and turns Sakuraba into the cage.
Smif throwing a counter right hand but Sakuraba manages to avoid it.
Smif staying out of range there.
It looked like Smif was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Sakuraba.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Good exchange - Sakuraba coming out on top.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Smif takes one on the chin but keeps coming. #T1#
Sakuraba looks to throw the jab but Smif is out of range.
Smif is looking to counter punch.
Sakuraba lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Sakuraba shoots and misses
and Smif counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Bill Smif has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Smif as he avoids it easily.
Smif swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
The fighters circling - Sakuraba throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A counter left hand to the body from Smif misses its target.#T2#
Sakuraba shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Smif counters with a left to the body.
Smif avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Sakuraba shoots in looking for a takedown but Smif manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Sakuraba's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Smif is looking to counter punch.
Sakuraba misses with an uppercut
and Smif counters with a right hand to the body.
Sakuraba shoots in for a double leg but Smif sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Smif throws a big counter combination but Sakuraba scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.#T3#
Smif uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sakuraba.
Nice defenses there by Smif.
As Sakuraba looks to move away, Smif throws a big counter combo but Sakuraba just gets out of the way.
Sakuraba misses with a straight right. #CL2#
Sakuraba instigates a clinch.
Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it. #BC#
Smif escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Sakuraba misses with a double jab
letting Smif counter with a right hand. #T4##TD2#
Sakuraba looking to score a takedown here. Smif is defending well but Sakuraba drives through and ends up in Smif's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smif utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Sakuraba postures up in Smif's guard and throws a big left but Smif blocks it.
Smif pulls Sakuraba in close to prevent any damage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sakuraba postures up in Smif's guard and throws a big left but Smif blocks it.
Sakuraba passes Smif's left leg - he's now in half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba 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.#R2##TD2#
Sakuraba throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Smif tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Sakuraba is in Smif's guard.
Smif pulls Sakuraba in close to prevent any damage.
Smif on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Smif tries to get out of the position.
Smif utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Smif keeps moving.
Sakuraba trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smif managing to control the position. #T1#
Sakuraba in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sakuraba postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Smif working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sakuraba.
Smif is trying to control the position but Sakuraba postures up.
Smif looking for a sweep. Not yet Smif, not yet. #SUB2#
Sakuraba drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Sakuraba jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Sakuraba controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Sakuraba slips nicely into half guard.#SUB2#
Sakuraba is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Smif defends it well. #T2#
Sakuraba missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB2#
Sakuraba wants to work for an arm triangle but Smif is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Sakuraba is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Sakuraba thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Smif's head. #SUB2#
Sakuraba is working for a submission of some sort.
Sakuraba trying to control the pace.
Sakuraba has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.#T3#
Sakuraba wants to pass the guard but Smif is defending well.
Smif knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Sakuraba on the ground.#SUB2#
Sakuraba is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Smif is just riding it out for now. Sakuraba eventually gives up the hold.
Sakuraba wants to pass to mount but Smif is defending the position.
My spies in London MMA Club inform me that Sakuraba has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!#SUB2#
Sakuraba is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Smif wants to improve his position but Sakuraba is controlling well.
Sakuraba wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smif keeps working.
Sakuraba thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Sakuraba trying to control from half guard but Smif is working away.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.#SUB2#
Sakuraba is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sakuraba works his way into full mount!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! And we move into the final round!#R3#
No luck with that takedown attempt from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba with a lazy takedown attempt
and Smif counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sakuraba tries for a takedown but Smif circles away easily
and Smif counters with a straight right hand.
Bill Smif has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.#T1#
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smif stuffs the takedown attempt from Sakuraba. Sakuraba gets slowly back to his feet.
It looked like Smif was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Smif moves out of range of the strikes.
Smif appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
A left lands for Sakuraba.
Smif is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.#CL2#
Sakuraba moves into the clinch.
Hayato Sakuraba is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.#T2#
Smif is trying to break free.
Smif tries to break the clinch but Sakuraba is controlling the position.
Bill Smif has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sakuraba prevents Smif from breaking the clinch.#BC#
Smif manages to break the clinch.
Sakuraba tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A quick step to the side and Smif tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sakuraba tries to clinch but Smif is having none of it.
A quick step to the side and Smif tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sakuraba swings widly with a right hand
and Smif counters with a nice body shot.
Sakuraba lands a nice shot that snaps Smif's head back. #T3#
Sakuraba throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
An attempted straight right counter from Smif misses the target.
Sakuraba fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Smif avoids it really well and circles away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakuraba. Smif does a little dance to reset his feet.#T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Sakuraba closes the distance but Smif moves to the side
and Smif counters with a nice body shot.
Sakuraba takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.#CL2#
Sakuraba has taken the fight to the clinch.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Smif wants to break the clinch but can't. #BC#
Smif's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Sakuraba tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Smif defends well and Sakuraba ends up having to push Smif into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
An attempted straight right counter from Smif misses the target.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bill Smif showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Sakuraba 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 27:29
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 27:29
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hayato Sakuraba!
Hayato Sakuraba seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: Highland 199
Date: Oct 14, 2022

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Crawley's corner calls for a 1-2. Crawley obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Crawley misses with a low kick as Sakuraba jumps back.
Sakuraba drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Crawley defends it well.#TD2#
Sakuraba dives in and scores a takedown into Crawley's guard.
Sakuraba missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Crawley preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sakuraba trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Crawley wants to stand up but Sakuraba is controlling him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Crawley is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Crawley wants to get back to his feet but Sakuraba is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.#T1##REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
The fighters circling - Sakuraba throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Crawley looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Sakuraba throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Crawley counters with a right hand to the body.
Sakuraba misses with a right hand
and Crawley counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Sakuraba throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Crawley's waist but Crawley gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sakuraba off to one side.
Sakuraba slips under a jab.#T2#
Sakuraba throws a shot from downtown. Crawley moves away and avoids it.
Sakuraba connects with a jab.
Sakuraba smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Crawley misses with a head kick.
Billy Crawley is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakuraba cracks a nice hook into Crawley's ribs.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Sakuraba tries for a takedown but Crawley sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
A leg kick checked by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba feints the counter takedown.#T3#
Crawley misses with a wild body shot.
Sakuraba has his takedown stuffed
enabling Crawley to counter with a crisp jab.
Billy Crawley has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Sakuraba swings widly with a right hand
and Crawley counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Sakuraba throws a body shot but no joy.
Crawley attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.#T4#
Sakuraba misses the shot to the body.
Crawley keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sakuraba.
Crawley looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Sakuraba uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Crawley.
Crawley misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A big right from Sakuraba misses.
Crawley throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Billy Crawley dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
Crawley throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakuraba checks a leg kick nicely.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Crawley gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba misses the jab.
Sakuraba ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Crawley moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crawley bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sakuraba will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Billy Crawley is winning the standup battle so far.#T1#
Crawley misses with a low kick.
Sakuraba changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Crawley slaps away a takedown attempt from Sakuraba, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Crawley circles away from the clinch attempt
and Crawley counters with a straight punch to the midsection.#T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Crawley turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Crawley misses with a straight right.
And Sakuraba tries to counter it with a takedown but Crawley pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Sakuraba looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Crawley is fending him off so far but Sakuraba persists. Nope, Crawley circles away and we're back to standing.
Crawley misses with a hook.
And Sakuraba tries to counter it with a takedown but Crawley pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Sakuraba looks to land a right hand but Crawley moved out of range.#T3#
Crawley scores with the left hand. Sakuraba knows he should have avoided that one.
Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown but Crawley sprawls well. He's pushed Sakuraba's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Billy Crawley has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Crawley slips a straight right by Sakuraba.
Crawley swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Crawley slips a jab from Sakuraba.
Crawley misses with a head kick.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Crawley darts in and out, connecting with a jab. #T4#
Sakuraba on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.#KD#
Crawley feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Sakuraba sprawling to the canvas! Sakuraba rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Crawley finish him?! #ROC#Sakuraba is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sakuraba fails with the takedown
and Crawley counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Sakuraba throws a right hand that misses
and Crawley counters with a slapping leg kick.
Crawley is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sakuraba can do to turn this around?
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sakuraba shoots in but no luck this time.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Billy Crawley dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
A nice leg kick from Crawley, right into the meat of the thigh.
Sakuraba goes for a double leg but Crawley avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Crawley continues to drive forward.
Crawley lands with a hook. Sakuraba tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Crawley tries to move into range but Sakuraba moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown but Crawley sprawls well. He's pushed Sakuraba's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD2#
Crawley gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Crawley wants to get back to his feet but Sakuraba is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T1#
Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Crawley keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Crawley is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Sakuraba postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Sakuraba's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Sakuraba has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Sakuraba scoring with punches to the head and body.
Crawley keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sakuraba accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sakuraba with a nice head shot there.
Sakuraba keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Crawley's head.
Hayato Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Sakuraba stands up over Crawley, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Sakuraba throws a big elbow that misses.
Crawley wants to stand but Sakuraba is controlling the position.
Crawley avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Sakuraba throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent. #ES#
The fighters are working up against the cage. Crawley manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Crawley throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Sakurabas head.
Crawley makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Sakuraba tries to pull guard but Crawley holds him up against the cage and eventually Sakuraba drops back down to his feet.
Billy Crawley has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Sakuraba jumps guard but Crawley stands there with Sakuraba around his waist. Sakuraba gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Crawley lands a hook to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#BC#
Crawley breaks from the clinch. #T3##KD#
Crawley lands a big head kick that sends Sakuraba tumbling to the mat! Crawley takes a step backwards and waves Sakuraba back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Crawley connects with an inside leg kick.
A big left from Sakuraba misses.
It looked like Crawley wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Sakuraba misses with a looping left.
Crawley with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Crawley scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Billy Crawley is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#T4#
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A slapping leg kick lands for Crawley.
Crawley ducks under a wild hook from Sakuraba.
A jab from Crawley finds it's way through Sakuraba's defenses.
Crawley scores with a leg kick.
It looks like Crawley has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Crawley turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Sakuraba misses with an uppercut
and Crawley connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

And that's the end of the fight!
Billy Crawley showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Crawley, 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 30:27
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Billy Crawley!
Billy Crawley decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: Highland 197
Date: Oct 07, 2022

#R1#
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Sakuraba dips to his left and cracks James with an uppercut!#TD2#
Sakuraba shoots in and bounces James off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.#SUB#
Sakuraba got a little sloppy there for a moment and James has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sakuraba has managed to get both his arms back between James's legs - danger averted.
James might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.#SUB#
James has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sakuraba can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Sakuraba passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Sakuraba cracks James with a big right hand but James just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
James gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice strikes from Sakuraba there.
Sakuraba is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Sakuraba wants to pass to mount but James is defending the position. #SUB2#
Sakuraba is trying to work for a kimura but James is defending well. #SUB2#
Sakuraba is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T1#
Sakuraba working the head and body with strikes.
Sakuraba not doing much here. #SUB#
James is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Sakuraba pulls his head out easily.
Sakuraba working the head and body with strikes.
Sakuraba working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
James on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Sakuraba connects with a nice short shot to James's temple. #ROC2#James is rocked!#SUB2#
Sakuraba seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. James is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Hayato Sakuraba!
A very excited looking Hayato Sakuraba made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

Event: Highland 191
Date: Sep 16, 2022

#R1#
Oliva fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Sakuraba checks a low kick from Oliva.
Sakuraba swings for the body but Oliva moves out of range.
Sakuraba keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sakuraba misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Oliva.
A jab from Oliva misses.
Oliva tries to clinch up but Sakuraba circles away and keeps his distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Oliva misses with a low kick.
Sakuraba fails with the takedown.
Oliva throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
Oliva has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Desert Fitness & Training (14 Elite Coaches) in the buildup to the fight.#T1#
Sakuraba uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Oliva.
Oliva misses with a straight right.
Jab by Oliva.
No joy there for Oliva, who threw a few shots but didn't land. #CL#
Oliva clinches.
Sakuraba fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Oliva presses Sakuraba against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Oliva misses with a punch to the body. #BC#
Oliva escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Oliva listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Oliva looks to land a left hand but Sakuraba moved out of range nicely.
A slow jab from Oliva misses its intended target. #T2##CL#
Oliva clinches up against the cage.
Sakuraba tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Oliva just stands there and leans against the cage.
Biscuit Oliva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Oliva can't find room to land a body shot as Sakuraba controls the action.
A head punch on the inside from Oliva fails to land.
Sakuraba jumps guard but Oliva stands there with Sakuraba around his waist. Sakuraba gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Oliva misses with a body punch.
Sakuraba throws a head punch that misses.
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!#BC#
Oliva breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Oliva throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sakuraba on the side of the head.
A left and a right from Oliva both land. Nice combination.
Oliva on the wrong end of a nice jab.
A jab from Sakuraba misses.
Oliva tries to bum rush Sakuraba with a series of wild strikes but Sakuraba uses good footwork to avoid the assault.#T3#
Oliva misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Sakuraba changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Sakuraba shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Sakuraba showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Oliva.
Sakuraba ducks right into an uppercut from Oliva.
Jab by Oliva.
Oliva fails with the takedown.
Oliva just misses with a punch to the body.
Sakuraba feints the counter takedown.#T4#
Oliva buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Sakuraba staying out of range there.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Oliva pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Oliva throws a big shot that misses.
Sakuraba feints the counter takedown.#CL#
Oliva closes the distance and clinches.
Sakuraba blocks a body shot from Oliva. #TD2#
Sakuraba has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Oliva uses from the top position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.#SUB2#
Oliva got a little sloppy there for a moment and Sakuraba has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Oliva has managed to get both his arms back between Sakuraba's legs - danger averted.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SU#
Oliva stands and steps away. Sakuraba gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Oliva looks to score with a jab to the body but Sakuraba is just out of range.
Sakuraba waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Oliva.#CL#
Oliva darts in and clinches Sakuraba up against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Biscuit Oliva dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Oliva will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Oliva works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Oliva scores with a crisp jab that stopped Sakuraba in his tracks.
Biscuit Oliva seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Oliva throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Oliva throws a shot to the body.
Oliva throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Oliva dips down and scores with a jab to the body.#T1#
Oliva connects with a looping right hand.
Oliva ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakuraba moves away.
Oliva uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sakuraba.
Oliva keeps the fight on the outside.
Oliva paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.#TD2#
Sakuraba shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Oliva's guard.
Sakuraba throws a big elbow that misses.
Oliva working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sakuraba.
Oliva has his hands on Sakuraba's head, controlling the position.
My spies in London MMA Club inform me that Sakuraba has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Oliva preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage. #T2#
Oliva controlling Sakuraba's posture.
Sakuraba trying to control but Oliva is working from the bottom.
Oliva is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Oliva wants to sweep here but Sakuraba controlling him for the moment.
Sakuraba postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Sakuraba keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Oliva's head.
Sakuraba postures up and lands a big shot to Oliva's brow.
Sakuraba throwing strikes from guard but Oliva blocks nicely.
Oliva keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully. #T3#
Sakuraba is fighting to break Oliva's control of his arms but Oliva is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Sakuraba cracks Oliva with a solid left hand.
Oliva has Sakuraba pulled in close to control his posture.
Sakuraba in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sakuraba has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Oliva preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sakuraba lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Oliva seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Oliva keeps moving.
Oliva is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sakuraba can do to turn this around?
Oliva is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#T4#
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Oliva has control of Sakuraba's left arm, preventing Sakuraba from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Oliva is wriggling around but Sakuraba manages to pass to half guard.
Oliva moves into full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Oliva is on top in guard. #REVR##SUB2#
Oliva got a little sloppy there for a moment and Sakuraba has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Oliva has managed to get both his arms back between Sakuraba's legs - danger averted.
Oliva in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Oliva slips nicely into half guard.
Sakuraba is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Oliva's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Oliva's back!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Biscuit Oliva dominated that second round.
That's time! Oliva's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!#R3#
Sakuraba cracks Oliva with a good jab.
Oliva looks to score with a jab to the body but Sakuraba is just out of range.
Oliva is looking to clinch.
Oliva thows a left - swing and a miss!
And Sakuraba tries to counter it with a takedown but Oliva pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Sakuraba misses with a takedown attempt
and Oliva counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Oliva lands with a straight right. Sakuraba didn't see that one coming.
Oliva misses with a low kick as Sakuraba jumps back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Oliva motions for Sakuraba to come forward. Oliva throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
And Sakuraba tries to counter it with a takedown but Oliva pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Sakuraba avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Sakuraba staying out of range there.#T1#
Sakuraba doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Oliva connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Sakuraba needs to keep his hands up - Oliva had a free shot at his head there.
Sakuraba fails with an attempt to clinch.
Oliva swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Oliva lands a slapping body shot.
Oliva moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Sakuraba gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Oliva.
Sakuraba takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Oliva ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A quick step to the side and Oliva tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Biscuit Oliva is winning the standup battle so far.
Oliva looks to throw the jab but Sakuraba is out of range.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hayato Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Oliva misses with a body shot.
Sakuraba circles away from the clinch attempt.
Oliva throws out a loose jab but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakuraba is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Oliva fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakuraba manages to avoid it.
Sakuraba 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!
Oliva takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sakuraba misses with a takedown attempt
letting Oliva counter with a right hand.
Biscuit Oliva has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Sakuraba keeps the fight on the outside.
Sakuraba blocks a leg kick.
Oliva fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.#T3#
Oliva jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sakuraba changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Jab from Oliva.
Oliva connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Sakuraba's hands.
Oliva tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Sakuraba defends well and Oliva ends up having to push Sakuraba into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Sakuraba fails to pull guard.
Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Biscuit Oliva is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#TD2#
Sakuraba jumps guard and drags Oliva to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back. #SUB2#
Sakuraba is active off his back here, looking for submissions. #SU#
Oliva decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Sakuraba has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Sakuraba takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Decent striking displayed by Oliva there.
Oliva works the jab nicely.#T4#
Oliva lunges at Sakuraba with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sakuraba's hand.
Sakuraba walks into a straight right hand from Oliva.
This has been an exciting period of action!#CL#
Oliva drives through and clinches with Sakuraba against the cage.
Oliva blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Oliva fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Oliva scores with a shot to the side of Sakuraba's head. #BC#
Oliva's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Oliva connects with the punch.
Oliva catches Sakuraba with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Oliva tests Sakuraba's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Oliva tries to clinch up but Sakuraba circles away and keeps his distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Biscuit Oliva showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Oliva, 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 Richard Clark scores the fight 30:27
Judge William Gold scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Glass scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Biscuit Oliva!
After the big win, Biscuit Oliva made sure to do all the important stuff like thanking his sponsors KOMBAT KLOTHING and telling the interviewer how much he loves him.

Event: Highland 185
Date: Aug 19, 2022

#R1#
Bradley jabs Sakuraba right on the nose. Sakuraba blinks but takes it well.
Bradley lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown but Bradley shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
The crowd cheers as Bradley lands an impressive looking overhand right. Sakuraba doesn't seem phased though.
Sakuraba takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Sakuraba tries to close the distance and clinch up but Bradley swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Bradley with a nice calf kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Bradley.
Bradley connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Decent striking displayed by Bradley there.#T1#
Sakuraba throws a body shot but no joy.
Bradley scoring well with a low kick there.
Bradley looks to land a right hand but Sakuraba moved out of range.
Sakuraba feints the counter takedown.
Bradley throws a shot to the body.
Bradley wants to land a leg kick but Sakuraba is out of range.
Sakuraba is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Bradley looks to land a right hand but Sakuraba moved out of range.
Sakuraba shoots in but Bradley avoids the takedown attempt easily.#T2#
Bradley slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Bradley misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sakuraba.
Bradley misses with a low kick.
Bradley swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Bradley throws a big shot that misses.
And Sakuraba tries to counter it with a takedown but Bradley pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Bradley thuds a left hand into Sakuraba's body.
A swing and a miss from Bradley.#T3#
Bradley scores with a nice head shot.
Sakuraba staying out of range there.
Bradley throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Bradley is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Bradley connects with a leg kick.
Sakuraba moves out of range as Bradley strikes.
Sakuraba drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Bradley defends it well.
Bradley misses with a kick to the body.
Sakuraba with the counter takedown but Bradley avoids it easily.
Bradley throws a big shot that misses.
Bradley throws out a loose jab but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it. #T4#
Bradley looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Bradley.
We've been told by Bradley's head coaches at FIGHT FOUNDERS (CA) that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Bradley connects with a leg kick.
Bradley throws a shot from downtown. Sakuraba moves away and avoids it.
Sakuraba swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Bradley was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Bradley scoring well with a low kick there.
Bradley tries to score with a low kick but Sakuraba moves his leg out of the way.
Sakuraba misses with a left hand
and Bradley counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Derrick Bradley dominated that round.
That's time! Bradley's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.#R2#
Sakuraba misses with a takedown attempt
and Bradley counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sakuraba walks into a jab.
Sakuraba doesn't manage to clinch there - Bradley circles away.
Bradley is looking to score with low kicks.
And Sakuraba tries to counter it with a takedown but Bradley pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Sakuraba ducks under a wild hook from Bradley.
Bradley throws a nice outside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bradley is looking to slow Sakuraba down with leg kicks.
Bradley looks to throw the jab but Sakuraba is out of range.
Bradley keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab. #T1#
Sakuraba takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
A jab from Bradley misses. #CL2#
Sakuraba instigates a clinch.
Bradley tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Sakuraba is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Bradley to keep the fight standing.
Bradley throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Bradley lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Sakuraba tries to pull guard but Bradley forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Derrick Bradley has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Bradley lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Bradley pushes off an throws an elbow but Sakuraba leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Bradley.
Sakuraba is breathing heavily.#TD2#
Sakuraba gets control of Bradley's arms and successfully pulls guard. Sakuraba will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Bradley looking to pass the guard.
Bradley controls the pace of the fight for a moment.#T2#
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB2#
Sakuraba is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Bradley is aware though and is defending well.
Bradley has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Bradley controls from within his opponent's guard. #SUB2#
Sakuraba looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #SUB2#
Sakuraba had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Bradley defends it easily.
Bradley is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.#T3##SUB2#
Sakuraba is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Bradley defends well.#SUB2#
Sakuraba looking for a guillotine here but Bradley defends easily.
Sakuraba being controlled here, momentarily.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.#REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Sakuraba ducks under a wild hook from Bradley.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Bradley attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Sakuraba drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Bradley defends it well.#T4#
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.
Bradley tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sakuraba was well out of range. Poor timing from Bradley.
Bradley misses with an attempted mid kick.
Sakuraba fails with a takedown attempt.
Sakuraba has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Bradley finds it's way round the side to connect with Sakuraba's head.
Derrick Bradley seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bradley takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Derrick Bradley dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!#R3#
Sakuraba shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Bradley counters with a straight right hand.
Sakuraba shoots in looking for a takedown but Bradley manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Sakuraba's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Sakuraba fails with the takedown#KD#
and Bradley counters with a nice right hand that sends Sakuraba toppling to the canvas! Sakuraba scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Bradley finish him?!#ROC#Sakuraba is rocked!
Derrick Bradley has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Bradley takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Sakuraba is still on wobbly legs! Can Bradley finish him?
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Bradley.
Sakuraba seems to have recovered his senses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bradley throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakuraba drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Bradley defends it well.#T1#
Bradley dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Sakuraba goes for a double leg but Bradley avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Bradley continues to drive forward.
The crowd cheers as Bradley lands an impressive looking overhand right. Sakuraba doesn't seem phased though.
Sakuraba throws a hook but Bradley avoids it easily.
Derrick Bradley is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakuraba gets tagged by a hook that puts him to sleep! Bradley points and yells something to his unconcious foe before strutting off. Sakuraba wakes up just in time to hear Bradley thank his coaches in the post fight interview.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:40 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Derrick Bradley!
A victorious Derrick Bradley thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: Highland 178
Date: Jul 24, 2022

#R1#
Leonov scoring well with a low kick there.
Sakuraba with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Leonov to score with a decent uppercut.
Leonov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Leonov thows a leg kick but Sakuraba checks it #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a nice double leg into guard.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Leonov manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Sakuraba fails to pull the fight into his guard. #BC2#
Leonov breaks the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Leonov swinging wildly here.
Sakuraba takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Sakuraba stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Leonov.
Leonov with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Leonov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sakuraba momentarily.
Leonov thuds a left hand into Sakuraba's body.#T1#
Sakuraba takes a jab right on the kisser.
Leonov catches Sakuraba with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Leonov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Sakuraba.
Sakuraba misses with the combination.
Leonov throws a leg kick but Sakuraba sees it coming and moves out of range.
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Leonov sprawls well. Leonov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Sakuraba gets slowly back to his feet.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Leonov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.#T2#
A left and a right from Leonov both land. Nice combination.
Leonov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Leonov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sakuraba.
Leonov misses with a hook #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a nice double leg into side control. Leonov won't be happy with that.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leonov wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
You can see the frustration on Leonov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Sakuraba landing strikes.
Leonov is not content to let Sakuraba control the position.
Sakuraba prevents Leonov from escaping the position.
Sakuraba working away.#T3##SUB#
Sakuraba goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Leonov has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Sakuraba but great work by Leonov.
Leonov in side control, throwing shots but Sakuraba defends.
Sakuraba defending against the ground and pound.
A control attempt from Sakuraba but he's now mounted!
Sakuraba tries to lock up and control but Leonov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Sakuraba is wriggling around trying to escape.
We've been hearing good reports from Sakuraba's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Leonov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sakuraba is looking to escape.
Leonov throws some wild stikes that Sakuraba manages to avoid easily.
Sakuraba is squirming around, avoiding Leonov's attempts to control the action.
Sakuraba is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Leonov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Sakuraba is looking to improve his position but Leonov isn't that keen on the idea.
Sakuraba wants to hold on but Leonov pushes him away.#T4#
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Leonov throwing strikes here but Sakuraba is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Leonov throwing strikes here but Sakuraba is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Sakuraba is looking to improve his position but Leonov isn't that keen on the idea.
Sakuraba is working hard here to advance position.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Leonov cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leonov throwing strikes here but Sakuraba is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Sakuraba wants to control but Leonov is having none of it.
Leonov trying to control but Sakuraba is having none of it.
Leonov unloads with some shots from mount but Sakuraba bucks and avoids them well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Sakuraba steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Leonov.
Leonov scores with a nice head shot.
Leonov misses with a combination #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Sakuraba.
Nikolay Leonov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing.
Leonov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sakuraba loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Sakuraba throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Leonov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Leonov wants to stand and escape but Sakuraba is having none of it.
Leonov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba postures up in Leonov's guard and throws a big left but Leonov blocks it.
Sakuraba prevents Leonov from getting back to his feet.
Leonov is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Sakuraba stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Leonov swivels though and keeps the full guard. #T1#
Sakuraba content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Leonov keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Sakuraba drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Sakuraba jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Sakuraba won't allow Leonov to get back to his feet.
Leonov wants to sweep here but Sakuraba controlling him for the moment.
Sakuraba is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Leonov is looking to stand up but Sakuraba isn't so interested in that idea. #ES2#
Leonov is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Sakuraba presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Sakuraba tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Leonov just stands there and leans against the cage.
Sakuraba is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Leonov to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T2#
Sakuraba jumps guard but Leonov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Sakuraba tries to pull guard but Leonov won't allow it.
Sakuraba tries to throw a body punch but Leonov avoids it by throwing Sakuraba back against the cage. #BC2#
Leonov breaks the clinch.
Leonov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Leonov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Sakuraba ducks right into an uppercut from Leonov.
Sakuraba walks into a stiff left hand from Leonov.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Leonov moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Leonov lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Leonov looks to land a combination but Sakuraba avoids it well.
Sakuraba changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Leonov throws a leg kick but Sakuraba sees it coming and moves out of range. #T3#
Sakuraba ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Leonov moves away.
Nikolay Leonov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Leonov scoring well with a low kick there.
Sakuraba ducks right into an uppercut from Leonov.
Leonov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Leonov throws a hook but Sakuraba blocks it.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Leonov sprawls and moves away.
Leonov throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Sakuraba's head.
Leonov throws out a loose jab but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakuraba appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Leonov scores with a jab to the head.
Leonov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Leonov throws a big shot that misses.
Sakuraba attempts a counter takedown but Leonov avoids it well and moves away.
Leonov lands a jab.#T4#
Sakuraba shoots for a takedown but Leonov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Sakuraba crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Leonov - the referee stops the clock and Sakuraba gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Leonov. Sakuraba manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sakuraba misses with a hook.
Leonov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Leonov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Sakuraba walks into a left hand.
Sakuraba takes a swing at Leonov's ribcage but misses.
A chopping leg kick lands by Leonov.
Nice uppercut lands for Leonov. That snapped Sakuraba's head back.
Sakuraba throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Leonov tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Sakuraba is able to avoid easily.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Sakuraba slips a jab from Leonov.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
Leonov is looking to land body kicks.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Leonov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Sakuraba. That did some damage!
Leonov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakuraba moves away.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Leonov sprawls and moves away.
Leonov misses with a hook #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a shoot takedown. Leonov fights it but they end up in guard.

Leonov pushes Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.
Leonov throws a leg kick but Sakuraba sees it coming and moves out of range.
Leonov throws a sloppy head kick and Sakuraba moves out of range easily.
Sakuraba feinted with a counter takedown.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Leonov.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown but Leonov sprawls well. He's pushed Sakuraba's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Leonov with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Sakuraba is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Leonov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Leonov connects with a solid leg kick. #T1#
Leonov misses with a kick to the body #TD#
so Sakuraba counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Leonov pushes Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.
Leonov lands with a thumping leg kick.
Leonov lunges at Sakuraba with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sakuraba's hand.
Leonov throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Leonov swings for the body but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leonov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Leonov connects with a right hand. Sakuraba shakes it off.
A looping hook to the body misses from Leonov. Sakuraba does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hayato Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!#T2#
Leonov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Sakuraba slips a straight right by Leonov.
Sakuraba throws a body punch but Leonov moves out of range.
Leonov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Sakuraba appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Leonov throws a leg kick which misses Sakuraba's front leg but catches the back leg as Sakuraba tries to avoid it.
Leonov lands with a slapping head kick.
Leonov jabs at Sakuraba's body.
Sakuraba is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Leonov.
Sakuraba shoots in for a double leg but Leonov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Leonov throws a right hand that misses #TD#
so Sakuraba counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Sakuraba won't allow Leonov to sweep him here. #T3#
Leonov is looking to stand up but Sakuraba isn't so interested in that idea.
Leonov is pulling down on Sakuraba's head to control his posture.
Nikolay Leonov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sakuraba working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Leonov's head.
Leonov wants to sweep but no luck.
Sakuraba is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Sakuraba cracks Leonov with a solid left hand.
Leonov controls Sakuraba momentarily but Sakuraba frees himself.
Leonov has momentary wrist control but Sakuraba slips an elbow through the middle.
Sakuraba stopping the sweep attempt from Leonov.
Sakuraba postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sakuraba postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.#T4#
Sakuraba passes into half guard.
Leonov tries to kick Sakuraba off but Sakuraba keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Leonov is looking to control Sakuraba's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Leonov avoid being mounted?
Sakuraba lands with a punch from half guard.
Leonov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sakuraba.
Leonov is holding on to half guard well.
Leonov wants to get back to his feet.
Leonov wants to control but Sakuraba is keeping busy and won't allow it. #SUB#
Sakuraba is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Leonov is just riding it out for now. Sakuraba eventually gives up the hold. #ES2#
Leonov kicks Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolay Leonov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Leonov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikolay Leonov!
After winning the bout, Nikolay Leonov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: Highland 168
Date: Jun 12, 2022

#R1#
Tuytuhlz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakuraba sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tuytuhlz fails to land with a series of punches.
Tuytuhlz waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Tuytuhlz misses with a wild body shot.
Sakuraba gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sakuraba takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #CUT2#It looks like Hayato Sakuraba has been cut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tuytuhlz takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Tuytuhlz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Tuytuhlz sprawls and moves away.#T1#
Tuytuhlz tries to clinch up but Sakuraba circles away and keeps his distance.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Tuytuhlz sprawls and moves away.
Tuytuhlz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a single leg into guard. Tuytuhlz didn't expect that.
Tuytuhlz is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Sakuraba dives into side control. #REVB#
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tuytuhlz wants to control but Sakuraba postures up.
Sakuraba misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Tuytuhlz tries to improve position but can't.
Tuytuhlz is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Sakuraba throws a strike aimed at the side of Tuytuhlz's head but Tuytuhlz avoids it well.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Tuytuhlz can do anything to dispel that myth.
Tuytuhlz is trying to improve his position.
Tuytuhlz is not content to let Sakuraba control the position.
Tuytuhlz really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sakuraba. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#T2#
Sakuraba tries to advance to mount but Tuytuhlz denies him.
Sakuraba creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Tuytuhlz sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Tuytuhlz is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Tuytuhlz wants to control but Sakuraba postures up.#SUB#
Sakuraba working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
The ground and pound from Sakuraba seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent. #T3#
Sakuraba is working Tuytuhlz over with some ground and pound from side control.
Sakuraba lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Sakuraba working the ground and pound but Tuytuhlz is defending the strikes.
You can see the frustration on Tuytuhlz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.#SUB#
Sakuraba is trying to get an arm triangle but Tuytuhlz is defending well.
Tuytuhlz is working to avoid the ground and pound but Sakuraba connects with a decent elbow.
Sakuraba postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
You can see the frustration on Tuytuhlz's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tuytuhlz is not content to let Sakuraba control the position. #SUB#
Sakuraba looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything. #T4#
Tuytuhlz is trying to control Sakuraba's posture but Sakuraba avoids it.
Sakuraba in the domination position with Tuytuhlz hanging on.
Sakuraba working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards. #SUB#
Sakuraba goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Tuytuhlz has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Sakuraba but great work by Tuytuhlz.
Sakuraba wants to control but Tuytuhlz postures up.
A lull in the action here.
An elbow from Tuytuhlz crashes against the mat.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sakuraba is not content to let Tuytuhlz control the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Hayato Sakuraba's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
Tuytuhlz defending well as Sakuraba loads up on a big left hand.
A left lands for Sakuraba.
A punch combination from Tuytuhlz misses.
A telegraphed right hand from Tuytuhlz misses the target.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Tuytuhlz sprawls and moves away.
Tuytuhlz misses with a wild body shot.
Sakuraba half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD#
Excellent takedown into side control there by Sakuraba.
Tuytuhlz takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
We've been hearing good reports from Sakuraba's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.#T1#
Tuytuhlz has one of Sakuraba's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.#SUB#
Sakuraba tries for a kimura but Tuytuhlz is defending well.
Tuytuhlz sneaks back into half guard.
Tuytuhlz trying to control here.
Sakuraba throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Tuytuhlz tries to get to full guard but Sakuraba has control of the leg.
Sakuraba throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Sakuraba prevents Tuytuhlz from improving his position.#T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Sakuraba scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Sakuraba scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Tuytuhlz manages to get to full guard.
Sakuraba lands a couple of digs.
Sakuraba advances to half guard.
Tuytuhlz wants to control but Sakuraba is keeping busy.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Sakuraba connects with a nice short shot to Tuytuhlz's temple.
Tuytuhlz wants to control but Sakuraba is keeping busy. #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a kimura here.
Sakuraba is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tuytuhlz can do to turn this around?#T3#
Tuytuhlz wants to get back to full guard.
Tuytuhlz blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sakuraba. #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Tuytuhlz wants to improve his position but Sakuraba is controlling well.
Sakuraba landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Sakuraba prevents Tuytuhlz from improving his position.
Sakuraba winds up and cracks Tuytuhlz with a swinging punch to the side of the head. #T4##SUB#
Sakuraba is working for a submission of some sort.
Tuytuhlz is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Tuytuhlz on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound. #ROC#Tuytuhlz is rocked!
Sakuraba lands a big elbow from half guard. That looks like it's hurt Tuytuhlz quite badly. Tuytuhlz pulls Sakuraba in close trying to recover. Sakuraba postures up and lands two really hard shots that put Tuytuhlz on queer street! The ref takes a look and decides to call an end to the fight! Possibly an early stoppage but Tuytuhlz doesn't seem to be complaining too much.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:52 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Hayato Sakuraba!
During a confident post fight interview, Hayato Sakuraba thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: Highland 165
Date: Jun 03, 2022

#R1#
Finlayson cracks a nice hook into Sakuraba's ribs.
Finlayson lands with a straight right. Sakuraba didn't see that one coming.
Finlayson throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
Finlayson throws a good cross that connects.
Finlayson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Finlayson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Finlayson thows a left - swing and a miss!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Finlayson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Finlayson moves out of range of the strikes.
Sakuraba shoots and misses
and Finlayson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#T1#
Finlayson throws a body shot but no joy.
Sakuraba with the counter takedown but Finlayson avoids it easily.
Finlayson misses the shot to the body.
Finlayson misses with a hook. Sakuraba ducked under it nicely.
Finlayson throws out a loose jab but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakuraba tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Finlayson feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Sakurabas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Sakuraba on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Finlayson throws the left hand but Sakuraba avoids the punch easily.
Sakuraba takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it. #T2#
Finlayson throws an overhand right that lands on Sakuraba's shoulder, as Sakuraba tries to avoid the shot.
Sakuraba throws a big shot that misses.#KD#
Finlayson lands a big right hand that sends Sakuraba crashing to the mat! Finlayson stays standing though and waves Sakuraba back to his feet!#ROC#Sakuraba is rocked!#CUT#It looks like Hayato Sakuraba has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Finlayson misses with an uppercut.
Sakuraba with the counter takedown but Finlayson avoids it easily.
Finlayson throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Finlayson ducks right into an uppercut from Sakuraba.
Finlayson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Finlayson misses with a right hand #TD2#
and Sakuraba counters with a single leg into guard. Finlayson didn't expect that. #T3#
Sakuraba throws a big elbow that misses.
Finlayson is pulling down on Sakuraba's head to control his posture.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sakuraba accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sakuraba with a flurry of punches that miss.
Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Finlayson keeps moving.
Finlayson pulls Sakuraba in close to his closed guard and prevents Sakuraba from doing any damage or advancing position.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Sakuraba is looking to advance position but Finlayson has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!#REVR##T4#
Sakuraba is looking to get to half guard.
Sakuraba wants to control but Finlayson is having none of it.
Sakuraba felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Sakuraba is looking to improve his position but Finlayson isn't that keen on the idea.
Sakuraba keeps trying to improve his position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Torhte Finlayson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Hayato Sakuraba's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Finlayson slips a jab from Sakuraba.
It looked like Finlayson wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Finlayson lands with a nice body punch.
Sakuraba fails with a takedown attempt.
A decent looking cross lands there for Sakuraba.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A shot to the liver by Finlayson. Beautiful body shot.#T1#
Sakuraba misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Sakuraba takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Finlayson uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Sakuraba has time to react.
Sakuraba darts in trying to clinch
and Finlayson counters with a nice uppercut.
Sakuraba fails with the takedown#KD#
and Finlayson counters with a crisp right hand that drops Sakuraba! Finlayson lets Sakuraba back up to his feet, looking for a finish!#T2#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Finlayson misses the shot to the body.
Nice defenses there by Sakuraba.
Torhte Finlayson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#TD2#
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Finlayson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Finlayson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Sakuraba is one step ahead there.
Finlayson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Sakuraba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Finlayson is keeping the position for now. #T3#
Finlayson keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully.
Finlayson has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Finlayson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sakuraba can do to turn this around?
Sakuraba loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Finlayson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Sakuraba trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sakuraba throws a big elbow that misses. #T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Finlayson 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.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A big right from Finlayson misses. #CL2#
Sakuraba moves into range and clinches up with Finlayson.
Nice body punch from Finlayson - that landed with a thud.
Finlayson lands a nice uppercut.
Sakuraba jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Finlayson walks away with a smile on his face. Sakuraba gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Torhte Finlayson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Sakuraba looks to land a right hand but Finlayson moved out of range.
Finlayson swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Sakuraba throws a body punch but Finlayson moves out of range.
Finlayson swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
We've been told by Finlayson's head coaches at FIST OF FURY that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Finlayson darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Finlayson throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba feints the counter takedown.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Torhte Finlayson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Hayato Sakuraba's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.#R3#
Sakuraba ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Finlayson moves away.
Finlayson throws a lazy right hand but Sakuraba sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Finlayson scores with a crisp jab that stopped Sakuraba in his tracks.
Finlayson digs a good body shot into Sakuraba's ribs.
Sakuraba takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Finlayson slips a straight right by Sakuraba.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba throws a hook to the side of Finlayson's head but Finlayson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Finlayson's corner calls for a 1-2. Finlayson obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range. #T1#
Sakuraba takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Sakuraba takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Sakuraba takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Finlayson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Finlayson moves into range and connects with a jab.
Finlayson cracks a nice hook into Sakuraba's ribs.
Finlayson punishes Sakuraba's body with a nice straight punch.
Finlayson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Sakuraba displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Finlayson throws out the jab. #T2#
Finlayson comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Sakuraba doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Sakuraba leaves his chin hanging out and Finlayson seizes the opportunity with an uppercut! Sakuraba crumbles to the floor in a heap! The referee steps in and tends to the downed fighter! What a knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:35 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Torhte Finlayson!
Torhte Finlayson retains his light heavyweight title!
An out of breath Torhte Finlayson thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: Highland 148
Date: Mar 27, 2022

#R1#
Nice cross by Smif.
Sakuraba takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Smif tests Sakuraba's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Smif misses with a hook #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Sakuraba postures up in Smif's guard and throws a big left but Smif blocks it.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Smif is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sakuraba trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sakuraba looking to pass the guard.
Smif is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Smif really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sakuraba. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#SUB#
Sakuraba thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position. #T1#
Sakuraba passes Smif's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Ground and pound from Sakuraba. #SUB#
Sakuraba seems to be working for a kimura but Smif defends the submission attempt.
Sakuraba scoring with strikes to the body and head.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Smif can do anything to dispel that myth.
Smif is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
We've been hearing good reports from Sakuraba's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Sakuraba lands with a punch from half guard. #SUB#
Sakuraba seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Smif is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Hayato Sakuraba!
A very excited looking Hayato Sakuraba made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

Event: Highland 138
Date: Feb 20, 2022

#R1#
Sakuraba is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Jones loads up on a big right hand but Sakuraba slips the punch.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Jones is quick to defend against it.
Jones with a hook.
A punch combination from Jones misses.
Sakuraba defending well as Jones loads up on a big left hand.
Jones connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sakuraba momentarily. #CL2#
Jones moves into range and clinches up with Sakuraba.
Jones is trying to push Sakuraba away but Sakuraba has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Jones working aggressively here.
Jones takes a shot to the head.
Sakuraba jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Jones walks away with a smile on his face. Sakuraba gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Sakuraba scores with a nice head shot.
Sakuraba uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Jones . #TD#
Jones gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Sakuraba might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sakuraba throws a big elbow that misses. #T1#
Sakuraba working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jones wants to get back to his feet but Sakuraba is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Sakuraba scoring with some ground and pound.
Sakuraba works over Jones with some ground and pound from guard.#ROC#Jones is rocked!
Sakuraba arches his back and unloads with a massive left and a right! Jones 's eyes roll back into his head, he's out cold! The ref dives in to stop the fight - wow, they were hard shots!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Hayato Sakuraba!
An out of breath Hayato Sakuraba thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: Highland 131
Date: Jan 28, 2022

#R1#
Sakuraba misses with a right hand #TD#
and Lachmann counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lachmann trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lachmann slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Lachmann is trying to move to mount but Sakuraba reverses beautifully and ends up in Lachmann's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lachmann trying to control the position.
Sakuraba looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.#T1#
Lachmann manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sakuraba manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Lachmann wants to control from the top but Sakuraba keeps moving. #SUB#
Lachmann has gone for a leg lock! Sakuraba slips out almost immediately though and dives into Lachmann's guard.#REVB#
Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Lachmann keeps moving. #SUB#
Lachmann looking for subs off his back but Sakuraba has passed one foot through into half guard. #T2##SUB#
Lachmann looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Sakuraba is keen to just control but Lachmann is a slippery customer.#SUB#
Lachmann looking for submissions off his back.
Sakuraba wants to take a breather but Lachmann is having none of it. #T3#
Lachmann gets full guard.#SUB#
Lachmann looking for a guillotine here but Sakuraba defends easily.
Lachmann trying to control the position.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Lachmann is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB#
Lachmann is active off his back here, looking for submissions. #SUB#
Lachmann throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.#SUB#
Lachmann had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Sakuraba defends it easily.#SUB#
Lachmann throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #SUB#
Lachmann is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB#
Sakuraba got a little sloppy there for a moment and Lachmann has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sakuraba has managed to get both his arms back between Lachmann's legs - danger averted.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ludwig Lachmann dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2##TD#
Lachmann looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Sakuraba keeping full guard, as Lachmann tries to pass.
Lachmann is working hard here to advance position.
Lachmann works a leg free and moves into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lachmann wants to pass the guard but Sakuraba is defending well. #T1##SUB#
Lachmann is looking for a kimura but Sakuraba is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Lachmann to get the leverage.
Lachmann wants to free his trapped foot but Sakuraba is holding on for dear life with his legs. #SUB#
Lachmann is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Sakuraba still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Sakuraba has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Lachmann is looking for a sweep.
Lachmann manages to work his way to half guard, despite Sakuraba's best efforts.#SUB#
Lachmann looking for subs from the bottom but Sakuraba mounts him!#T2#
Sakuraba tries to control but Lachmann wriggling away.
Lachmann gets back to half guard.
Sakuraba wants to take a breather but Lachmann is having none of it.
Lachmann tries to get to full guard but Sakuraba has control of the leg.
Lachmann is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Sakuraba's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Sakuraba's back!#SUB#
Lachmann working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Lachmann not allowing Sakuraba to control his hands. #T3##SUB#
Sakuraba fending off the submission attempt from Lachmann. #SUB#
Lachmann is looking for a choke. Sakuraba gets to his feet with his opponent on his back and slams him to the mat. Sakuraba manages to squirm out of the attempted choke and turns into his opponent's guard.
Lachmann seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #T4#
Lachmann tries to land a sweep but no joy. #SUB#
Lachmann escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Sakuraba gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Lachmann is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Lachmann trying to keep a closed guard but Sakuraba is proving a slippery customer.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ludwig Lachmann dominated that second 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. This is the final round!#R3#
Lachmann walks into a jab.
Lachmann dodges the punch combination from Sakuraba.
Lachmann attempts a counter takedown but Sakuraba avoids it well and moves away.
Sakuraba blocks a head kick by Lachmann.
Lachmann closes the distance and clinches up with Sakuraba, looking for a takedown. Lachmann pushes Sakuraba against the cage but Sakuraba circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba slips a straight right by Lachmann.
A countering left hand to the body from Sakuraba misses.
Sakuraba blocks a jab.
Lachmann wants to slow Sakuraba down by chopping away at his legs.
Hayato Sakuraba is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T1#
Lachmann walks into a straight right hand from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Lachmann looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Lachmann misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sakuraba.
Lachmann bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Lachmann looks to land a left hand but Sakuraba moved out of range nicely.
A little jabbing left from Sakuraba on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Sakuraba swings for the body but Lachmann moves out of range.
Lachmann half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Lachmann tries a head kick but it misses.
Lachmann displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sakuraba throws out the jab. #T2#
Sakuraba is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Lachmann.
Lachmann looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.#TD#
Lachmann scores with a takedown into Sakuraba's guard.
Lachmann trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet. #T3#
Sakuraba controlling the position.#SUB#
Lachmann drops back, looking for a kneebar! Sakuraba looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Sakuraba looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Sakuraba! #REVB#
Lachmann is trying to control Sakuraba's posture but Sakuraba avoids it.
Lachmann is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Sakuraba is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Sakuraba takes Lachmann's back. #T4#
Sakuraba gets his hands free as Lachmann looks to control.
Sakuraba struggling to keep hold of the position.
Lachmann turns into Sakuraba and is now in his guard.
Lachmann pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sakuraba is keeping the position for now.
Sakuraba is trying to control the position but Lachmann postures up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sakuraba keeping full guard, as Lachmann tries to pass.
Hayato Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ludwig Lachmann is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lachmann trying to control but Sakuraba is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Hayato Sakuraba.
I think Lachmann 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 29:28
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 29:28
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ludwig Lachmann!

Event: Highland 125
Date: Jan 02, 2022

#R1#
Sakuraba fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Vinogradov avoids it really well and circles away.#TD2#
Sakuraba closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Vinogradov quickly recovers to half guard.
Sakuraba scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Vinogradov wants to get back to full guard.#SUB2#
Sakuraba is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Vinogradov has managed to free his arm - good work. #SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba is trying to control. Vinogradov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time. #SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions off his back.#SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#T1##SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.#SUB#
Vinogradov actively working from the bottom here.
Nice strikes from Sakuraba there.
Sakuraba missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Sakuraba is keen to just control but Vinogradov is a slippery customer.#SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Sakuraba content to control rather than advance.
Vinogradov is pressing down on Sakuraba's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#T2#
Sakuraba won't allow Vinogradov to sweep him here.
My spies in London MMA Club inform me that Sakuraba has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Sakuraba throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Vinogradov works some decent striking defense from the bottom. #SUB#
Vinogradov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Sakuraba landing with the ground and pound.
Vinogradov keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Vinogradov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Sakuraba lands a couple of digs.
Vinogradov is trying to control the position but Sakuraba postures up.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Vinogradov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sakuraba landing some decent shots from guard. #T3##SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Sakuraba passes into side control.
Sakuraba is looking to take a break and control but Vinogradov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Vinogradov is looking to regain half guard here but Sakuraba keeps moving and retains side control.
Vinogradov tries to control the position but he's not in luck - Sakuraba easily slips into full mount!
Vinogradov sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Sakuraba is keen to just control but Vinogradov is a slippery customer.#T4#
Vinogradov trying to control from the bottom.
Vinogradov is refusing to be controlled, as Sakuraba sits in half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Vinogradov actively working from the bottom here.#SUB#
Vinogradov looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Sakuraba scoring with strikes to the body and head. #SUB#
Vinogradov looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Vinogradov is trying to control but can't.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SUB2#
Sakuraba is working for a kimura but Vinogradov is defending it quite comfortably.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.#R2#
Sakuraba throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Vinogradov's waist but Vinogradov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sakuraba off to one side.
Vinogradov works the jab nicely.
The fighters circle momentarily. Vinogradov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Sakuraba shoots in and drives through. Vinogradov sprawls well.
Sakuraba gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Vinogradov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Sergey Vinogradov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.
Vinogradov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Sakuraba's hands.#TD2#
Sakuraba drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Vinogradov is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Sakuraba's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Sakuraba lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
This has been an exciting period of action!#SUB#
Vinogradov actively working from the bottom here.
Vinogradov is trying to maintain the position but Sakuraba is very close to passing his half guard.#T1##SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Vinogradov wants to improve his position but Sakuraba is controlling well.
Sakuraba trying to control the action but Vinogradov is working from the bottom. #SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions off his back.
Sakuraba is trying to control. Vinogradov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time. #SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions off his back.#T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Vinogradov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Sakuraba's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Sakuraba's back!
Sakuraba tries to escape the position.
Sakuraba manages to reverse the position and now he's in Vinogradov's guard. Nice work there by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Vinogradov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB#
Vinogradov had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Sakuraba defends it easily.
Vinogradov is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Vinogradov is really struggling to control Sakuraba but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Vinogradov will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.#T3#
Vinogradov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Sakuraba postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.#SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Vinogradov keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Sakuraba got a little sloppy there for a moment and Vinogradov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sakuraba has managed to get both his arms back between Vinogradov's legs - danger averted.
Sakuraba working some strikes from top position.#SUB#
Vinogradov looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Sakuraba wants to pass the guard but Vinogradov is keeping the position.#T4##SUB#
Vinogradov looking for a triangle here. Sakuraba is fighting it but it looks tight! Vinogradov pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, Sakuraba is tapping out - this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:19 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Sergey Vinogradov!
Sergey Vinogradov seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: Highland 117
Date: Dec 10, 2021

#R1#
Finlayson scores with a body shot.
Finlayson just misses with a punch to the body.
And Sakuraba tries to counter it with a takedown but Finlayson pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Torhte Finlayson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A looping hook to the body misses from Finlayson. Sakuraba does a little dance to reset his feet.
Finlayson gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Finlayson connects with a body shot.
The fighters circling - Finlayson throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
We've been told by Finlayson's head coaches at Fist of Fury Training Center that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Finlayson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A little jabbing left from Sakuraba on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Finlayson misses the shot to the body.
Sakuraba slips under a jab.
Sakuraba swings away with a body shot that misses
and Finlayson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#T1#
Finlayson lands with a hook. Sakuraba tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Nice shot by Finlayson.
Finlayson scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Finlayson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Sakuraba moves away from the strike by Finlayson.
Sakuraba gets cracked there but stands up to it. #KD#
Finlayson sends Sakuraba crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Finlayson is motioning to the referee to let Sakuraba up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!#ROC#Sakuraba is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakuraba lands with a hook. Finlayson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head. #T2#
Finlayson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakuraba moves away.
It seemed like Sakuraba was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Torhte Finlayson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Finlayson on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Finlayson throws the left hand but Sakuraba avoids the punch easily.
Finlayson avoids the body shot from Sakuraba.
Finlayson throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakuraba changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Finlayson misses with a hook. Sakuraba ducked under it nicely.
Sakuraba looks to score with a jab to the body but Finlayson is just out of range.#T3#
Finlayson throws a body punch but Sakuraba moves out of range.
A countering left hand to the body from Sakuraba misses.
Sakuraba just misses with a punch to the body.
Finlayson misses with a body shot.
Sakuraba slips a jab from Finlayson.
Sakuraba let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Sakuraba throws a body shot but no joy.
Finlayson lands a body shot.
Sakuraba keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Finlayson takes a swing at Sakuraba's ribcage but misses. #T4#
Finlayson lands an overhand right.
Sakuraba ducks under a wild hook from Finlayson.
Finlayson throws a shot to the body.
Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Finlayson.
Sakuraba cracks a nice hook into Finlayson's ribs.
Finlayson sizes up Sakuraba with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle. #KD#
Finlayson feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Sakuraba sprawling to the canvas! Sakuraba rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Finlayson finish him?!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#KD#
Finlayson drops Sakuraba with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Sakuraba looks back up at him and smiles so Finlayson waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Torhte Finlayson dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Finlayson misses with a looping left.
A nice side step and Sakuraba releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Finlayson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakuraba sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakuraba rushes in with a sloppy looking punch #KD#
and Finlayson counters with a crisp right hand that drops Sakuraba! Finlayson lets Sakuraba back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
Sakuraba is still on wobbly legs! Can Finlayson finish him?
Finlayson connects with a single shot there.
Sakuraba bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sakuraba changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Sakuraba seems to have recovered his senses.
Sakuraba swings away with a body shot that misses #KD#
and Finlayson counters with a crisp right hand that drops Sakuraba! Finlayson lets Sakuraba back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakuraba defending well as Finlayson loads up on a big left hand.
Sakuraba doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Finlayson throws the left hand but Sakuraba avoids the punch easily.
A countering left hand to the body from Sakuraba misses.#T1#
Finlayson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Finlayson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sakuraba was well out of range. Poor timing from Finlayson.#KD#
Finlayson cracks Sakuraba with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Finlayson has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Sakuraba to stand back up!
Sakuraba scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.#KD#
Finlayson lands a big uppercut and Sakuraba crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Sakuraba looks OK. Finlayson waves Sakuraba back to his feet!
Sakuraba looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Finlayson takes a swing at Sakuraba's ribcage but misses.
Finlayson misses with an uppercut.
Sakuraba with the counter takedown but Finlayson avoids it easily.#T2#
Finlayson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakuraba manages to avoid it.
Sakuraba let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Finlayson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba needs to keep his hands up - Finlayson had a free shot at his head there.#KD#
Finlayson cracks Sakuraba with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Sakuraba looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Finlayson finish him?
Torhte Finlayson is winning the standup battle so far.
Finlayson lands a right hook to the body.
Sakuraba just misses with a punch to the body. #KD#
Finlayson cracks Sakuraba with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Sakuraba looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Finlayson finish him? #T3#
Finlayson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#KD#
Finlayson cracks Sakuraba with a big right hand that sends him crashing to the floor. Finlayson has the opportunity to follow him to the ground but instead he's beckoning Sakuraba to stand back up!
Sakuraba takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Sakuraba blocks a jab.
Finlayson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sakuraba was well out of range. Poor timing from Finlayson.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sakuraba! But no joy.
Finlayson digs a good body shot into Sakuraba's ribs.
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!#KD#
Finlayson cracks Sakuraba with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Sakuraba looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Finlayson finish him?
Sakuraba thuds a left hand into Finlayson's body.#T4#
Finlayson fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Sakuraba blocks a jab.#KD#
Finlayson cracks Sakuraba with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Sakuraba looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Finlayson finish him?
Finlayson fakes the body blow, causing Sakuraba to drop his hands! Left hook to the temple! Sakuraba goes stiff, and falls face first into the mat. Goodnight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:41 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Torhte Finlayson!
An out of breath Torhte Finlayson thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: Highland 113
Date: Nov 28, 2021

#R1#
Sakuraba lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Kostlov tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Sakuraba counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.#CUT2#It looks like Vitja Kostlov has been cut.
Kostlov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sakuraba counters with a nice body shot.
Sakuraba lands a big right hook! Kostlov looks hurt but is still standing! Sakuraba lands a left jab and another right hook! This time Kostlov falls down and Sakuraba dives in with a huge hammer fist! Kostlov's eyes roll back! The referee calls for the bell and Sakuraba runs up the cage to celebrate with his fans!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:29 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Hayato Sakuraba!
After winning the bout, Hayato Sakuraba thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

Event: Highland 97
Date: Oct 10, 2021

#R1#
Sakuraba shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Leonov defends it nicely.
The crowd cheers as Leonov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Sakuraba doesn't seem phased though.
Leonov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Leonov feints a jab promting Sakuraba to slip. Leonov then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Sakuraba slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Sakuraba throws a hook but Leonov blocks it.
Sakuraba misses with a hook. Leonov ducked under it nicely.
Sakuraba is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Leonov misses with a hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Leonov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sakuraba changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Leonov tries to avoid it but Sakuraba manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Leonov to the ground. Leonov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Leonov throws a counter combo.
Sakuraba gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Leonov tests Sakuraba's chin there with a solid looking shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Leonov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Sakuraba.#T1#
Sakuraba shoots for a takedown but Leonov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Leonov sprawls well. Leonov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Sakuraba gets slowly back to his feet.
Sakuraba takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Leonov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sakuraba attempts a counter takedown but Leonov avoids it well and moves away.#TD#
Sakuraba shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Sakuraba showed some decent athleticism there. #SUB#
Sakuraba seems to be working for a kimura but Leonov defends the submission attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Leonov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Sakuraba stalling. #T2#
Leonov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sakuraba.
Leonov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Sakuraba is working away from the top position though.
Sakuraba thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas. #ES2#
Leonov has one foot on Sakuraba's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
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!
Sakuraba takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Leonov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakuraba sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakuraba defending well as Leonov loads up on a big left hand.
Leonov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Leonov throws out a leg kick but Sakuraba moves out of range and Leonov only half commits.
Sakuraba throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Leonov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Leonov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Leonov walks into a left hand.
Leonov looks to throw the jab but Sakuraba is out of range.
Leonov lands with a straight right. Sakuraba didn't see that one coming.
Leonov slips a straight right by Sakuraba.#T3#
Sakuraba takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Leonov lands the left hand.
Good standup being displayed there by Leonov as he connects with a hook.
Sakuraba looks to throw the jab but Leonov is out of range.
Leonov throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Leonov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sakuraba.
Leonov misses with a looping left.
A jab from Sakuraba finds it's way through Leonov's defenses.
Nice jab there from Sakuraba.
No joy there for Leonov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Leonov looks to land a combination but Sakuraba avoids it well.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Leonov.
Leonov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sakuraba ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Leonov is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Sakuraba had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Leonov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Leonov slips under a jab from Sakuraba.#T4#
Leonov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakuraba moves away.
Sakuraba throws a right hand that Leonov ducks under and follows up with a left that Leonov also avoids with ease.
Sakuraba has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Leonov.
Leonov slips a jab from Sakuraba.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Leonov! But no joy.
Leonov dips to his left and cracks Sakuraba with an uppercut!
Leonov misses the shot to the body.
Sakuraba has a takedown stuffed.
Leonov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Leonov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Leonov lands with a hook. Sakuraba tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Sakuraba is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Sakuraba slips a jab and a cross from Leonov.
Leonov throws a big shot that misses.
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown but Leonov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Leonov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sakuraba with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Leonov to score with a decent uppercut.
Sakuraba shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Leonov defends it nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Leonov looks to land a right hand but Sakuraba moved out of range.
Leonov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sakuraba looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A swing and a miss from Leonov.
Leonov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Leonov throws the left hand but Sakuraba avoids the punch easily.
Sakuraba ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Leonov lands a lovely overhand right.
Sakuraba fails with a takedown attempt.#TD#
Leonov tries to sprawl but Sakuraba drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Leonov tries to roll over but Sakuraba keeps him under control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sakuraba slips a nice elbow through Leonov's hands, connecting with Leonov's forehead.
Sakuraba tries to pass the half guard into mount. Leonov knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt. #T1#
Leonov is looking to improve his position.
Well, if Sakuraba is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Leonov is trying to stand back up but Sakuraba is controlling him
Leonov is refusing to be controlled, as Sakuraba sits in half guard.
Leonov pushes Sakuraba off looking to stand but Sakuraba dives back in and keeps control.
Sakuraba is trying to control the action in half guard but Leonov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Leonov is trying to maintain the position but Sakuraba is very close to passing his half guard.
Sakuraba is looking to take a break and control but Leonov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Leonov is trying to control but can't.
Leonov won't allow Sakuraba to pass to mount. #T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Leonov tries to roll over but Sakuraba keeps him under control.
Sakuraba slips a nice elbow through Leonov's hands, connecting with Leonov's forehead.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Leonov can do anything to dispel that myth.#SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Leonov defends it well.
Leonov on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound. #ES2#
Leonov kicks Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.
Leonov slips under a jab.
Sakuraba misses the jab.
Leonov throws an overhand right that lands on Sakuraba's shoulder, as Sakuraba tries to avoid the shot.
Leonov throws a solid leg kick but Sakuraba takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Leonov.
Danga de danga de dang - Leonov scores with a four punch combination!
Leonov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Leonov works over Sakuraba's head and body with a nice combination.
Sakuraba throws a hook to the side of Leonov's head but Leonov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Leonov tests Sakuraba's chin there with a solid looking shot.#T3#
Sakuraba looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Sakuraba throws a looping overhand right but Leonov ducks down to avoid it.
Leonov lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Sakuraba dives in and grabs Leonov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Leonov pushes down on Sakuraba's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Leonov swinging wildly here.
Leonov with a hook.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Leonov scores with a nice strike.
Leonov throws an overhand right that lands on Sakuraba's shoulder, as Sakuraba tries to avoid the shot.
Leonov catches Sakuraba with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A low kick from Leonov is predictable there #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a takedown into side control.
Sakuraba works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakuraba lands an elbow.
Leonov is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Sakuraba is controlling him well.#SUB#
Sakuraba tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though. #T4#
Leonov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba scores with punches from side control.
Sakuraba working away.
Sakuraba scoring with punches from side control.
Leonov is trying to improve his position.
Sakuraba in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Leonov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Sakuraba has just dragged him back down to the mat.#SUB#
Sakuraba tries for a kimura but Leonov is defending well. #SUB#
Sakuraba working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!#R3#
Leonov misses with a straight left.
Sakuraba tests Leonov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sakuraba bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Leonov's head backwards.
Sakuraba takes one to the side of the head.
Sakuraba scores with a nice strike.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Leonov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakuraba sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakuraba takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A low kick from Leonov is predictable there #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Sakuraba.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sakuraba passes Leonov's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Sakuraba trying to control the action but Leonov is working from the bottom.
Leonov is trying to stand up here but Sakuraba is controlling him well.
Sakuraba is trying to control the action in half guard but Leonov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Leonov flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Leonov is looking to improve his position. #T1#
Leonov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sakuraba.
Ground and pound from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Leonov is looking for a sweep. Sakuraba is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.#ES2#
Leonov kicks Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.
Sakuraba takes one on the button.
A slow jab from Leonov misses its intended target.
Leonov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sakuraba walks into a left hand.
Leonov misses with a few strikes there.
Sakuraba moves away from the strike by Leonov.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Sakuraba slips a jab from Leonov.
Sakuraba is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight. #T2#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Leonov scores with a three punch combo!
Sakuraba displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Leonov throws out the jab.
Leonov cracks Sakuraba with an open hand slap.
Leonov slips a straight right by Sakuraba.
Leonov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Sakuraba attempts a counter takedown but Leonov avoids it well and moves away.
Sakuraba blocks a jab.
Nice jab there from Leonov.
Leonov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Leonov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Leonov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sakuraba.
A looping hook to the body misses from Leonov. Sakuraba does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sakuraba walks into a left hand.
Leonov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Leonov scores with a jab to the body.
Leonov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Sakuraba looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.#CL#
Sakuraba closes the distance and pushes Leonov back into the cage.#T3#
The referee calls for Leonov to work.
Leonov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Sakuraba has him pressed against the cage.
Nikolay Leonov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sakuraba jumps guard but Leonov stands there with Sakuraba around his waist. Sakuraba gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch. #BC2#
Leonov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Leonov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Sakuraba throws a jab when Leonov was well out of range.
Nice body punch from Leonov.
Leonov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Leonov! But no joy.
Leonov cracks Sakuraba with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Leonov misses the jab.
Sakuraba half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Leonov throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Leonov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sakuraba.
Leonov connects with a jab.
Leonov chopping away at his opponent's legs. #T4#
Sakuraba with a lazy takedown attempt
and Leonov counters with a straight right hand.
Leonov stuns Sakuraba with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Leonov misses with an uppercut.
Sakuraba scores with a crisp jab that stopped Leonov in his tracks.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Leonov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Sakuraba throws a jab but it's blocked by Leonov.
Leonov thumps Sakuraba with a low kick.
A swing and a miss from Leonov.
Nikolay Leonov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakuraba uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leonov.
A slow jab from Sakuraba misses its intended target.
A big right from Sakuraba misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Leonov scores with a hook.
Sakuraba connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Sakuraba takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Hayato Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leonov swats away the attempt to clinch by Sakuraba.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolay Leonov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Leonov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Sam Margolis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 27:30
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikolay Leonov!
Nikolay Leonov bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

Event: Highland 93
Date: Sep 22, 2021

#R1#
Veainu's jab looks to have found its range, popping Sakuraba under the eye.
Jab by Sakuraba.#TD#
Sakuraba closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Veainu to the mat! Veainu manages to get full guard.
Sakuraba postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Veainu is controlling Sakuraba's posture.
Veainu manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sakuraba manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Sakuraba manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Veainu manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Veainu can do anything to dispel that myth.
Sakuraba postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba is looking to work some ground and pound but Veainu has wrist control.
Veainu has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Veainu keeps moving.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing.
Veainu keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully.
Sakuraba in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time. #T1#
Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Veainu keeps moving.
Veainu seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Sakuraba scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Veainu controlling the position.
Sakuraba postures up in Veainu's guard and throws a big left but Veainu blocks it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Veainu trying to control the position here.
Veainu looking to control.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Veainu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Veainu is pulling down on Sakuraba's head to control his posture.
Sakuraba stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Veainu swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Sakuraba prevents Veainu from getting back to his feet.
Veainu seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now. #T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Sakuraba trying to control but Veainu is working from the bottom. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Sakuraba slips a jab from Veainu.
Veainu lands with a shot to the body.
Sakuraba misses with an uppercut
and Veainu counters with a nice uppercut.
Sakuraba shoots in but no luck this time.
Veainu throws out a counter right but Sakuraba avoids it with no problem.
Veainu swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakuraba looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Veainu looks like he wants to counter punch here.#TD#
Sakuraba feints and as Veainu raises his hands in defense, Sakuraba changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Sakuraba won't allow Veainu to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Veainu trying to control the position here.
Veainu keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully. #T3#
Sakuraba throwing strikes from guard but Veainu blocks nicely.
Veainu pulls Sakuraba in to control the position.
Veainu wants to stand and escape but Sakuraba is having none of it.
Sakuraba looking to pass the guard.
Veainu pulls Sakuraba in close to prevent any damage.
Sakuraba throws a big right hand that misses.
Veainu looking for a sweep. Not yet Veainu, not yet.
Sakuraba throws a big right hand that misses.
Veainu looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Sakuraba wants to pass the guard but Veainu is keeping the position.
Veainu has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Sakuraba lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.#T4#
Sakuraba preventing the sweep.
Veainu controlling the position.
Sakuraba postures up in Veainu's guard and throws a big left but Veainu blocks it.
Sakuraba looking to pass the guard.
Veainu is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move. #REVB#
Sakuraba wants to control but Veainu is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Sakuraba is looking to improve his position.
Sakuraba moves into full guard.
Veainu wants to stand but Sakuraba has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Veainu postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Hayato Sakuraba will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2##TD#
Sakuraba shoots in and bounces Veainu off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Sakuraba throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Veainu controlling the position.
Sakuraba missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sakuraba missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Sakuraba postures up in Veainu's guard and throws a big left but Veainu blocks it.
Veainu keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Sakuraba thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Sakuraba throws a big right hand that misses.
Veainu looking to hit a scissor sweep but Sakuraba is one step ahead there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Veainu trying to keep a closed guard but Sakuraba is proving a slippery customer.
Veainu keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully. #SUB#
Sakuraba thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position. #T1#
Sakuraba is fighting to break Veainu's control of his arms but Veainu is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Veainu wants to stand up but Sakuraba is controlling him.
Hayato Sakuraba overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Veainu pulls Sakuraba in close to prevent any damage.
Veainu keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Sakuraba throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Veainu works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Veainu wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Sakuraba preventing the sweep.
Veainu wants to stand but Sakuraba is controlling the position. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Sakuraba throws a looping overhand right but Veainu ducks down to avoid it.
Veainu feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Sakurabas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Sakuraba steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Veainu.#T2#
Sakuraba takes one on the button.
Veainu throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
Veainu misses with a looping right.
A swing and a miss from Veainu.
A swing and a miss from Veainu.
Sakuraba feinted with a counter takedown.
Sakuraba displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Veainu throws out the jab.
Veainu might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Sakuraba misses with a hook.
Veainu throws a shot from downtown. Sakuraba moves away and avoids it.
Siale Veainu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakuraba throws an overhand right that lands on Veainu's shoulder, as Veainu tries to avoid the shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Veainu! But no joy.
Veainu avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Veainu lands an overhand right.
Veainu missing with a left hand there. Sakuraba was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one. #T3#
Sakuraba closes the distance and clinches up with Veainu, looking for a takedown. Sakuraba pushes Veainu against the cage but Veainu circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Veainu let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Veainu throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Veainu is quick to defend against it.
Sakuraba looks for a takedown but Veainu sprawls well.
Veainu loads up on a big right hand but Sakuraba slips the punch.
Jab by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba tries to clinch but Veainu is having none of it.
A swing and a miss from Sakuraba.
Veainu looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Sakuraba misses with a takedown #KD2#
and Veainu counters with a nice right hand that sends Sakuraba toppling to the canvas! Sakuraba scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Veainu finish him?!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A big left from Veainu misses.
Sakuraba half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.#T4#
The fight stays on the outside here - Sakuraba looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Sakuraba throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Veainu's waist but Veainu gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sakuraba off to one side.
Veainu looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Veainu has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sakuraba tries to close the distance and clinch up but Veainu swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Veainu throws out a counter right but Sakuraba avoids it with no problem.
Sakuraba with a jab.
Sakuraba swings widly with a right hand
and Veainu counters with a right hand to the body.
Siale Veainu seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Veainu throws an overhand right that lands on Sakuraba's shoulder, as Sakuraba tries to avoid the shot.
Sakuraba throws an off balance right hand #KD2#
and Veainu counters with a nice right hand that sends Sakuraba toppling to the canvas! Sakuraba scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Veainu finish him?!#ROC2#Sakuraba is rocked!
Veainu pounces like a tiger and cracks Sakuraba with a vicious hook! Sakuraba is down but not out! Veainu follows up with more strikes forcing the ref to jump in and stop it!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:48 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Siale Veainu!

Event: The Island Season 12, 185 lbs, Round 2
Date: Aug 23, 2021

#R1#
Koppia throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sakuraba throws out a loose jab but Koppia uses good head movement to avoid it.
Koppia doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Ottaa Koppia seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sakuraba has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Koppia finds it's way round the side to connect with Sakuraba's head.
Koppia takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Koppia pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Koppia looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Koppia lands an overhand right.
A decent looking cross lands there for Koppia.
Koppia throws a looping overhand right but Sakuraba ducks down to avoid it.
Sakuraba looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
The fighters circling - Koppia throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sakuraba half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Koppia ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Sakuraba misses with a hook.
Koppia connects with a body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Koppia misses with a left hand #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a shoot takedown. Koppia fights it but they end up in guard.
Sakuraba scoring with some ground and pound.
Sakuraba in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Koppia keeps moving. #T1#
Sakuraba working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sakuraba landing with the ground and pound.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Koppia can do anything to dispel that myth.
Sakuraba throwing strikes from guard but Koppia blocks nicely.
Koppia wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Sakuraba trying to control but Koppia is working from the bottom.
Sakuraba has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Sakuraba with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Koppia controls Sakuraba momentarily but Sakuraba frees himself.
Sakuraba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Koppia is keeping the position for now. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Koppia utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Sakuraba throws a big right hand that misses.
Koppia trying to control the position. #SUB#
Sakuraba thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Sakuraba working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Sakuraba working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Sakuraba trying to control but Koppia is working from the bottom.
Sakuraba postures up in Koppia's guard and throws a big left but Koppia blocks it.
Sakuraba postures up in Koppia's guard and throws a big left but Koppia blocks it.
Sakuraba lands a couple of elbows.
Koppia really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sakuraba. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.#T3#
Sakuraba postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sakuraba throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Koppia works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Koppia pulls Sakuraba in to control the position.
Sakuraba throws a strike but Koppia rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVB#
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Koppia wanted to stand there but Sakuraba had control of the position. #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a triangle but Koppia pushes his legs off easily.
Koppia's corner is telling him to maintain position.#SUB#
Sakuraba has his foot on Koppia's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Koppia works his way back into a safe position though.
Sakuraba lands with a heel strike from the guard.
Sakuraba is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#SU2#
Koppia stands and steps away. Sakuraba gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game. #TD#
Koppia gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.#T4#
Sakuraba trying to control but Koppia is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sakuraba accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sakuraba works over Koppia with some ground and pound from guard.
Sakuraba trying to control the position from guard on top but Koppia is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing.
Sakuraba throws a big elbow that misses.
Sakuraba missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Good shot there by Koppia.
Koppia is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Sakuraba throws a hook but Koppia blocks it.
Koppia tries to move into range but Sakuraba moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Koppia swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakuraba doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Koppia cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ottaa Koppia seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Koppia throws a looping overhand right but Sakuraba ducks down to avoid it.
Sakuraba slips a jab from Koppia.
Sakuraba sizes up Koppia with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice takedown defense from Koppia. No joy for Sakuraba on that attempt.
Koppia throws a counter combo.
Koppia moves out of range of the strikes.
Nice sprawl there from Koppia as Sakuraba shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.#KD2#
Koppia lands a big uppercut and Sakuraba crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Sakuraba looks OK. Koppia waves Sakuraba back to his feet!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.#KD2#
Koppia feints and then winds up with a huge right hand that connects perfectly and sends Sakuraba sprawling to the canvas! Sakuraba rolls over backwards and springs off the cage and manages to regain his footing - how acrobatic! Oh, he's still wobbly - can Koppia finish him?! #ROC2#Sakuraba is rocked!#T1##TD#
Sakuraba drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Oh Sakuraba is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Koppia takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Hayato Sakuraba overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.#SUB#
Sakuraba swings around for an armbar but Koppia sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba seems to have got his legs back now.
Koppia looking to pass the guard. #SUB#
Sakuraba looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Koppia looking to pass the guard.
Sakuraba is trying to control the position but Koppia postures up. #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a triangle but Koppia pushes his legs off easily. #SUB#
Sakuraba looking for a guillotine here but Koppia defends easily. #SUB#
Sakuraba looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar. #T2#
Koppia slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Koppia wants to stand and escape but instead Sakuraba has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard. #REVR#
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakuraba throwing strikes from guard but Koppia blocks nicely.
Sakuraba trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sakuraba throwing strikes from guard but Koppia blocks nicely.
Koppia is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Sakuraba passes Koppia's left leg - he's now in half guard. #T3#
Sakuraba missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Koppia keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Koppia blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Sakuraba not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Koppia tries to roll over but Sakuraba keeps him under control.
Sakuraba throwing shots but Koppia is blocking nicely.
Sakuraba drops an elbow to the side of Koppia's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sakuraba missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Ground and pound from Sakuraba. #T4#
Koppia blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sakuraba.
Koppia keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Koppia keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Sakuraba throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage. #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Koppia tries to get to full guard but Sakuraba has control of the leg.
Koppia blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba is looking to take a break and control but Koppia is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sakuraba is looking to stall here but Koppia recovers full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ottaa Koppia showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.#R3#
Sakuraba scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Koppia looks to land a left hand but Sakuraba moved out of range nicely.
Sakuraba looks to land a right hand but Koppia moved out of range.
Koppia takes a swing at Sakuraba's ribcage but misses.
Sakuraba throws a jab but it's blocked by Koppia.
Koppia throws a looping overhand right but Sakuraba ducks down to avoid it.
Sakuraba shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Koppia counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown but Koppia sprawls well. He's pushed Sakuraba's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Koppia looks to throw the jab but Sakuraba is out of range.
A big left from Sakuraba misses.
Koppia throws a body punch but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Koppia misses with a looping right.#T1#
Sakuraba moves out of range as Koppia strikes.
Koppia throws a hook but Sakuraba avoids it easily.
Sakuraba throws a combination that misses
and Koppia counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sakuraba slips under a jab from Koppia.
Sakuraba shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Koppia pinned against the cage. Koppia gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Left hook, right uppercut from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba slips a jab from Koppia.
Koppia throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakuraba sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Koppia sprawls and moves away.
Koppia throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Koppia throws a body shot but no joy.
Sakuraba is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.#T2#
Sakuraba throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Koppia takes a swing at Sakuraba's ribcage but misses.
Koppia connects with a good right hand that stumbles Sakuraba. Sakuraba circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sakuraba misses with a wild combination.
Sakuraba dives in and grabs Koppia's left leg, looking for a takedown. Koppia pushes down on Sakuraba's head and hops out.
Sakuraba drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Koppia connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
A slow jab from Koppia misses its intended target.
Koppia throws a right and a left that both miss.
Sakuraba tries to move into range but Koppia moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Koppia fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakuraba manages to avoid it.
Sakuraba misses with a hook. Koppia ducked under it nicely. #T3##TD#
Sakuraba shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Koppia manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Sakuraba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Koppia is keeping the position for now.
Koppia looking to control.
Sakuraba lands a couple of elbows.
Sakuraba looking to sit in guard and control but Koppia gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVB##SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a triangle but Koppia pushes his legs off easily. #SUB#
Sakuraba looking for a guillotine here but Koppia defends easily.
Koppia preventing the sweep. #T4#
Koppia wants to get up but he can't break Sakuraba's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here. #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Koppia defends well.#SUB#
Sakuraba escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Koppia gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance. #SU2#
Sakuraba is working an open guard so Koppia takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Sakuraba shoots in but no luck this time.
Sakuraba lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Koppia throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sakuraba displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Koppia throws out the jab.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Koppia is quick to defend against it.
Koppia ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakuraba moves away.
Ottaa Koppia is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Koppia tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sakuraba was well out of range. Poor timing from Koppia.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Koppia is quick to defend against it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ottaa Koppia comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Koppia 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 Peter Branson scores the fight for Ottaa Koppia!
Judge David Hoff scores the fight for Ottaa Koppia!
Judge Bart Greer scores the fight for Ottaa Koppia!

Ottaa Koppia wins by unanimous decision!

Event: The Island Season 12, 185 lbs, Round 1
Date: Aug 22, 2021

#R1#
A low kick from Soyan is predictable there #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a shoot takedown. Soyan fights it but they end up in guard. #SUB2#
Soyan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Sakuraba defends well.
Sakuraba scoring with some ground and pound.
Sakuraba postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Sakuraba has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Sakuraba controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Sakuraba might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Sakuraba is pushing down on Soyan's leg trying to pass to half guard. Soyan is fighting to maintain full guard but Sakuraba has managed to sneak the leg through.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sakuraba with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba wants to take a breather but Soyan is having none of it. #SUB#
Soyan is defending against the submission attempts here by Sakuraba.
Soyan won't allow Sakuraba to pass to mount. #T1#
Sakuraba moves into full mount! Soyan won't be happy about that!
Soyan tries to hold on but Sakuraba postures up.
Sakuraba has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.#SUB#
Sakuraba working for a submission but Soyan is keeping him at bay. #SUB#
Sakuraba jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Soyan is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Soyan and Sakuraba has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Soyan struggling a bit here.#SUB#
Sakuraba is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Soyan is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T2#
Soyan takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Sakuraba scoring with punches and elbows.
Sakuraba lands an elbow.
Soyan is looking to regain half guard here but Sakuraba keeps moving and retains side control.
Sakuraba working the ground and pound from side control.
Soyan is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Soyan keeps trying to improve his position.
Sakuraba controlling the position. #T3##SUB#
Sakuraba working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Soyan tries to bench press Sakuraba off him but Sakuraba keeps the position.
Sakuraba has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Sakuraba content just to control the position here.
Sakuraba lands with some strikes.#CUT#It looks like Kunle Soyan has been cut.
Sakuraba cracks Soyan with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Soyan wants to control but Sakuraba is having none of it.#T4#
Sakuraba breaks from Soyan's wrist control and lands an elbow. #SUB#
Sakuraba is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Soyan is surviving well by controlling Sakuraba's body position as best he can.
Soyan is trying to escape the mount. #SUB#
Sakuraba goes for an armbar but Soyan turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Soyan.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sakuraba has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Soyan has passed into side control.
Sakuraba manages to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Sakuraba manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Soyan manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kunle Soyan's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!#R2#
Soyan scores with a push kick.
Sakuraba keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Soyan throws a body kick, spinning off balance#TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Soyan! #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Soyan knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Soyan wants to control but Sakuraba postures up.#SUB#
Sakuraba thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soyan takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Sakuraba lands an elbow. #T1#
Sakuraba is working Soyan over with some ground and pound from side control.
Hayato Sakuraba overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Soyan is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Soyan is trying to work for a sweep but Sakuraba has mounted him!#SUB#
Sakuraba goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Soyan is on top in guard.
Sakuraba pulls Soyan in to control the position.
Soyan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Soyan must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.#SUB#
Sakuraba has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Soyan should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Sakuraba has tightened it up now! Soyan should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Hayato Sakuraba!

Event: Highland 87
Date: Aug 13, 2021

#R1##TD#
Barbosa gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Sakuraba scoring with punches to the head and body.
Sakuraba looking to sit in guard and control but Barbosa gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVB#
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Barbosa postures up.
Barbosa forces his way into half guard.
Barbosa is looking to take a break and control but Sakuraba is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #SUB2#
Barbosa wants to work for an arm triangle but Sakuraba is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Sakuraba moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB2#
Barbosa thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Barbosa won't allow Sakuraba to sweep him here.
Sakuraba keeping moving, preventing Barbosa from controlling successfully. #T1#
Barbosa is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Sakuraba manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Barbosa manages to get himself to full guard. #REVR#
Barbosa wants to sweep but no luck.
Sakuraba works over Barbosa with some ground and pound from guard.
Sakuraba throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent. #SUB2#
Barbosa is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Sakuraba frees his head nicely. Oh but Barbosa has switched to an armbar! Sakuraba is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Lucas Barbosa! Lucas Barbosa retains his middleweight title!

Event: Highland 82
Date: Jul 23, 2021

#R1#
Sakuraba waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kivi.
Kivi slaps away a takedown attempt from Sakuraba, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kivi swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kivi throws a jab when Sakuraba was well out of range.
Kivi stuffs the takedown.
Sakuraba has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Sakuraba there as he acknowledges the shot.
Sakuraba misses with a hook. Kivi ducked under it nicely.
Sakuraba tries to move into range but Kivi moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Sakuraba looks to land a left hand but Kivi moved out of range nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba fails to land with a series of punches.
Sakuraba has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kivi finds it's way round the side to connect with Sakuraba's head.
Sakuraba shoots in looking for a takedown. Kivi tries to sprawl out of it but Sakuraba keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kivi manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kivi swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Keke Kivi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hayato Sakuraba.#T1#
Sakuraba's corner calls for a 1-2. Sakuraba obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Sakuraba fails with a takedown attempt.
Kivi uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sakuraba.
Kivi clobbers Sakuraba with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Sakuraba fails to land the takedown.
Keke Kivi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakuraba takes a jab right on the kisser.
Kivi throws a jab when Sakuraba was well out of range.
Kivi swings for the body but Sakuraba moves out of range. #T2#
Kivi moves out of range of the strikes.
Kivi slips a straight right by Sakuraba.
Kivi lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Sakuraba misses with an uppercut. Kivi saw that one coming.
Kivi is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
A left lands for Kivi.
Nice body punch from Kivi.
Kivi scores with a crisp jab that stopped Sakuraba in his tracks.
Sakuraba is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sakuraba looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Kivi lands with a cross.
Kivi connects with a looping right hand.
Sakuraba gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Kivi counters with a left to the body.
Kivi jabs Sakuraba right on the nose. Sakuraba blinks but takes it well.#KD#
Kivi sends Sakuraba crashing to the mat with a devastating uppercut! Kivi is motioning to the referee to let Sakuraba up. He wants to try and finish this one on the feet!#ROC#Sakuraba is rocked!
Kivi throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sakuraba is still on wobbly legs! Can Kivi finish him?#T3#
Sakuraba takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Sakuraba moves away from the strike by Kivi.
Sakuraba seems to have recovered his senses.
Nice shot lands for Kivi.
The fighters circle momentarily. Sakuraba darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kivi feints with a left and delivers a massive head kick! Sakuraba collapses like a ragdoll! Game over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Keke Kivi!
Keke Kivi is the new middleweight champion!
Our winner, Keke Kivi, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

Event: Highland 75
Date: Jul 07, 2021

#R1#
McKay's corner calls for a 1-2. McKay obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Sakuraba ducks right into an uppercut from McKay.
McKay wants to clinch#TD2#
so Sakuraba counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Sakuraba with a nice head shot there.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sakuraba accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sakuraba pushing down on McKay's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McKay avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba throwing shots but McKay is blocking nicely.
McKay on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if McKay tries to get out of the position.
Sakuraba tries to pass to full mount but McKay defends it.
Sakuraba thows a huge punch but McKay dodges it nicely.
Sakuraba looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Sakuraba seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but McKay does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back. #T1#
McKay wants to get back to full guard.
Sakuraba is keen to just control but McKay is a slippery customer.
Sakuraba missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Sakuraba not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Sakuraba passes to full mount!
Sakuraba throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for McKay because Sakuraba loaded up on that one.
Sakuraba cracks McKay with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Sakuraba landing punches.
Sakuraba working away from the top, dropping strikes.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Sakuraba cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers! #SUB2#
Sakuraba is working close to his opponent, looking to work a submission by the looks of things. Oh, he's managed to get a guillotine from mount as his opponent reached up! That looks tiiiiight! Will he tap? YES, he's tapped! Impressive submission by Sakuraba!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Hayato Sakuraba!
Hayato Sakuraba is the new middleweight champion!

Event: Highland 66
Date: Jun 18, 2021

#R1#
Turner thows a leg kick but Sakuraba checks it #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a takedown into side control.
Sakuraba throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Sakuraba working the ground and pound but Turner is defending the strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#SUB#
Sakuraba is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Turner is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now. #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Turner has escaped the position, nice work there.
Sakuraba moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing, from side control. #T1#
Sakuraba works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Sakuraba has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Turner can do anything to dispel that myth.
Sakuraba misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Sakuraba working the head with strikes.
Sakuraba in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Turner is not content to let Sakuraba control the position. #SUB#
Sakuraba wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Turner, who protects the arm well.
Sakuraba creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Turner sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Sakuraba working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter. #T2#
Sakuraba misses with an attempted head punch from side control. #SUB#
Sakuraba is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Turner is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Sakuraba tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Sakuraba tries to score with some ground and pound. Turner controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Sakuraba looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Turner is avoiding damage well. #SUB#
Sakuraba is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Turner knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Sakuraba working the ground and pound but Turner is defending the strikes. #T3#
Sakuraba wants to lay and pray for a moment but Turner keeps working.
Turner is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Sakuraba is controlling him well.
Turner dodges the ground and pound from Sakuraba.
Turner takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.#SUB#
Sakuraba swings around for an armbar but Turner sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Sakuraba's guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Sakuraba is on top in guard. #REVR#
Sakuraba postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sakuraba working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sakuraba trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sakuraba wants to pass the guard but Turner is keeping the position.
Sakuraba throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Turner works some decent striking defense from the bottom. #T4#
Sakuraba lands a couple of elbows.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sakuraba accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sakuraba in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sakuraba throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Turner works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Sakuraba with a flurry of punches that miss.
Sakuraba controls from within his opponent's guard.
Sakuraba won't allow Turner to get back to his feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sakuraba sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Turner's guard.
Sakuraba keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Turner lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Sakuraba has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Sakuraba and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Turner is quick to defend against it.
Turner misses with a combination #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a shoot takedown. Turner fights it but they end up in guard.
Sakuraba lands a couple of digs.
Sakuraba is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact. #SUB#
Sakuraba drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Sakuraba jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Sakuraba working some strikes from top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing. #T1#
Sakuraba stands up over Turner, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Sakuraba with a nice head shot there.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Sakuraba's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Sakuraba content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Sakuraba working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Sakuraba working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Hayato Sakuraba overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Sakuraba is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Turner is breathing heavily.
Sakuraba slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.#T2#
Sakuraba throws a strike aimed at the side of Turner's head but Turner avoids it well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Sakuraba tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Sakuraba sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Turner is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Sakuraba misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Sakuraba creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Turner sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Sakuraba is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Turner can do to turn this around?#SUB#
Sakuraba has an Americana. Turner didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Sakuraba is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Sakuraba hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Hayato Sakuraba!
In defeat, Sir Turner stepped up to the mic, saying 'Fuck that nigga'.

Event: Highland 52
Date: May 26, 2021

#R1#
Williams connects with a body shot that sends Sakuraba's belly button to the back.
Williams throws a body punch but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Williams sprawls and moves away.
Sakuraba displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Williams.
Sakuraba changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Sakuraba bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sakuraba appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Sakuraba uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Williams.
Sakuraba half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Sakuraba keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sakuraba appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Williams swings away with a body shot that misses #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Williams!
Sakuraba trying to control the action but Williams is working from the bottom.
Sakuraba has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Williams tries to bench press Sakuraba off him but Sakuraba keeps the position. #T1#
Sakuraba creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Williams sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Williams dodges the ground and pound from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba cracks Williams with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Sakuraba controlling from side mount.
Sakuraba working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Williams prevents Sakuraba from moving into mount.
Sakuraba grinds an elbow into Williams's temple.
Sakuraba working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Sakuraba throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
The strikes coming from Sakuraba are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Williams is trying to get back to half guard.#T2#
Sakuraba working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Sakuraba in side control lands a decent elbow.
Williams is looking to reverse the position.
Sakuraba is chipping away with strikes.
Williams taking a bit of punishment here - Sakuraba scoring with strikes.
Sakuraba wants to control but Williams is keeping him busy.
Sakuraba works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!#SUB#
Sakuraba thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead. #SUB#
Sakuraba wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Williams, who protects the arm well. #T3#
Williams gets back to half guard.
Sakuraba trying to control from Williams's half guard. Williams has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Sakuraba is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Sakuraba passes Williams's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Williams on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Sakuraba looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Williams with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Sakuraba working over Williams with some ground and pound. Williams looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.#ROC#Williams is rocked!
Sakuraba seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Williams is still in real trouble! Can Sakuraba finish him?#T4##SUB#
Sakuraba is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Williams is just riding it out for now. Sakuraba eventually gives up the hold.
Sakuraba takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Sakuraba lands a big elbow from half guard. That looks like it's hurt Williams quite badly. Williams pulls Sakuraba in close trying to recover. Sakuraba postures up and lands two really hard shots that put Williams on queer street! The ref takes a look and decides to call an end to the fight! Possibly an early stoppage but Williams doesn't seem to be complaining too much.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Hayato Sakuraba!

Event: Highland 43
Date: May 13, 2021

#R1#
Hansen scores with a jab. Sakuraba acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Hansen connects with a solid leg kick.
Hansen throws a push kick but Sakuraba slaps the foot to one side.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Hansen is quick to defend against it.
We've been hearing reports that Sakuraba has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Hansen tries a head kick but it misses.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Hansen sprawls and moves away.
A slapping body kick lands there for Hansen.
A low kick lands for Hansen.
Hansen is looking to clinch but Sakuraba is avoiding it.
Hansen fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Sakuraba.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A lazy body kick from Hansen #TD#
and Sakuraba counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hansen is looking to escape.
Hansen trying to hold on to Sakuraba's head to control him but Sakuraba postures up.
Sakuraba is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound. #T1#
Sakuraba landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Sakuraba lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Hansen can do anything to dispel that myth.#SUB#
Sakuraba is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Sakuraba working the head and body with strikes.
Sakuraba content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sakuraba is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Sakuraba working over Hansen with some ground and pound. Hansen looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Sakuraba prevents Hansen from improving his position.#SUB#
Sakuraba is trying for a kimura here. Hansen looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Sakuraba wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Hayato Sakuraba!

Event: Highland 27
Date: Apr 21, 2021

#R1#
Sakuraba scores with a jab.
Sakuraba looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.#CL2#
Ulibarri closes the distance and pushes Sakuraba back into the cage.
Ulibarri tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sakuraba's elbow.
Ulibarri can't find room to land a body shot as Sakuraba controls the action.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sakuraba.
Ulibarri misses with some punches.
Sakuraba wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ulibarri has him pressed against the cage.
Sakuraba has had enough of the clinch but Ulibarri keeps him there for the moment.
Ulibarri fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sakuraba is trying to push Ulibarri away but Ulibarri has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Sakuraba throws a head punch that misses. #BC#
Sakuraba 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.
Sakuraba dips to his left and cracks Ulibarri with an uppercut!
Ulibarri tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Sakuraba manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Sakuraba lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Ulibarri backs up against the cage.
Sakuraba throws a series of strikes that have Ulibarri backpedaling.
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!
Sakuraba uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.#CL2#
Ulibarri rushes Sakuraba and presses him up against the cage.#T1#
Ulibarri can't find room to land a body shot as Sakuraba controls the action.
Ulibarri tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Sakuraba blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ulibarri has a couple of punches blocked by Sakuraba.
Ulibarri throws a punch but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
Ulibarri swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ulibarri's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Sakuraba working aggressively here.
Ulibarri misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Ulibarri fails to land.
Ulibarri misses with a body punch.
Ulibarri swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakuraba just leaning against Ulibarri, taking a breather.
Sakuraba swings away with an uppercut that misses. #T2#
Ulibarri tries a body shot but Sakuraba blocks it.
Sakuraba throws a head punch that misses.
Ulibarri misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sakuraba swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sakuraba misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sakuraba prevents a body shot from Ulibarri.
Ulibarri misses with some punches.
Ulibarri prevents Sakuraba from breaking the clinch.
Sakuraba is looking to break free of the clinch but Ulibarri has double underhooks.
Sakuraba pushes Ulibarri back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sakuraba lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Ulibarri working aggressively here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sakuraba wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Ulibarri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ulibarri tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked. #T3#
Ulibarri throws a punch but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
Ulibarri fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sakuraba tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. #BC#
Sakuraba pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ulibarri bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ulibarri tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sakuraba swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ulibarri bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sakuraba lands a glancing blow to the side of Ulibarri's head.
Ulibarri throws a hook but Sakuraba avoids it easily.
Sakuraba went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Sakuraba lands a head shot.
Ulibarri tries to clinch but Sakuraba is having none of it. #CL2#
Ulibarri has managed to clinch.
Sakuraba wants to break free but Ulibarri has control.
Ulibarri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ulibarri tries a body shot but Sakuraba blocks it.
Sakuraba has had enough of the clinch but Ulibarri keeps him there for the moment.#T4#
Ulibarri misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ulibarri tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sakuraba's elbow.
Ulibarri fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sakuraba is trying to push Ulibarri away but Ulibarri has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Ulibarri misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ulibarri misses with a body punch.
Sakuraba blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ulibarri is pushing Sakuraba up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Sakuraba blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ulibarri tries to throw a body punch but Sakuraba avoids it by throwing Ulibarri back against the cage.
Sakuraba throws a punch but it's blocked by Ulibarri.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sakuraba blocking some punches. #BC#
Sakuraba manages to break the clinch.
Ulibarri tries to clinch up.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakuraba misses the target.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.#R2#
Ulibarri takes one on the button.
Hayato Sakuraba seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#CL2#
Ulibarri clinches up with Sakuraba and pushes him back against the cage.
Ulibarri content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Sakuraba blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sakuraba lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Ulibarri backwards.
Ulibarri tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Zach Ulibarri seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Ulibarri misses with a punch to the body.
Ulibarri swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakuraba looking to stall.
Sakuraba softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ulibarri misses with some punches.
Ulibarri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ulibarri misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ulibarri struggles to land a body shot inside as Sakuraba controls his hands. #T1#
Sakuraba wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sakuraba stalling in the clinch but Ulibarri improves position.
Ulibarri can't find room to land a body shot as Sakuraba controls the action.
Ulibarri can't find room to land a body shot as Sakuraba controls the action.
Ulibarri stalling.
Ulibarri is struggling to control the position.
Ulibarri throws a punch but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba wants to break free but Ulibarri has control.
Ulibarri misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ulibarri misses with a punch to the body.
Sakuraba is trying to break free.
Sakuraba wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sakuraba wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sakuraba is struggling to control the position.
Ulibarri doesn't land with the attempted body shot. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Ulibarri stalling in the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Ulibarri fails to land.
Sakuraba blocks a body shot from Ulibarri. #BC#
Sakuraba breaks from the clinch.
Ulibarri on the wrong end of a nice jab.
A big left from Sakuraba misses.
Ulibarri wants to counter the offense by Sakuraba and move into the clinch position.
Ulibarri is looking to clinch but Sakuraba is avoiding it. #CL2#
Ulibarri has closed the distance and engaged Sakuraba in a clinch.
Sakuraba wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ulibarri has him pressed against the cage.
Ulibarri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ulibarri avoiding damage.
Ulibarri throws a punch but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba working aggressively here. #T3#
Ulibarri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Sakuraba blocks a body shot from Ulibarri.
Sakuraba stalling against the cage.
Sakuraba throws a head punch that misses. #BC#
Sakuraba breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Sakuraba lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Some wild striking there from Sakuraba.
Ulibarri looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Sakuraba misses with a straight right. #CL2#
Ulibarri gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Ulibarri misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Ulibarri fails to land.
Ulibarri goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Ulibarri swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ulibarri tries to work over Sakuraba's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target. #T4#
Ulibarri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ulibarri misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Sakuraba blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba is trying to break the clinch but Ulibarri is controlling him.
Ulibarri fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Sakuraba prevents a body shot from Ulibarri.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sakuraba.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ulibarri throws a punch but it's blocked by Sakuraba.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sakuraba.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ulibarri has a couple of punches blocked by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ulibarri has him pressed against the cage.
Ulibarri is struggling to control the position.
Sakuraba lands with a right to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Zach Ulibarri will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!#R3#
A jab lands there for Sakuraba.
Ulibarri walks into a straight right hand from Sakuraba.#CL2#
Ulibarri rushes Sakuraba and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Sakuraba wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ulibarri has him pressed against the cage.
Sakuraba stalling.
Sakuraba tries to break free but Ulibarri pushes him back against the cage.
Sakuraba is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Ulibarri is keeping busy.
Sakuraba trying to stall but Ulibarri improves his position.
Ulibarri swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Sakuraba is trying to stall.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ulibarri doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Ulibarri misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ulibarri lands with a light punch inside.
Ulibarri keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Sakuraba's efforts to push away.#T1#
Ulibarri misses with a hook from the clinch.
Sakuraba blocking some punches.
Ulibarri misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ulibarri tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sakuraba's elbow.
Ulibarri taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Ulibarri has a couple of punches blocked by Sakuraba.
Ulibarri blocks an uppercut.
Sakuraba blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ulibarri misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ulibarri misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ulibarri misses with a punch on the inside.
Sakuraba blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ulibarri tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sakuraba's elbow.
Sakuraba looking to stall. #T2#
Ulibarri tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sakuraba has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Ulibarri tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sakuraba tries to break the clinch but Ulibarri is controlling the position.
Sakuraba stalling in the clinch but Ulibarri improves position. #BC#
Sakuraba pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#CL2#
Ulibarri has taken the fight to the clinch.
Sakuraba wants to get back to striking at distance but Ulibarri won't allow it.
Sakuraba is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Ulibarri can't find room to land a body shot as Sakuraba controls the action.
Ulibarri struggles to land a body shot inside as Sakuraba controls his hands.
Ulibarri misses with a shot to the kidneys. #BC#
Sakuraba escapes the clinch and we're back to striking. #CL2#
Ulibarri gets a clinch. #T3#
A quick uppercut on the inside from Ulibarri.
Sakuraba being controlled against the cage.
A short right from Sakuraba on the inside.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Sakuraba blocks a body shot from Ulibarri.
Sakuraba wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ulibarri has him pressed against the cage.
Sakuraba blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sakuraba looking to stall.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sakuraba.
Ulibarri misses with a punch to the body.
Ulibarri misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ulibarri fails to land with a short punch on the inside. #T4#
Ulibarri misses with some punches.
Ulibarri swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ulibarri.
Ulibarri's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Ulibarri's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.#BC#
Sakuraba breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#CL2#
Ulibarri instigates a clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.#BC#
Sakuraba breaks the clinch.
Ulibarri tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sakuraba paws at him with a jab and circles away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Zach Ulibarri comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Ulibarri 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 Peter Branson scores the fight 28:29
Judge David Hoff scores the fight 29:29
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Zach Ulibarri!

Event: Highland 15
Date: Mar 31, 2021

#R1#
Holmes fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Sakuraba lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Holmes tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Sakuraba throws a right and a left that both miss.
Sakuraba throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Holmes ducks under a wild hook from Sakuraba.
Holmes changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Holmes shoots in looking for a takedown. Sakuraba tries to sprawl out of it but Holmes keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Sakuraba manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Sakuraba throws a jab when Holmes was well out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Holmes fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Sakuraba is looking to counter punch.
Hayato Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hector Holmes.
A lazy left from Sakuraba finds it's target.#T1#
Sakuraba throws a series of punches but Holmes avoids them all with ease.
Holmes slips a straight right by Sakuraba.
Sakuraba swings widly with a right hand #TD2#
and Holmes counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Sakuraba!
Sakuraba controls the position for a moment.#SUB2#
Holmes is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Sakuraba has escaped the position, nice work there. #SUB2#
Holmes tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Sakuraba definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sakuraba can't do much from the bottom here.
Holmes trying to control the position but Sakuraba is working away. #T2##SUB2#
Holmes is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Sakuraba is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now. #SUB2#
Holmes tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Holmes has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sakuraba is looking to reverse the position.
Sakuraba is working hard here to advance position.
Holmes looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.#SUB2#
Holmes is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Sakuraba knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Sakuraba holding on.
Sakuraba struggling a bit here.#T3#
Sakuraba sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba gets full guard.
Sakuraba might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Holmes missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Holmes stops Sakuraba from standing up.
Sakuraba striking off his back but it's not causing Holmes any problems. #SUB#
Sakuraba is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Holmes preventing the sweep.
Sakuraba keeping full guard, as Holmes tries to pass. #SUB2#
Holmes drops back looking for a leg! Sakuraba is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Sakuraba manages to kick Holmes off! Holmes jumps back into Sakuraba's guard.
Sakuraba knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Holmes on the ground.
Sakuraba keeping moving, preventing Holmes from controlling successfully. #T4#
Sakuraba is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Holmes won't allow Sakuraba to sweep him here.
Holmes looking to pass the guard. #SUB#
Holmes avoids a guillotine attempt easily. #SUB2#
Holmes thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sakuraba 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.
Holmes trying to control the position from guard on top but Sakuraba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hayato Sakuraba dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!#R2#
Holmes drops his hands momentarily and Sakuraba takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Sakuraba swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Holmes.
Holmes blocks a jab.
A big right from Sakuraba misses.
Sakuraba displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Holmes.
A jab from Sakuraba misses.
Holmes moves away from the strike by Sakuraba.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big right from Sakuraba misses.
Sakuraba throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Sakuraba misses with a hook.
Sakuraba scores with a jab to the head. #T1#
Sakuraba bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Holmes's head.
A left lands for Sakuraba.
Holmes is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Hayato Sakuraba is winning the standup battle so far.
A big left from Sakuraba misses.
Sakuraba scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Sakuraba leaves Holmes with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A slow jab from Sakuraba misses its intended target.
Holmes will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Hayato Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hector Holmes.
Sakuraba throws a series of punches but Holmes avoids them all with ease.
Sakuraba lands a jab to the nose.
Holmes ducks right into an uppercut from Sakuraba. #TD2#
Holmes drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.#T2#
This has been an exciting period of action!#SUB2#
Holmes wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sakuraba, who protects the arm well. #SUB2#
Holmes is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Sakuraba is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Holmes is breathing heavily.
What's Sakuraba going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.
Sakuraba is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba is holding on to half guard well.
Sakuraba punching from the bottom.
Sakuraba looks like he's trying to stand up.
Holmes has decided to stand back up but his arm is trapped. Whilst he's worrying about his arm, Sakuraba works to full guard. #T3#
Sakuraba looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Holmes puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard. #SUB2#
Holmes seems to be looking for submissions.
Sakuraba is pressing down on Holmes's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Holmes trying to control the position from guard on top but Sakuraba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Holmes stopping the sweep attempt from Sakuraba.
Holmes tries to free his leg and advance position but Sakuraba is retaining full guard.
Sakuraba is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Holmes can do to turn this around?#SUB2#
Holmes has gone for a leg lock! Sakuraba slips out almost immediately though and dives into Holmes's guard.#REVR#
Sakuraba scores with a decent looking elbow strike.#SUB2#
Holmes has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sakuraba can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Holmes wants to sweep here but Sakuraba controlling him for the moment. #T4#
Holmes will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Sakuraba lands a couple of elbows.
Sakuraba arches his back and unloads with a massive left and a right! Holmes's eyes roll back into his head, he's out cold! The ref dives in to stop the fight - wow, they were hard shots!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:37 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Hayato Sakuraba!

Event: Highland 6
Date: Mar 10, 2021

#R1##CL2#
Sakuraba moves into the clinch.
Van Cherry is looking to break free of the clinch but Sakuraba has double underhooks.
Van Cherry is trying to drag Sakuraba to the mat but Sakuraba just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.#TD2#
Sakuraba pulls guard.
Sakuraba looking to hit a scissor sweep but Van Cherry is one step ahead there.
Sakuraba manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Van Cherry manages to get himself to full guard. #REVB#
Sakuraba keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Van Cherry's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Van Cherry looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Sakuraba with a nice head shot there.
Van Cherry tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Sakuraba landing some decent shots from guard.
Sakuraba postures up and lands some nice ground and pound. #T1#
Sakuraba loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry. #SUB2#
Sakuraba drops back for a leg here. A bit of a high risk move... He's looking for a kneebar by the looks of things. Now both of them are looking for submissions. Sakuraba seems to have locked his on tight now - Van Cherry screams in pain and taps out furiously! It certainly was a high risk move but it's paid off for Sakuraba, as he picks up the win!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Hayato Sakuraba!

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