Play by Play - Manager's Fight Commentary

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 62
Date: Jul 13, 2024

#R1#
Yamasaki moves out of range of the body kick from Carter.
Carter misses with a body kick. #CL2#
Yamasaki drives through and clinches with Carter against the cage. #BC2#
Yamasaki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Danga de danga de dang - Carter scores with a four punch combination!#CUT#It looks like Seiji Yamasaki has been cut.
Yamasaki blocks a head kick by Carter.
A looping hook to the body misses from Carter. Yamasaki does a little dance to reset his feet.
Yamasaki walks into a straight right hand from Carter.
Yamasaki tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Carter swivels and escapes.
Carter goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Carter pulls out of a head kick attempt. #CL2#
Yamasaki moves into the clinch.
Carter tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Yamasaki avoids it.
Yamasaki has Carter pushed against the cage.
Yamasaki tries to pull guard but Carter holds him up against the cage and eventually Yamasaki drops back down to his feet. #T1#
Yamasaki stalling against the cage.
Carter misses with an elbow over the top.
A right hook to the body lands for Carter.
Yamasaki blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Yamasaki misses with a hook to the ribs.
Carter is trying to break the clinch but Yamasaki is controlling him.
Yamasaki tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Richard Carter has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Seiji Yamasaki.
Yamasaki avoids a wild elbow strike from Carter.
Carter misses with a knee to the head.
Yamasaki drops down looking for an ankle pick but Carter pulls his leg out and moves away.
Yamasaki blocks a head kick by Carter.
Yamasaki lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.#CL2#
Yamasaki clinches up against the cage.#T2#
Yamasaki can't get the takedown.
Carter trying to land knees to the body. #BC2#
Yamasaki breaks the clinch.
Carter scores with a body shot.
Danga de danga de dang - Carter scores with a four punch combination!
A jab from Carter does it's job there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Carter fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Yamasaki manages to avoid it.
Yamasaki changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.#TD2#
Yamasaki shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Yamasaki was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Carter wants to control but Yamasaki postures up.
Carter is positioning himself to get back to half guard. #T3#
Carter is working hard here to advance position.
Carter struggling a bit here.
Carter tries to bench press Yamasaki off him but Yamasaki keeps the position.
Yamasaki wants to control but Carter is keeping him busy.
Yamasaki really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Carter. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Carter tries to improve position but can't. #T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.#SUB2#
Yamasaki wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Carter, who protects the arm well.
Carter is trying to improve his position.
Carter manages to work his way to half guard, despite Yamasaki's best efforts.
Carter is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Yamasaki throws a strike but Carter avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Carter not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Carter dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Seiji Yamasaki's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!#R2#
Carter takes a swing at Yamasaki's ribcage but misses.
Yamasaki closes the distance and clinches up with Carter, looking for a takedown. Yamasaki pushes Carter against the cage but Carter circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
It looked like Carter was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Carter connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Yamasaki moves out of range of the body kick.
Nice straight punches there by Carter. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Carter.#CL2#
Yamasaki clinches up against the cage.#BC2#
Yamasaki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Yamasaki fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Carter connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Carter stalks Yamasaki and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Yamasaki's face. Yamasaki staggers backwards, shaken.
Carter throws a shot to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Carter misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Yamasaki drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Carter defends it well.
Carter throws a solid leg kick but Yamasaki takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Carter.
Carter comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Carter lands a nice shot that snaps Yamasaki's head back. #T1#
Carter fails to land with a series of punches. #CL2#
Yamasaki clinches.
Carter struggles to land a body shot inside as Yamasaki controls his hands.
Yamasaki has Carter pressed against the cage. #BC2#
Yamasaki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Carter digs a good body shot into Yamasaki's ribs.
Yamasaki is looking to land body kicks.
Yamasaki just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromCarter.
Richard Carter is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Carter swinging wildly here.
A big right from Yamasaki misses.
Yamasaki shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Carter connects with an inside leg kick.
Carter throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Yamasaki stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.#T2##TD2#
Yamasaki feints and as Carter raises his hands in defense, Yamasaki changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Carter is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Carter wants to stand but Yamasaki is controlling the position.
Carter doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Yamasaki slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up. #SUB#
Carter is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Carter working a defensive guard here. #T3##SUB#
Carter working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Yamasaki doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Yamasaki manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Yamasaki postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#CL2#
Yamasaki gets a clinch.
Carter throws a punch but it's blocked by Yamasaki.
Carter misses with a body punch.
We've been informed that Yamasaki has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Yamasaki throws an elbow that misses.
Carter tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Yamasaki avoids it.
Yamasaki is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Carter pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Richard Carter has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Seiji Yamasaki.#BC2#
Yamasaki breaks the clinch. #T4#
Carter stuffs the takedown.
Carter appears to be looking for a big counter.
Yamasaki walks into a jab.
Carter scores with a shot to the body.
Richard Carter is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A punch lands to the side of Yamasaki 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Carter is looking to land body kicks.
Yamasaki fails with a takedown attempt.
Good work by Yamasaki as he checks the leg kick.#TD2#
Yamasaki throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Carter was covering up waiting for the punch and Yamasaki finishes the takedown easily into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Carter is trying to keep Yamasaki in close.
Yamasaki trying to control the position from guard on top but Carter is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Richard Carter dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Seiji Yamasaki's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! 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#
Carter lands a nice looking body shot.
Carter is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Yamasaki can do to turn this around?
Carter misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Carter is looking to wear down Yamasaki with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Carter goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Carter swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Carter. Yamasaki does a little dance to reset his feet.
Yamasaki takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Yamasaki throws a nice looking combination but Carter bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Yamasaki takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Carter closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Yamasaki is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A head kick misses from Carter.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Carter avoids the head kick by Yamasaki.
Carter was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
A combination from Carter does no damage. #T1#
Yamasaki shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Carter defends it nicely.
A punch combination from Carter misses.
Carter comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Yamasaki lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Yamasaki checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Carter throws a sloppy head kick and Yamasaki moves out of range easily.
Yamasaki feints the counter takedown.
Yamasaki takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Carter seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Carter displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Yamasaki.
Carter lands with a nice combination. Yamasaki backs away looking to recover.
Carter throws a good cross that connects. #T2#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Carter tries to score with a low kick but Yamasaki moves his leg out of the way.
Yamasaki tries to clinch up
and Carter counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work. #CL2#
Yamasaki gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Carter is trying to force a seperation but Yamasaki has the dominant position.
Carter misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Yamasaki. #BC2#
Yamasaki breaks the clinch.
Yamasaki shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Carter but Carter pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Richard Carter has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Seiji Yamasaki.
Yamasaki looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Richard Carter is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Carter jabs Yamasaki to the body, keeping him at a distance.#T3#
Carter scores with a three punch combo!
Yamasaki takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Carter scores with a head kick.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Yamasaki.
Carter throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Carter lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Carter moves out of range of the strikes.
Carter smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Carter is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Richard Carter seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Carter lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Yamasaki at a distance.
Carter throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Yamasaki changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Carter tries to avoid it but Yamasaki manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Carter to the ground. Carter escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Carter scores with a punch to the head.#T4#
Yamasaki avoids a punch combination nicely.
Yamasaki wants to counter with a clinch but Carter pushes him away.
Carter wants to slow Yamasaki down by chopping away at his legs.
Richard Carter is winning the standup battle so far.
Carter scores with a jab to the body.
Carter scores with a leg kick.
Carter lands a jab to Yamasaki's midsection.#TD2#
Yamasaki shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Carter is trying to defend but Yamasaki finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Carter is trying to stand up here but Yamasaki is controlling him well.
Yamasaki seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Carter does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Seiji Yamasaki has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yamasaki 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.

And that's the end of the fight!
Richard Carter showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Carter, 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 Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Richard Carter!
An out of breath Richard Carter thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

Event: SSDFN 9
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
Kido takes a kick to the side of the head.#CUT2#It looks like Yoshihiro Kido has been cut.
Kido tries to bum rush Smith with a series of wild strikes but Smith uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Smith misses with a double jab #TD#
and Kido counters with a nice double leg into side control. Smith won't be happy with that.
Smith is looking to get back to his feet here but Kido is keeping cool and he's managed to take Smith's back.#SUB#
Smith is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent. #SUB#
Kido is working for the choke. He's slipped one arm under the chin. Smith has to defend the other arm for all he's worth... but Kido has managed to get that arm free too and he's tightening the choke! Smith taps out and looks absolutely disgusted with himself. Kido doesn't care though - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Yoshihiro Kido!

Event: SSDFN 9
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
Some wild striking there from Kiido.
Yamada seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Kiido tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Yamada was well out of range. Poor timing from Kiido.
Kiido takes a swing at Yamada's ribcage but misses.
Kiido misses the shot to the body.
Kiido throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kiido throws a series of punches but Yamada moves out of range.
Kiido is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Kiido looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kiido throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kiido throws a series of punches but Yamada moves out of range.
Yamada showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kiido. #T1##TD#
Yamada closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Kiido's guard.
Yamada is working Kiido over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes. #SUB#
Yamada drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Yamada jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Yamada is looking to work some ground and pound but Kiido has wrist control.
Yamada passes Kiido's right leg, so he's now in half guard. #SUB#
Yamada is trying for a kimura here. Kiido looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Yamada wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Tadamasa Yamada!

Event: SSKT 18 Beatdown
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1##CL2#
Sugita clinches. #BC#
Shitnobi breaks the clinch.
Shitnobi throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Shitnobi connects with a right hand. Sugita shakes it off.#CUT#It looks like Iwao Sugita has been cut.
Sugita walks straight into a perfectly timed right hook, crumpling him to the floor! Sugita is in all kinds of trouble here - can he beat the count? 3,4,5,6,7,8,9....10 - he's out and it's by a long way too - he didn't ever look like beating that count!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch). Obi Wan Shitnobi!

Event: SSKT 19 Crushed
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
Good shot there by Allen.
Allen throws a push kick but Kojima slaps the foot to one side.
Allen getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Allen throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Kojima is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kojima throws a shot from downtown. Allen moves away and avoids it.
Allen lands an overhand right.
Allen jabs Kojima right on the nose. Kojima blinks but takes it well.
A swing and a miss from Allen.
Allen has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Allen misses with a lunging right hand
and Kojima counters with a two punch combo.
Kojima tries to close the distance and clinch up but Allen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Allen lands with a straight right. Kojima didn't see that one coming.
Kojima defending well as Allen loads up on a big left hand.
Allen is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kojima.
As Allen tries to get set, Kojima tries to push him back and clinch up but Allen manages to avoid the attempt.
Allen misses the jab.
Kojima is looking to counter the offense by Allen and move into the clinch.
No joy there for Kojima, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Allen is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Kojima tries to close the distance and clinch but Allen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Allen with a hook.
Allen chopping away at his opponent's legs. #T1#
Kojima keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Allen.
Allen throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Kojima displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Allen throws out the jab.
Allen throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Allen has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Allen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Allen with a jab.
Xander Allen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Allen throws a hook to the side of Kojima's head but Kojima sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Boom! Allen lands a massive head kick that sends Kojima crashing into the cage, followed by a classic face plant on the canvas! He's up to his knees but he's not going to beat the count - this one is all over! Allen is jumping around like a lunatic, extatic with the win!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Head Kick). Xander Allen!
Xander Allen decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.

Event: SSKT 19 Crushed
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
Canasta tries to close the distance and clinch but Oki swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Oki throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Canasta.
Canasta tries to clinch but Oki is having none of it.
Canasta throws a shot from downtown. Oki moves away and avoids it.
Canasta misses the shot to the body.
Oki will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Canasta looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Canasta tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Oki manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Oki scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Oki throws a series of punches but Canasta moves out of range.
Canasta moves in looking to clinch but Oki pushes him off.
Oki lands with a good body shot.
Oki throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Canasta.
Oki misses the shot to the body.
Canasta looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Oki fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Canasta wants to counter the offense by Oki and move into the clinch position.
Canasta slips a jab from Oki.
Oki lands with a good body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Oki swinging wildly here. #T1##CL2#
Oki gets tackled into the cage by Canasta. Canasta maintains the clinch.
Canasta lands with a short shot to the head.
Oki tries to break the clinch but Canasta is controlling the position.
Canasta tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Oki blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Canasta throws a punch but it's blocked by Oki.
Canasta misses with some punches.
A frustrated look appears on Oki's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Canasta lands a right hand that snaps the head of Oki backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Canasta.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Canasta. #T2#
Canasta tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Canasta tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Oki's elbow.
Oki looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Canasta lands a shoulder strike.
Canasta keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Oki's efforts to push away.
Canasta tries a body shot but Oki blocks it.
Canasta blocks an uppercut.
Canasta blocks an uppercut.
Oki looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Canasta throws a head punch that misses.
Canasta misses with a body punch.
Canasta lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
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 Kenji Oki will probably get the nod.
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#
Nice jab there from Canasta.
Canasta ducks under a wild hook from Oki.
Oki scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Oki misses with a combination
and Canasta counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CUT2#It looks like Kenji Oki has been cut.
Canasta uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Oki.
Canasta misses the shot to the body.
Oki throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Canasta stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.#CL2#
Canasta rushes Oki and presses him up against the cage.
Canasta has a couple of punches blocked by Oki.
Canasta throws a punch but it's blocked by Oki.
Oki is trying to break the clinch but Canasta is controlling him.
Canasta misses with the head strike.
Canasta goes for a body shot but it's blocked. #T1#
A nice right hand lands inside from Canasta.
Canasta has a couple of punches blocked by Oki.
Sam Canasta seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Canasta misses with the head strike.
Canasta fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Oki blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Canasta swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Oki tries to circle away but Canasta has him pinned against the cage.
Canasta prevents Oki from breaking the clinch.
Oki misses with a short punch on the inside.
Canasta tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Oki blocks a body shot from Canasta.
Canasta misses with a punch to the body. #T2#
Canasta misses with a punch on the inside.
Oki prevents a body shot from Canasta.
Canasta can't find room to land a body shot as Oki controls the action.
Canasta tries to work over Oki's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A body shot lands from Canasta.
A head punch on the inside from Canasta fails to land.
Oki is trying to break free.
Canasta lands a shoulder strike.
A head punch on the inside from Canasta fails to land.
Canasta blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Oki working aggressively here.
Canasta misses with a hook to the ribs.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sam Canasta showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Kenji Oki'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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!#R3#
Oki swats away the attempt to clinch by Canasta.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Canasta dodges the punch combination from Oki.
Oki keeps the fight on the outside.
Oki circles away from the clinch attempt.
Canasta throws the left hand but Oki avoids the punch easily.
Canasta slips a jab and a cross from Oki.
Kenji Oki is winning the standup battle so far.
Canasta is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Oki.
Canasta uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Oki.
Oki sets himself, and Canasta steps forward looking for the clinch! Oki avoids it this time.
Oki pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Canasta misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Oki.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Canasta wants to clinch up but Oki keeps it at a distance.
Oki misses with a body shot.
A little jabbing left from Canasta on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Canasta avoids the body shot from Oki.
A combination from Oki does no damage.
Oki misses the shot to the body.
Canasta digs a good hook to Oki's body. #T1#
Oki lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Oki.
Oki throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Canasta.
Canasta lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Oki is looking to wear down Canasta with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Oki throws a left and a right that both miss
and Canasta connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Oki walks into a left hand.
Oki misses with an uppercut.
Oki swats away the attempt to clinch by Canasta.
Oki takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Oki jabs Canasta to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Canasta moves in looking to clinch but Oki pushes him off.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Oki moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Canasta doesn't manage to clinch there - Oki circles away.
Oki throws a big counter combination but Canasta scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Oki swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kenji Oki is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Canasta tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Oki manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Canasta takes one on the chin but keeps coming. #T2#
Some wild striking there from Oki.
Canasta listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Oki misses with a wild body shot.
Canasta lands a glancing blow to the side of Oki's head.
Oki ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
A telegraphed right hand from Oki misses the target.
Canasta scores with a jab to the jaw.#ROC2#Oki is rocked!
Oki tries to get into range but Canasta steps to the side and lands a beautiful hook that drops Oki! He's faceplanted into the mat, ass in the air... he's out cold! That's an image he won't want to show his grandkids when he gets older! Canasta scores the big KO victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:40 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Sam Canasta!
Sam Canasta was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

Event: SSKT 19 Crushed
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1##CL#
Kibe moves into the clinch.#BC#
Kibe pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.#CL#
Kibe closes the distance and clinches.
Sehabani misses with the head strike.
Sehabani tries to break free but Kibe pushes him back against the cage.
Sehabani fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kibe tries a knee to the head but Sehabani blocks it.
Kibe gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head. #BC#
Kibe pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Sehabani keeps the fight on the outside.#CL#
Kibe rushes Sehabani and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.#BC#
Kibe breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL#
Kibe drives through and clinches with Sehabani against the cage. #BC#
Kibe pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kibe takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
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!
Kibe needs to keep his hands up - Sehabani had a free shot at his head there.#T1#
Kibe takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.#CL#
Kibe pushes Sehabani up against the cage in a clinch.
Sehabani misses with the head strike.
Sehabani wants to get back to striking at distance but Kibe won't allow it.
Kibe is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Sehabani is defending well for now.
Sehabani throws a punch but it's blocked by Kibe.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sehabani.
Sehabani misses with a short punch on the inside. #BC2#
Sehabani breaks from the clinch.
Kibe swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kibe takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.#ROC2#Kibe is rocked!
Sehabani weaves into range and cracks Kibe right on the temple with a beautiful overhand right! Kibe goes down! He's out cold! Wow, what a beautiful knockout! Sehabani is strutting round the canvas like a movie star as the camera bulbs flash frantically.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Yanit Sehabani!
During a confident post fight interview, Yanit Sehabani thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: SSKT 19 Crushed
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
A shot to the body from Kuse misses
letting Assurnipilu counter with a right hand.
Assurnipilu cracks Kuse with a right hand to the side of the head.
A swing and a miss from Kuse.
Assurnipilu swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kuse stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Assurnipilu misses with a body punch
and Kuse counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Kuse tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Assurnipilu is able to avoid easily.
Kuse looks to score with a jab to the body but Assurnipilu is just out of range.
Assurnipilu doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Kuse lands a right hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Assurnipilu misses with a jab, cross combination.
A counter left hand to the body from Kuse misses its target.
Kuse misses with a jab, cross combination.
Assurnipilu misses the jab.#T1#
Kuse darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Assurnipilu misses with a hook.
Kuse scores with a hook.
A combination from Kuse does no damage.
Kuse just misses with a punch to the body.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Assurnipilu! But no joy.
Kuse swings for the body but Assurnipilu moves out of range.
Assurnipilu looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kuse clobbers Assurnipilu with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kuse lands with a good body shot.
Assurnipilu dodges the punch combination from Kuse.
It seemed like Assurnipilu was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.#T2#
Kuse throws an off balance right hand
letting Assurnipilu counter with a right hand.
Assurnipilu misses with a hook.
Kuse is looking to counter punch.
Kuse misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Assurnipilu.
Assurnipilu swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Assurnipilu slips a jab and a cross from Kuse.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuse looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
It seemed like Assurnipilu was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Assurnipilu is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuse.
Kuse throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Assurnipilu scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kuse misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Assurnipilu throws out a counter right but Kuse avoids it with no problem.
Assurnipilu blocks a jab.
A little jabbing left from Assurnipilu on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hiroshi Kuse 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#
Assurnipilu throws a right hand that misses
and Kuse counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hiroshi Kuse seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuse ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Assurnipilu moves away.
Assurnipilu on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Kuse throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Assurnipilu now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Assurnipilu takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kuse throws a left and a right that both miss
and Assurnipilu counters with a straight right hand.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Kuse here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Kuse misses with a body shot.
Assurnipilu looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kuse is looking to wear down Assurnipilu with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Assurnipilu throws a right and a left that Kuse avoids nicely.
Assurnipilu misses with a left hand
and Kuse makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Kuse swings for the body but Assurnipilu moves out of range.
Kuse throws a body punch but Assurnipilu moves out of range. #T1#
Assurnipilu keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kuse tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Assurnipilu was well out of range. Poor timing from Kuse.
Nund Assurnipilu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Assurnipilu swings widly with a right hand
and Kuse counters with a two punch combo.
Kuse staying out of range there.
Kuse is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Assurnipilu can do to turn this around?
Kuse throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Assurnipilu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Assurnipilu uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kuse.
Assurnipilu keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Assurnipilu misses with a hook
and Kuse counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kuse throws a sloppy head kick and Assurnipilu moves out of range easily. #T2#
Assurnipilu displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuse throws out the jab.
Kuse throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Assurnipilu on the side of the head.
Kuse misses with a double jab.
Kuse just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuse misses with a hook
and Assurnipilu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Assurnipilu misses with a lunging right hand
and Kuse counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Assurnipilu drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Kuse scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Assurnipilu shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Kuse eats them both and turns towards Assurnipilu to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Kuse swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Assurnipilu looks like he wants to counter punch here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Hiroshi Kuse dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!#R3#
Kuse swings for the body but Assurnipilu moves out of range.
Assurnipilu throws out a counter right but Kuse avoids it with no problem.
Nund Assurnipilu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kuse connects with a body shot.
Kuse scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Kuse misses with a right hand
and Kuse takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Assurnipilu lands a really nice looking cross but Kuse seems unphased. #CUT2#It looks like Hiroshi Kuse has been cut.
Kuse looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Kuse throws a body punch but Assurnipilu moves out of range.
Hiroshi Kuse is winning the standup battle so far.
Assurnipilu throws an off balance right hand
and Kuse counters with a straight right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Assurnipilu misses with a left hand
and Kuse makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Kuse swings widly with a right hand
and Assurnipilu makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Assurnipilu displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuse throws out the jab.
Assurnipilu swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.#T1#
Assurnipilu throws a right hand that Kuse ducks under and follows up with a left that Kuse also avoids with ease.
Kuse waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Assurnipilu.
It seemed like Assurnipilu was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Kuse throws the left hand but Assurnipilu avoids the punch easily.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kuse. Assurnipilu does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kuse looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Assurnipilu misses with a straight right.
Kuse was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Kuse bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuse is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Assurnipilu throws a hook to the side of Kuse's head but Kuse sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kuse ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.#T2#
Jab from Kuse.
Kuse uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Assurnipilu.
Kuse just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuse scores with a shot to the body.
Kuse dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Assurnipilu misses with a left hand
and Kuse counters with a right hand to the body.
Kuse just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuse throws a series of punches but Assurnipilu avoids them all with ease.
Assurnipilu 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.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Assurnipilu misses with a lunging right hand
and Kuse counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Assurnipilu thinking.
Hiroshi Kuse is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kuse gets cracked there but stands up to it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hiroshi Kuse showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kuse has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Yves DeLean scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 30:27
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hiroshi Kuse!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 61
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
Nice takedown defense from Villar. No joy for Ida on that attempt.
Ida tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Villar manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.#CL2#
Villar moves into the clinch.#BC#
Ida breaks from the clinch.
Villar keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Villar looks to land a combination but Ida avoids it well.
Villar attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
It looked like Ida was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Villar.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Villar misses with a kick to the body.
A head kick misses from Ida.
Ida shoots for a takedown but Villar saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jiro Ida. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ida has his takedown stuffed
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.#T1#
Ida dives in and grabs Villar's left leg, looking for a takedown. Villar pushes down on Ida's head and hops out.
Despite the aggression on Villar's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Ida misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Villar.
Ida throws a front kick that sends Villar stumbling back into the cage.
Villar tries to score with a low kick but Ida moves his leg out of the way.
Villar chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ida chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Villar can pounce on him.
Ida wants to clinch up but Villar keeps it at a distance.
Ida shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Villar counters with a series of strikes. Ida will be more careful next time no doubt.
Ida takes one to the side of the head.
Ida throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Villar's waist but Villar gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ida off to one side. #T2#
Nice takedown defense from Villar. No joy for Ida on that attempt.
Villar unleashes a big counter combination but Ida bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ida.
Villar throws a counter combo.
Ida is looking to clinch.
Villar throws a right hand that Ida ducks under and follows up with a left that Ida also avoids with ease.
Ida drops down looking for a counter takedown but Villar sprawls and moves away.
Ida is looking to clinch.
Jiro Ida seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ida misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Villar throws a big counter head kick but Ida avoids it with no problem.
Ida shoots for a takedown but Villar saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ida tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Villar paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Villar connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.#CL#
Ida gets in close and instigates a clinch. #T3#
Villar looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.#BC2#
Villar manages to break the clinch.
Ida throws a leg kick
and Villar counters with a nice low kick that buckles Ida's knee momentarily.
A punch combination from Villar misses.
Ida thinks about countering with a head kick.
Ida fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Villar avoids it really well and circles away.
Ida will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Ida throws a shot from downtown. Villar moves away and avoids it.
Villar lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Ida misses with a takedown attempt
and Villar counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Villar throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Villar has worked on his takedown defense in the runup to this fight and it is paying off so far.#T4#
Villar swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Ida has been working on his balance at Alpha Brasil, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Villar.
Villar misses with a few strikes there.
Ida throws a wild body kick that Villar sees coming a mile off.
Ida shoots for a takedown but Villar saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ida fails with a takedown attempt.
Villar is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Ida is looking to land body kicks.
Affonso Villar is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ida moves in looking to clinch but Villar pushes him off.
Ida wants to clinch up but Villar keeps it at a distance.
Villar throws a counter combo.#CL2#
Villar rushes Ida and presses him up against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Affonso Villar 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#
Ida takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Villar goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Ida shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Villar sprawls well. Villar wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ida gets slowly back to his feet.
Villar throws a one two combo.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#CL2#
Villar closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Ida throws a punch but it's blocked by Villar.
Ida goes for a takedown attempt but Villar pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Villar circles away from the clinch attempt. #T1#
Villar throws a right hand that Ida ducks under and follows up with a left that Ida also avoids with ease.
Villar lands with an overhand left.
Ida fails in his attempt to clinch.
Villar throws a counter combo.
Villar is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Ida tries to clinch but Villar is having none of it.
Villar stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Villar wants it to stay on the feet.
Villar only half commits to the counter leg kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jiro Ida. That's going to take a lot out of him.#CL2#
Villar gets a clinch.
Villar has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Villar is trying to break the clinch but Ida is controlling him.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Villar as Ida tries to tie him up. #BC#
Ida breaks the clinch. #T2#
Ida uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Villar.
Ida seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Ida throws a leg kick but Villar moved away.
Jiro Ida is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ida shoots in and drives through. Villar sprawls well.
Villar throws a counter combo.
Ida misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
A punch combination from Villar misses.
Ida has a takedown stuffed.
Villar unleashes a big counter combination but Ida bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Villar swinging wildly here.
Villar misses with a body kick. #T3##CL2#
Villar pushes Ida up against the cage in a clinch.
Ida tries to land knees in the clinch but Villar avoids the damage to the body.
Villar is pushing Ida up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Villar prevents a body shot from Ida.
Ida tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Villar smiles and moves away.
Ida shoots in and drives through. Villar sprawls well.
Villar takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Villar has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Ida moves in looking to clinch but Villar pushes him off.
Villar is looking for the big counter here.#T4#
Ida fails with the takedown
and Villar counters with a two punch combo.
Ida tries to score a power double leg takedown but Villar sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ida somewhat.
Villar has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Villar throws a hook but Ida avoids it easily.
Villar connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ida looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Despite the aggression on Villar's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ida keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Ida fails with an attempt to clinch.
Villar lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Affonso Villar showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!#R3#
Ida throws a wild body kick that Villar sees coming a mile off.#CL#
Ida fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Villar, pushing him back against the cage.
Ida tries to pull guard but Villar holds him up against the cage and eventually Ida drops back down to his feet.
Villar gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Ida. #BC#
Ida escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ida throws a leg kick but Villar sees it coming and moves out of range.
Villar fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ida manages to avoid it.
A jab from Villar does it's job there.#T1#
Ida misses with a head kick.
Villar unleashes a big counter combination but Ida bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
A head kick misses from Ida. #CL2#
Villar pushes Ida up against the cage in a clinch.
Ida is trying to pull guard but Villar has him pressed against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jiro Ida. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Villar blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Villar lands an uppercut.#BC2#
Villar breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ida tries to clinch up but Villar circles away and keeps his distance.
Affonso Villar seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Villar displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ida.
Villar is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.#CL2#
Villar closes the distance and clinches. #T2##BC2#
Villar breaks the clinch.
Ida missing with a left hand there. Villar was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Villar throws a series of punches but Ida avoids them all with ease.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Ida.
It seemed like Villar was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Villar avoids a punch combination nicely.
Ida throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ida misses with a head kick.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ida throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Villar's waist but Villar gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ida off to one side. #T3#
Ida shoots in for a double leg but Villar sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Villar will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Villar lands a jab-cross combination.
Ida with a lazy takedown attempt
and Villar cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ida closes the distance and clinches up with Villar, looking for a takedown. Ida pushes Villar against the cage but Villar circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Villar chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ida shoots in for a takedown but Villar shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A punch combination from Ida misses.
Ida fails to land the takedown.#T4#
Villar throws a right hand that Ida ducks under and follows up with a left that Ida also avoids with ease.
Ida has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Villar.
Ida throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ida sizes up Villar with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Ida steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Villar. That one must have hurt.
No joy there for Villar, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Ida darts in looking for a takedown but Villar gets double underhooks and turns Ida into the cage.
Villar lands an uppercut.
Jiro Ida has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Affonso Villar is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.#BC2#
Villar breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Affonso Villar comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Villar has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Topper Green scores the fight 26:30
Judge Ben Hemmingworth scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ben Watson scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Affonso Villar!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 61
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
Okura pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Okura dives in and grabs Lang's left leg, looking for a takedown. Lang pushes down on Okura's head and hops out.
Okura shoots in looking for a takedown. Lang tries to sprawl out of it but Okura keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Lang manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Okura checks a leg kick nicely.
Okura with a lazy takedown attempt
and Lang counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Van Lang has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jun Okura.
Okura changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Lang tries to avoid it but Okura manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Lang to the ground. Lang escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Okura misses with a takedown
and Lang counters with a thumping low kick.
Okura's coach down at Rabid Dog was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Okura's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Okura has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Lang.
Okura lands with a right hand. #T1#
Okura misses with a lunging right hand
and Lang counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Lang finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Okura fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Lang pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Okura takes a head kick and shrugs it off. #CUT#It looks like Jun Okura has been cut.
Lang turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Lang tries a head kick but it misses.
Okura with the counter takedown but Lang avoids it easily.
Okura throws a combination. Lang tries to block but a couple of punches get through.#CUT2#It looks like Van Lang has been cut.
Okura swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Lang counters with an outside leg kick.
Okura misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Lang scores with a push kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Okura on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Lang. Lang obviously looking to wear him down. #T2#
Lang fakes the leg kick and cracks Okura in the body.
We've been told by Lang's head coaches at BANZAI COMBAT ACADEMY HELSINKI that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Van Lang is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Okura fails with a takedown attempt.
Lang looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Lang throws a nice inside leg kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Lang.
Lang misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Okura fails with the takedown
and Lang counters with a leg kick. #T3#
Lang 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.
Lang lands with a nice body kick.
Lang fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Okura.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Okura.
Lang plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Lang keeps the fight on the outside.
Okura's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Okura shoots in but no luck this time.
Lang buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Okura takes a kick to the side of the head.#T4#
Lang throws a low kick but Okura avoids it.
Okura misses with a takedown
and Lang makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Okura fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Lang avoids it really well and circles away.
Okura moves out of range of the leg kick from Lang.
Okura misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Jun Okura seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lang thows a body kick. Okura tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lang pushes Okura away with a front kick.
Okura throws a head kick but Lang moves out of range.
Lang appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Van Lang dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
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#
Lang feints and then cracks Okura's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Okura down.
Lang chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Okura throws a head kick but Lang moves out of range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Okura.
Okura looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Okura fails to land the takedown.
Lang is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Okura can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Okura keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Lang walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Okura checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Jun Okura is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Okura shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Lang makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Van Lang has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jun Okura.#T1#
Lang 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.
Okura keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Lang throws a sloppy head kick and Okura moves out of range easily.
Both fighters circling a little - Lang finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Lang throws a head kick that misses.
Horrible takedown attempt by Okura or perhaps it was just good defense by Lang, which made it look bad.
A leg kick checked by Lang.
Okura shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Lang but Lang pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Lang with a nice calf kick.
Okura has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Lang.#T2#
Okura has a takedown stuffed.
Lang throws a quick inside leg kick.
Lang dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Okura. That did some damage!
Okura dives in and grabs Lang's left leg, looking for a takedown. Lang pushes down on Okura's head and hops out.
Lang appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Lang.
Okura tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Lang paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Lang throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Okura.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lang misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick. #T3#
Lang throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Nice takedown defense from Lang. No joy for Okura on that attempt.
Lang throws a low kick but it's checked well by Okura.
Van Lang is winning the standup battle so far.
Okura tries for a takedown but Lang sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Okura fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Okura is breathing heavily.
Lang scores with a kick to the body.
Lang throws a solid leg kick but Okura takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Lang.
And Okura tries to counter it with a takedown but Lang pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Lang lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Lang misses with a head kick. #T4#
Okura looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Lang is fending him off so far but Okura persists. Nope, Lang circles away and we're back to standing.
Lang thows a body kick. Okura tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Lang looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Okura might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Lang has got the better of the exchanges.
Lang with a nice calf kick.
Okura throws a sloppy head kick
and Lang counters with a good, hard body kick but Okura shrugs it off.
Okura has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Lang.
Lang turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
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!
Okura shoots in for a takedown but Lang shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Lang stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Lang wants it to stay on the feet.
Lang feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Lang throws a nice outside leg kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Van Lang dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!#R3#
Lang connects with a leg kick.
Okura looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Lang is fending him off so far but Okura persists. Nope, Lang circles away and we're back to standing.#KD#
Lang lands a big head kick that sends Okura tumbling to the mat! Lang takes a step backwards and waves Okura back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Ohhhhh! A huge head kick from Lang! Okura is out on his feet! Lang rushes in and throws more strikes. The ref is looking closely - Okura is covering up but the punishment is just too much and the ref steps in to stop the fight! Okura is staring into space, just thankful that the beatdown has ended. Brutal finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:22 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Van Lang!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 61
Date: Jul 06, 2024

#R1#
Shinsato tries a head kick but it misses. #TD2#
Lillard manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Shinsato on his heels. He'll look to pass Shinsato's guard now, I'm sure.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lillard won't allow Shinsato to sweep him here.
Lillard postures up in Shinsato's guard and throws a big left but Shinsato blocks it.
Shinsato controls Lillard momentarily but Lillard frees himself.
Shinsato seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Lillard passes into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shinsato wants to control but Lillard is keeping busy.
Lillard wants to free his trapped foot but Shinsato is holding on for dear life with his legs. #T1##SUB2#
Lillard is trying to work for a kimura but Shinsato is defending well.
Shinsato is trying to stand.
Lillard trying to control the pace.
Lillard seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#T2#
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.
No luck for Shinsato with that takedown attempt.
Lillard misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.#TD#
Shinsato shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Lillard has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Shinsato has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Lillard just leaning against Shinsato, taking a breather.
Shinsato has been working on his balance at Rabid Dog, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Lillard.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Shinsato leaning his opponent against the cage.#T3#
Lillard tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Lillard stalling in the clinch.
Lillard fails to pull the fight into his guard. #BC2#
Lillard breaks the clinch.
Lillard misses with a double jab #TD#
and Shinsato counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Lillard!

Lillard bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Lillard tries to clinch up#TD#
and Shinsato counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Lillard! #T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shinsato tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Lillard tries to bench press Shinsato off him but Shinsato keeps the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lillard struggling a bit here.
Lillard is looking to reverse the position.
Lillard can't do much from the bottom here.
Lillard tries to improve position but can't.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Andre Lillard 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#
Shinsato shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Lillard defends it nicely.
Lillard gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily #CL#
and Shinsato counters by clinching up. #TD2#
Lillard lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Shinsato is trying to control but can't.
Lillard stops Shinsato from getting back to his feet.
Shinsato manages to get to full guard.
Lillard must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lillard controlling from the top position. #T1#
Shinsato keeping full guard, as Lillard tries to pass. #SUB2#
Lillard drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Shinsato manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Lillard has Shinsato in his guard.#REVR#
Lillard is trying to keep Shinsato in close.
Lillard keeping moving, preventing Shinsato from controlling successfully. #T2#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Lillard looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Shinsato wants to control from the top but Lillard keeps moving.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Lillard 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.#T3#
Shinsato wants to control from the top but Lillard keeps moving. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Lillard tries to clinch but Shinsato moves out of range.
Lillard shoots in but no luck this time.
Shinsato is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Lillard.#CL#
Shinsato gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.#BC#
Shinsato pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Shinsato shoots in looking for a takedown but Lillard manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Shinsato's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Lillard shoots in for a takedown but Shinsato shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Masaaki Shinsato has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Andre Lillard.#CL2#
Lillard rushes Shinsato and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Shinsato avoiding damage.
Shinsato jumps guard but Lillard stands there with Shinsato around his waist. Shinsato gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch. #T4#
Stalling in the clinch from Lillard.
Lillard wants a takedown but no success here. #BC#
Shinsato breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #CL#
Shinsato clinches with his opponent.
Lillard has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Shinsato after a bit of a struggle.
Lillard tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Shinsato wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Lillard has him pressed against the cage.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Lillard jumps guard but Shinsato turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Lillard tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Shinsato smiles and moves away.
Shinsato showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Lillard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Masaaki Shinsato dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!#R3#
Lillard throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Shinsato's waist but Shinsato gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Lillard off to one side.
Shinsato fails with the takedown.
Shinsato misses with a takedown attempt - Lillard sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.#CL2#
Lillard instigates a clinch. #BC#
Shinsato escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Lillard fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Shinsato avoids it really well and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lillard tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Shinsato swivels and escapes.
Shinsato was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Masaaki Shinsato has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Andre Lillard.#TD#
Shinsato throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Lillard tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Shinsato is in Lillard's guard.

Lillard pushes Shinsato off and scrambles back to his feet. #T1#
Shinsato shoots in and drives through. Lillard sprawls well.
Lillard keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Lillard goes for a double leg but Shinsato avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Shinsato continues to drive forward.
Shinsato keeps the fight on the outside.
It looked like Shinsato was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Masaaki Shinsato is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Lillard shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Shinsato as he avoids it easily.
Shinsato swats away the attempt to clinch by Lillard.
Shinsato stuffs the takedown attempt from Lillard. Lillard gets slowly back to his feet.
Shinsato misses with a head kick. #T2##CL#
Shinsato clinches up against the cage.
Shinsato is trying to break free.
Shinsato can't find room to land a body shot as Lillard controls the action.
Stalling in the clinch from Shinsato.
Lillard prevents the takedown attempt.
Lillard throws a punch but it's blocked by Shinsato. #TD#
Shinsato jumps guard.
Lillard trying to control but Shinsato is working from the bottom.
Lillard missing there with some ground and pound from the guard. #SUB#
Shinsato throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #T3#
Lillard stays in close to Shinsato's body and controls the position.
Lillard stops Shinsato from standing up.
Lillard with a flurry of punches that miss. #SU2#
Lillard gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent. #CL2#
Lillard has managed to clinch.
Lillard can't get the takedown.
Lillard content to slow the pace in the clinch. #T4#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Shinsato looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Lillard goes for a takedown attempt but Shinsato pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance. #CL#
Shinsato moves into the clinch.
Lillard is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Shinsato is keeping busy.
Lillard gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Shinsato.
Lillard jumps guard but Shinsato turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#BC#
Shinsato manages to break the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Masaaki Shinsato.
I think Shinsato 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 Eliza Hachem scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ben Hemmingworth scores the fight 29:28
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Masaaki Shinsato!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 54
Date: Jun 29, 2024

#R1#
Xornimada changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Toma moves away from the strike by Xornimada.
Toma seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Toma throws a sloppy head kick and Xornimada moves out of range easily.
Xornimada throws out a counter right but Toma avoids it with no problem.
Xornimada connects with the punch.
Toma tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Xornimada takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Toma closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Good leg kick by Toma.
Toma looks to land a right hand but Xornimada moved out of range.
Xornimada with a jab.#KD2#
Xornimada lands a big shot that drops Toma! Can he finish him? #ROC2#Toma is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Xornimada trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Oh Toma is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Xornimada working some strikes from top position.
Toma on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Toma tries to get out of the position.
Xornimada throws a big right hand that misses.
Toma has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Xornimada gets to his feet and stands over Toma, holding his ankles. He dives in with a big left hand that connects! Toma felt that one! Xornimada unloads more punches and elbows and this one is over! The ref has dived in to save Toma from any more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Muharib Xornimada!
During a confident post fight interview, Muharib Xornimada thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 46
Date: Jun 22, 2024

#R1#
Shiroma darts in trying to clinch
and Galvan counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Galvan cracks Shiroma with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Shiroma closes the distance looking to clinch
and Galvan counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Galvan stuffs the takedown.
Shiroma takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Galvan definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A lazy left from Galvan finds it's target.
Shiroma will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Galvan is looking to counter the offense by Shiroma and move into the clinch.
Shiroma closes the distance looking to clinch
and Galvan counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.#T1#
Shiroma tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Galvan counters with a nice uppercut.
Nice uppercut lands for Galvan. That snapped Shiroma's head back.
Galvan sizes up Shiroma with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle. #ROC#Shiroma is rocked!
Galvan lands a big right hook! Shiroma looks hurt but is still standing! Galvan lands a left jab and another right hook! This time Shiroma falls down and Galvan dives in with a huge hammer fist! Shiroma's eyes roll back! The referee calls for the bell and Galvan runs up the cage to celebrate with his fans!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Henry Galvan!
Henry Galvan took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Wrestler Wayfare for their support in the buildup to the fight.

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 47
Date: Jun 22, 2024

#R1#
Fujimori wants to clinch up but Gall Peters keeps it at a distance.
Fujimori misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Gall Peters counters with a series of strikes. Fujimori will be more careful next time no doubt. #CL#
Gall Peters has closed the distance and engaged Fujimori in a clinch.
Gall Peters definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Gall Peters. #BC#
Gall Peters escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The crowd cheers as Gall Peters lands an impressive looking overhand right. Fujimori doesn't seem phased though.
A telegraphed right hand from Fujimori misses the target.
Gall Peters throwing a counter right hand but Fujimori manages to avoid it.
Fujimori throws a head kick that misses
and Gall Peters counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Fujimori throws out a leg kick but Gall Peters moves out of range and Fujimori only half commits.
Gall Peters fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Fujimori on the side of the head.#ROC#Fujimori is rocked!
Fujimori misses with a takedown
and Gall Peters scores with a counter punch that sends Fujimori to the canvas! Gall Peters smells blood - he's punishing Fujimori with more strikes and the ref has stopped it! Fujimori has no idea where he is - he's tackled the ref... oh dear, poor guy, the crowd is in hysterics!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Atlas Gall Peters!
Atlas Gall Peters thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 48
Date: Jun 22, 2024

#R1#
Blanchard misses with a hook.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kasai 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 Blanchard has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Blanchard and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Blanchard definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
A head kick misses from Kasai.
Blanchard throws a big shot that misses.
Kasai is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Blanchard scores with a nice right hand. #CUT#It looks like Kiyoshi Kasai has been cut.
Blanchard throws a body punch but Kasai moves out of range.
Kasai feints a counter leg kick.
A combination from Kasai does no damage.
Kasai scores with a head kick. Blanchard tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.#CUT2#It looks like Andrew Blanchard has been cut.
Kasai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kasai slips under a jab.
Blanchard throws a right hand that misses
and Kasai counters with a nice body kick.
Blanchard clobbers Kasai with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Blanchard tries to move into range but Kasai moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.#T1#
Kasai throws a lazy uppercut
and Blanchard counters with a stiff right hand.
Sloppy strikes from Blanchard. Those never looked like landing.
Kasai looks to throw the jab but Blanchard is out of range.
Kasai throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Blanchard counters with a nice body shot.
Kasai throws a push kick but Blanchard slaps the foot to one side.
Blanchard went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Blanchard drops Kasai with a straight left! Oh this is bad for Kasai! Blanchard dives in and starts dropping bombs - the referee has no choice but to step in and save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Andrew Blanchard!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 49
Date: Jun 22, 2024

#R1##TD2#
Haley scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Haley drops an elbow to the side of Nishimura's head.
Nishimura is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Haley scores with a couple of nice shots.
Haley landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Haley lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Nishimura wants to control but Haley is keeping busy.
Haley looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Haley not throwing his punches with enough precision this time. #SUB2#
Haley is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Nishimura wants to control but Haley is keeping busy and won't allow it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Haley scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Nishimura looks like he's trying to stand up.
Nishimura on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Nishimura tries to get out of the position.#T1#
Nishimura is looking to control Haley's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Nishimura avoid being mounted?
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Haley working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
Nishimura blocking the ground and pound attempt from Haley.
Haley working Nishimura over with strikes. #SUB2#
Haley is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Haley tries to pass to full mount but Nishimura defends it. #ES#
Nishimura kicks Haley off and gets back to his feet.
Nishimura misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick. #TD#
Nishimura shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

Haley kicks Nishimura off and gets back to his feet.#T2#
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.#TD#
Nishimura closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Haley trying to control but Nishimura postures up.
Haley is staying active underneath Nishimura, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Haley is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Haley keeps control of the position for the meantime. #T3#
Nishimura performing his best blanket impression for a moment. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Nishimura dives in for a single leg takedown but Haley sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.#TD#
Nishimura wants the takedown. Haley is fighting it off but Nishimura persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Haley's guard against the cage.

Haley is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched. #T4#
A bit of stalling here from Nishimura.
Nishimura has been working on his balance at Alpha Brasil, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Haley.
Haley tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Nishimura smiles and moves away.
Nishimura looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Nishimura shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Haley sprawls well. Haley wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Nishimura gets slowly back to his feet.
Haley drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Nishimura defends it well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Toru Nishimura. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Haley fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Nishimura avoids it really well and circles away.
Nishimura appears to be looking for a big counter.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Messiah Haley dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Nishimura just misses with a punch to the body.
Haley is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Nishimura lands with a hook. Haley tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Haley is trying hard to land a takedown here. Nishimura sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Nishimura throws a series of punches but Haley avoids them all with ease.
Nishimura looks to land a body kick but Haley moved away.#TD2#
Haley closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Nishimura's guard.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Haley working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Haley accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Haley with a nice head shot there.
Haley stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nishimura swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Haley cracks Nishimura with a solid left hand.#T1#
Nishimura wants to sweep but no luck.
Haley with a flurry of punches that miss.
Haley throws a strike but Nishimura rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top. #REVR#
Messiah Haley has got the better of the ground game so far.
Haley seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Nishimura is working Haley over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Haley keeping moving, preventing Nishimura from controlling successfully.
Nishimura trying to stand up but can't free himself from Haley's guard.#T2#
Haley pulls Nishimura in close to his closed guard and prevents Nishimura from doing any damage or advancing position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.#T3#
Nishimura shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Haley defends it nicely.
Haley feints the counter takedown.
Nishimura shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Haley sprawls well. Haley wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Nishimura gets slowly back to his feet.
Haley swats away the attempt to clinch by Nishimura.
And Haley tries to counter it with a takedown but Nishimura pushes his down on his head and steps out.#CL#
Nishimura darts in and clinches Haley up against the cage.#T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.#BC#
Nishimura breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Horrible takedown attempt by Nishimura or perhaps it was just good defense by Haley, which made it look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Toru Nishimura. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nishimura tries for a takedown but Haley sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Nishimura lands with a thumping leg kick.
Haley fails to land the takedown.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Nishimura fails with the takedown.#TD2#
Haley scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Toru Nishimura will probably get the nod.
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#
Nishimura darts in trying to clinch#TD2#
and Haley counters with a shoot takedown. Nishimura fights it but they end up in guard. #SUB#
Nishimura looking for a guillotine here but Haley defends easily.
Haley postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nishimura preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Haley in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Haley working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Nishimura's head.
Haley in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Haley wants to control from the top but Nishimura keeps moving. #T1#
Nishimura avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Haley trying to control but Nishimura is working from the bottom.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Haley throwing strikes from guard but Nishimura blocks nicely. #REF3#
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nishimura throws a half hearted mid kick.
Nishimura throws a body shot but no joy.
Haley is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Haley swinging wildly here. #TD2#
Haley decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.#T2#
Haley slips a nice elbow through Nishimura's hands, connecting with Nishimura's forehead.#SUB2#
Haley is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Nishimura avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Haley.
Haley scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Haley throwing shots but Nishimura is blocking nicely.
Nishimura regains full guard. Nicely done.
Haley working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Haley throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nishimura works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Haley looking to sit in guard and control but Nishimura gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top. #REVR#
Haley working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Nishimura. #T3#
Haley lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Nishimura is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Haley is controlling him.
Haley chips away with some ground and pound.
Haley postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Haley postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Haley connects with a couple of short punches.
Haley scoring with some ground and pound.
Haley makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Haley scoring with some ground and pound.
Haley is working Nishimura over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Haley cracks Nishimura with a solid left hand.#T4#
Haley makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.#SUB2#
Haley drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Nishimura manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Haley has Nishimura in his guard.#REVR#
Nishimura is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Haley wants to get back to his feet but Nishimura is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Messiah Haley comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Haley 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Messiah Haley!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 51
Date: Jun 22, 2024

#R1#
Hironaka shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mcclain as he avoids it easily.
Mcclain only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Mcclain misses with a leg kick.
Hironaka misses the shot to the body.
Hironaka shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Mcclain but Mcclain pushes him off and we're back to square one.#TD#
Hironaka gets the takedown into side control.
You can see the frustration on Mcclain's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hironaka postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Hironaka creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Mcclain sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike. #T1#
Hironaka looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Mcclain is avoiding damage well.
Hironaka trying to control the action but Mcclain is working from the bottom.
Hironaka looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Mcclain is avoiding damage well.
Hironaka advances nicely into full mount. #SUB#
Hironaka looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Mcclain avoids a series of strikes thrown by Hironaka. #T2#
Mcclain avoids a series of strikes thrown by Hironaka.
Mcclain blocking the ground and pound.
Hironaka punching from mount but Mcclain doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Hironaka throws some wild stikes that Mcclain manages to avoid easily.
Hironaka wants to control the pace but Mcclain is squirming around nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB#
Hironaka has control of Mcclain's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Mcclain regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Hironaka wants to control the pace but Mcclain is squirming around nicely. #T3#
Mcclain tries to lock up and control but Hironaka gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Hironaka trying to control but Mcclain is having none of it.
Mcclain blocking the ground and pound.
Hironaka scoring with strikes but Mcclain is staying in there.
Hironaka throwing strikes here but Mcclain is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage. #SUB#
Hironaka goes for an armbar but Mcclain turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Mcclain. #T4#
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Hironaka holds on and takes a little breather.
Mcclain wants to control from the top but Hironaka keeps moving.
Hironaka is trying to control the position but Mcclain postures up.
Mcclain stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hironaka swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!#SUB#
Mcclain avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kichiro Hironaka 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#
Hironaka shoots in but Mcclain avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Mcclain thinks about the counter body kick.#TD#
Hironaka closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Hironaka lands in his opponent's guard.
Kichiro Hironaka overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mcclain is trying to keep Hironaka in close.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SU#
Hironaka gets to his feet. Mcclain looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Hironaka tries to clinch but Mcclain moves out of range. #TD#
Hironaka shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Hironaka showed some decent athleticism there. #T1#
Hironaka is looking to take a break and control but Mcclain is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hironaka looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Hironaka has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Hironaka trying to control the action but Mcclain is working from the bottom. #T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.#SU#
Hironaka gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
A nice inside leg kick there by Mcclain. That's going to slow Hironaka down.
Mcclain defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hironaka.
Mcclain avoids the head kick by Hironaka.
Mcclain flicks out a counter leg kick but Hironaka steps away.
Hironaka is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Mcclain can do to turn this around?
Hironaka throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mcclain's waist but Mcclain gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hironaka off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kichiro Hironaka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mcclain throws a sloppy head kick and Hironaka moves out of range easily. #CL#
Hironaka forces Mcclain back against the cage and clinches.
Mcclain crunches a lovely knee into Hironaka's ribcage.#T3#
Mcclain working hard to break the clinch.
Hironaka scores with a shoulder strike.
Stalling in the clinch from Hironaka.
Hironaka stalling in the clinch but Mcclain improves position.
Hironaka jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Mcclain walks away with a smile on his face. Hironaka gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head. #TD#
Hironaka fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Mcclain sprawls well initially but Hironaka persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Hironaka is trying to control the action in half guard but Mcclain is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Mcclain blocking the ground and pound attempt from Hironaka.
Hironaka is just content to waste time from the top position. Mcclain takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Hironaka postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect. #T4#
Mcclain keeping moving, preventing Hironaka from controlling successfully.
Hironaka slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Hironaka has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.#SU#
Hironaka stands up and waves to Mcclain to follow him. #TD#
Mcclain gets caught napping as Hironaka dives in and scores a takedown. Mcclain manages to retain guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mcclain looking to control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kichiro Hironaka dominated that second 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. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!#R3#
Hironaka misses with a series of wild punches.
Mcclain flicks out a counter leg kick but Hironaka steps away.
Mcclain slaps away a takedown attempt from Hironaka, before circling back to the center of the mat.#CL#
Hironaka moves into range and clinches up with Mcclain.
Hironaka throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hironaka dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Mcclain gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Hironaka.
Hironaka trying to stall but Mcclain improves his position. #T1#
Mcclain trying to land knees to the body.
Hironaka looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kichiro Hironaka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mcclain misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hironaka.
Mcclain lands a knee to the body.
Mcclain misses with a knee strike.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Hironaka misses with an elbow strike.
Hironaka blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Mcclain tries a knee to the head but Hironaka blocks it. #T2#
Hironaka wants to break free but Mcclain has control.
Hironaka tries to pull guard but Mcclain holds him up against the cage and eventually Hironaka drops back down to his feet. #TD#
Hironaka has picked Mcclain up - he's going for a ride! Hironaka dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Mcclain is staying active underneath Hironaka, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Hironaka looks to land a strike but Mcclain avoids it nicely and regains full guard.#SU#
Hironaka decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow. #TD#
Hironaka manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Mcclain on his heels. He'll look to pass Mcclain's guard now, I'm sure.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hironaka throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Mcclain works some decent striking defense from the bottom. #T3#
Hironaka looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Hironaka trying to control but Mcclain is working from the bottom.
Hironaka in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Hironaka lands a couple of digs.
Hironaka trying to control the position from guard on top but Mcclain is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T4#
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Kichiro Hironaka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mcclain shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Hironaka shoots in for a double leg but Mcclain sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Mcclain wants to counter with a clinch but Hironaka pushes him away.
Hironaka fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Mcclain throws a fast counter high kick but Hironaka manages to duck under it in time.#TD#
Hironaka shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Mcclain napping and manages to drive through into side control!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#SU#
Hironaka decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Rodolfo Mcclain has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kichiro Hironaka is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.#KD2#
Mcclain lands a big head kick that sends Hironaka tumbling to the mat! Mcclain takes a step backwards and waves Hironaka back to his feet - he wants the finish!

And that's the end of the fight!
Rodolfo Mcclain comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hironaka 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 Paul Gruel scores the fight 29:28
Judge Josh West scores the fight 29:28
Judge Chris Saunders scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kichiro Hironaka!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 52
Date: Jun 22, 2024

#R1#
Infinitus throws a series of punches but Iwamoto avoids them all with ease.
Infinitus throws a right and a left that Iwamoto avoids nicely.
Infinitus moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Iwamoto takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Iwamoto leaves Infinitus with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Infinitus seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Infinitus shoots in for a takedown but Iwamoto shows good takedown defense.
Infinitus throws a series of strikes that have Iwamoto backpedaling.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Iwamoto wants to clinch.
Iwamoto doesn't manage to clinch there - Infinitus circles away.
Infinitus is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Infinitus stuffs the takedown attempt from Iwamoto. Iwamoto gets slowly back to his feet.
No joy there for Infinitus, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A head kick by Iwamoto misses
and Infinitus counters with a series of strikes. Iwamoto will be more careful next time no doubt. #TD2#
Iwamoto gets a double leg takedown into Infinitus's guard.#T1#
Infinitus wants to get back to his feet but Iwamoto is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Infinitus trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Iwamoto is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Iwamoto stands up over Infinitus, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Iwamoto won't allow Infinitus to get back to his feet.
Iwamoto is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Iwamoto prevents Infinitus from getting back to his feet.
Iwamoto controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Infinitus is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Iwamoto is controlling him. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.#TD2#
Iwamoto shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Infinitus manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Infinitus is looking to stand back up but Iwamoto counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Infinitus. #T2##REVR#
Iwamoto performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Infinitus is trying to stand back up but Iwamoto is controlling him
Iwamoto not doing much here.
Infinitus is trying to escape back to his feet but Iwamoto uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Infinitus taking punishment in the form of punches.
Infinitus is trying to buck Iwamoto off.
Iwamoto grinds an elbow into Infinitus's temple.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T3#
Infinitus is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Iwamoto has just dragged him back down to the mat.#SUB2#
Infinitus tries to escape back to his feet but Iwamoto has kept hold of him... Oh, now he's got Infinitus's back and is looking for the choke... Is it? Is it sunk in? YES! Infinitus is tapping! Iwamoto saw the opportunity and took it - ruthless!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Daichi Iwamoto!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 53
Date: Jun 22, 2024

#R1#
Augustus digs a good hook to Honda's body.
Augustus lands with a straight right. Honda didn't see that one coming.
Augustus swinging wildly here.
Honda walks into a jab.
Honda walks into a jab.
Augustus is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Nice uppercut there from Augustus.
No luck for Honda with that takedown attempt.
Augustus lands a nice shot that snaps Honda's head back.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Augustus connects with a crisp jab.
Honda has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Augustus.
Augustus lands the left hand.
Honda walks into a jab.
Augustus is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Augustus bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.#T1#
Augustus clobbers Honda with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Honda tries to clinch up but Augustus circles away and keeps his distance.
Augustus lands a lovely overhand right.
A lazy left from Augustus finds it's target.
Augustus lands a jab to the nose.
Augustus is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Honda takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Augustus connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Honda fails with an attempt to clinch.
A little feinted left hand from Augustus on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Honda closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Honda moves forwards but Augustus connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Augustus scores with a jab to the head.
Honda has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Augustus finds it's way round the side to connect with Honda's head.
Yonatan Augustus is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Honda walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
We've been told by Augustus's head coaches at The 3rd Precinct that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Honda throws a lazy right hand but Augustus sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Augustus lands a nice hook to Honda's body. Honda takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes. #T2#
Augustus scores with a jab. Honda acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Good work by Honda as he checks the leg kick.
Augustus misses with a straight right.
Honda on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Augustus stuffs the takedown attempt from Honda. Honda gets slowly back to his feet.
Honda looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Honda slips a jab from Augustus.
Honda shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Yonatan Augustus has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yoichi Honda.
Honda moves forwards but Augustus connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Honda has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Nice uppercut lands for Augustus. That snapped Honda's head back.
Honda closes the distance and clinches up with Augustus, looking for a takedown. Honda pushes Augustus against the cage but Augustus circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Augustus throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Honda takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Honda gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Honda takes one to the chin there.
Honda with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Augustus to score with a decent uppercut.#T3#
Augustus scores with a crisp jab that stopped Honda in his tracks.
Honda is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Augustus lands a jab to Honda's midsection.
Augustus scores with a jab to the jaw.
Augustus lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Augustus stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Yonatan Augustus seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A decent looking cross lands there for Augustus.
Honda takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Augustus connects with a nice looking jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Augustus throws out a loose jab but Honda uses good head movement to avoid it.
Honda doesn't manage to clinch there - Augustus circles away.
Honda looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple. #TD2#
Honda shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Honda showed some decent athleticism there.
Honda looking to pass the half guard. Not this time. #T4#
Augustus is trying to stand up here but Honda is controlling him well.
Honda thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Honda controlling the pace.
Augustus is doing well to control the position and prevent Honda from advancing to side control.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Augustus is pressing down on Honda's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Yonatan Augustus dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.#R2#
Augustus fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Augustus feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Hondas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Honda blocks a jab.
Yoichi Honda is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Honda shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Augustus wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.#CL2#
Honda clinches up against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Augustus.
Honda misses with some punches.
Augustus working aggressively here.
Augustus lands a hook that snaps the head of Honda backwards.
Augustus is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Honda can do to turn this around?
Honda avoiding damage as Augustus throws knees to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Honda tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Augustus is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Honda goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Augustus blocks an uppercut.
Augustus misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Honda. #T1#
Augustus tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Augustus lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Honda fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Honda's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Honda displaying some good clinch control by pressing Augustus up against the cage.
Honda is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Augustus to keep the fight standing.
Yonatan Augustus has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yoichi Honda.
A nice right hand lands inside from Augustus.
Augustus misses with a short punch on the inside.
Augustus is trying to break the clinch but Honda has him pressed against the cage.
Augustus working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Honda blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Augustus has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A hook to the body from Augustus.
Augustus lands with a left to the head. #T2#
Augustus lands a left hand that snaps the head of Honda backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Augustus.
Augustus throws a head punch that misses.
Augustus misses with a punch on the inside.
A short uppercut from Augustus.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Honda goes for a takedown attempt but Augustus pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Augustus lands with an overhand left.
Honda takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Augustus uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Honda.
Augustus comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Honda's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Augustus connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Honda scrambles back to his feet.
Honda has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Honda there as he acknowledges the shot.#TD2#
Honda feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.#T3#
Honda working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Honda controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Augustus is pulling down on Honda's head. It's preventing any offense from Honda, at least for the moment.
Honda must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Honda trying to control the position from guard on top but Augustus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Augustus looking for a sweep. Not yet Augustus, not yet.
Augustus keeping moving, preventing Honda from controlling successfully. #T4#
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Honda stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Augustus swivels though and keeps the full guard. #REF3#
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Augustus takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Honda tries to clinch there but Augustus circles away.
Augustus catches Honda with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Honda will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Augustus scores with a nice head shot.
Augustus bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Honda's head backwards.#TD2#
Honda closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Honda lands in his opponent's guard.
Honda trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Augustus manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVR#
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Yonatan Augustus dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!#R3#
Honda walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Augustus throws a right and a left that both miss.
Honda on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Yonatan Augustus is winning the standup battle so far.
Honda takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.#TD2#
Honda scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Honda stops Augustus from getting back to his feet.
Honda thows a huge punch but Augustus dodges it nicely.
Honda wants to pass the guard but Augustus is defending well. #SUB2#
Honda is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Augustus defends it well.
Augustus preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head. #T1#
Honda wants to stand but Augustus has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Yonatan Augustus is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Honda wants to pass the guard but Augustus is defending well. #REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Augustus fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Honda misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick. #T2#
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.
Augustus scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Honda doesn't seem bothered though.
Augustus connects with a crisp jab.
Augustus lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Augustus scores with a jab.
A decent looking cross lands there for Augustus.
Sloppy strikes from Augustus. Those never looked like landing.
Augustus cracks Honda with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Honda moves forwards but Augustus connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Augustus works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.#TD2#
Augustus gets caught flat footed, as Honda shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Honda looking to pass the guard.
Honda wants to stand but Augustus has a closed guard, so he can't escape. #T3#
Augustus is looking to stand up but Honda isn't so interested in that idea.
Honda trying to control the position from guard on top but Augustus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Augustus is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.#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.
Augustus scores with a decent looking hook.
Honda shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Augustus but Augustus pushes him off and we're back to square one.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Augustus.
Honda takes a jab right on the kisser. #CL#
Augustus clinches with his opponent.
Augustus prevents Honda from breaking the clinch.
Augustus softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Yoichi Honda has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Honda wants to break free but Augustus has control.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yonatan Augustus showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Augustus, 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 Alec Ball scores the fight 30:26
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 30:26
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yonatan Augustus!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 53
Date: Jun 22, 2024

#R1#
A jab from Hope finds it's way through Tahara's defenses.
Hope digs a good hook to Tahara's body.
Hope lands a right hook to the body.
Tahara misses with a body kick.
Tahara takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Tahara shoots in looking for a takedown. Hope tries to sprawl out of it but Tahara keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hope manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Tahara tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hope sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tahara somewhat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big left from Hope misses.
Tahara throws a big counter head kick but Hope avoids it with no problem.
Hope throws a body shot but no joy.
Tahara shoots in looking for a takedown but Hope manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Tahara's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Broken Hope has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsuo Tahara.
Hope throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect. #T1#
Hope throws a series of punches but Tahara avoids them all with ease.
Hope lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Hope sizes up Tahara with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Hope listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Tahara misses with a body punch
enabling Hope to counter with a crisp jab.
Hope connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Tahara momentarily.
Hope misses with a series of wild punches.
Tahara's coach down at Gym Goroshi London was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Tahara's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Hope lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Tahara on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Tahara uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hope.
Tahara tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Horrible takedown attempt by Tahara or perhaps it was just good defense by Hope, which made it look bad. #T2#
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hope misses the jab.
Nice sprawl there from Hope as Tahara shoots in.#TD2#
Tahara gets a double leg takedown into Hope's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tahara is fighting to break Hope's control of his arms but Hope is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.#SU2#
Tahara gets to his feet - Hope follows without any prompting.
Tahara tries a head kick but it misses.
Hope throws a right hand that Tahara ducks under and follows up with a left that Tahara also avoids with ease.
Hope just misses with a punch to the body.
Tahara misses with the body kick
and Hope counters with a stiff right hand.
Hope misses with an uppercut.
Hope is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Hope throws a lazy right hand but Tahara sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.#T3#
Hope darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Tahara fails with a takedown attempt.
Hope scores with the left hand. Tahara knows he should have avoided that one.
Tahara tries a head kick but it misses.
Hope connects with a looping right hand.
Hope lands a nice hook to Tahara's body. Tahara takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hope connects with a good right hand that stumbles Tahara. Tahara circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Tahara fails with a takedown attempt.
Tahara closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so. #T4#
Tahara misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hope's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Hope duly obliges.
Hope definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tahara throws a shot from downtown. Hope moves away and avoids it.
Hope appears to be looking for a big counter.#TD2#
Tahara scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Hope on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Hope tries to get out of the position.
Tahara happy to just control the position for now.
Hope can't do much from the bottom here.
Tahara throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Broken Hope dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!#R2#
Hope moves into range and connects with a jab.
Tahara wants to clinch up but Hope keeps it at a distance.
Hope was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Tahara fails with the takedown.
Hope pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tahara takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Hope is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tahara can do to turn this around?
Hope connects with the punch.
Nice jab there from Hope.
Hope wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hope misses with a hook. Tahara ducked under it nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Tahara is defended easily by Hope.#T1#
Tahara misses the jab.
Broken Hope is winning the standup battle so far.
Tahara throws a sloppy head kick
and Hope counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Tahara changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hope tries to avoid it but Tahara manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hope to the ground. Hope escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Broken Hope has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsuo Tahara.
Hope scores with the left hand. Tahara knows he should have avoided that one.
Hope fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tahara manages to avoid it.
Tahara appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Hope leaves Tahara with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Hope with a hook.
Hope cracks Tahara with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Hope feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Taharas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Tahara fails with an attempt to clinch.
Tahara has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Hope avoids the head kick by Tahara. #T2#
Tahara closes this distance looking for a takedown but Hope circles away.
Hope's jab looks to have found its range, popping Tahara under the eye.
Hope ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
It looked like Hope wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hope throws a combination. Tahara tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Hope throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Tahara.
Tahara throws a hook but Hope blocks it.
Hope ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tahara moves away.
Hope lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Hope connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Tahara is defended easily by Hope.
Hope swats away the attempt to clinch by Tahara.#T3#
Good shot there by Hope.
Nice takedown defense from Hope. No joy for Tahara on that attempt.
Hope scores with a hook to the body. Tahara takes a step back and tries to catch his breath. #TD2#
Tahara gets a takedown into half guard.

Hope has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Tahara is on him like a limpet, forcing Hope back against the cage.#BC#
Hope breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Katsuo Tahara is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tahara blocks a jab.
Broken Hope is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T4#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tahara throws a head kick but Hope moves out of range.
Tahara takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Hope takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Hope ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tahara moves away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tahara looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tahara tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Hope manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
It looked like Hope was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Hope avoids a kick to the body.
Hope closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Tahara misses with a takedown attempt - Hope sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
It looked like Hope was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Hope moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Broken Hope dominated that second 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. This is the final round!#R3#
Tahara misses with a takedown
and Hope counters with a left to the body.
Hope uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tahara.
Hope connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Tahara momentarily.
A swing and a miss from Hope.
Tahara takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Tahara closes the distance looking to clinch
and Hope counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hope fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Hope connects with a nice looking jab.
Tahara doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Hope makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.#T1#
Tahara with a lazy takedown attempt
letting Hope counter with a right hand.
Broken Hope has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Katsuo Tahara.
Hope cracks Tahara with an open hand slap.#ROC#Tahara is rocked!
Tahara fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Hope just misses with a punch to the body.
Tahara shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Hope counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Tahara takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tahara is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hope changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Tahara shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Hope lands with a good body shot.#T2#
Tahara shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hope sprawls well. Hope wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Tahara gets slowly back to his feet.
Jab, jab by Hope - just one landing.
Hope cracks Tahara with an open hand slap.
Hope scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tahara misses with a takedown attempt
and Hope connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hope ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tahara moves away.
Tahara slips a jab from Hope.
Tahara tries to move into range but Hope moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Tahara with a poor takedown
enabling Hope to counter with a crisp jab. #T3#
Hope cracks Tahara with a good jab.
Tahara is still on wobbly legs! Can Hope finish him?
Tahara misses with a takedown attempt
and Hope counters with a straight right hand.
Tahara throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hope.
Hope lands with a shot to the body.
Broken Hope is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hope misses with a wild body shot.
Tahara steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Hope.
Tahara seems to have recovered his senses.
Hope scores with a jab to the head.
Tahara is looking to clinch.
Hope lands a nice looking body shot.
Tahara slips a straight right by Hope.
Hope scores with a body shot.
Tahara throws a leg kick but Hope sees it coming and checks it nicely. #T4#
Nice uppercut there from Hope.
Hope scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Tahara doesn't seem bothered though.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tahara misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Hope throws a good cross that connects.
Tahara dives in and grabs Hope's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hope pushes down on Tahara's head and hops out.
Hope scores with a crisp jab that stopped Tahara in his tracks.
Nice shot lands for Hope.
Hope fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Tahara shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Hope but Hope pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A little feinted left hand from Hope on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Hope's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Hope duly obliges.

And that's the end of the fight!
Broken Hope showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hope, 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 Trevor Gratis scores the fight 30:26
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 30:26
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Broken Hope!

Event: BANZAI COMBAT 45
Date: Jun 15, 2024

#R1#
Mann fails to land the takedown.#CL2#
Mann moves into the clinch.#TD#
Juba has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Mann uses from the top position.
Mann wants to stand but Juba has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Mann won't allow Juba to sweep him here.
Juba is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Mann is controlling him. #SUB#
Mann is sitting in close to Juba's body. Juba has gone for a guillotine from the bottom. Oh damn, that looks pretty tight! Mann is panicking - it looks like this one could be all over! Yes, Mann is tapping! That was a very nice submission by Juba.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Toru Juba!

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