Escape The Cage 6. PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Eddie King (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yoshiro Takeshi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). King comes to the cage accompanied by Seasons in the Abyss. Takeshi has chosen All That Remains - Chiron as his entrance music. Yoshiro Takeshi has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Eddie King's chin.

King
vs
Takeshi

198 cm
25
220 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

190 cm
25
200 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Decent elbows
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Determined

Untouchable Fight Gear

Charlie Wang's Nutrition and 95 % Laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Eddie King!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Yoshiro Takeshi!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Shigeki Sano and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
King throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

King clinches up with Takeshi and pushes him back against the cage.
King gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Takeshi.
A nice glancing elbow lands by King.

It looks like Yoshiro Takeshi has been cut.
Takeshi has King pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. King manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
King looking to throw knees to the head but Takeshi is blocking nicely.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
King gets underhooks to prevent Takeshi's takedown attempt.
Eddie King has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yoshiro Takeshi.
Takeshi jumps guard but King turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
King lands a damaging elbow.

Takeshi has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics King uses from the top position.
King trying to stand up but can't free himself from Takeshi's guard.
Takeshi is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
King wants to stand and escape but instead Takeshi has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
King knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Takeshi on the ground.
Takeshi controlling from the top position.
Takeshi trying to control but King is working from the bottom.
King utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takeshi content to stall in guard here.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Yoshiro Takeshi was stalling too much, according to the referee.

King forces Takeshi back against the cage and clinches.
Takeshi trying to stall but King improves his position.
King content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Takeshi managing to block the knees to the body from King.
Takeshi takes an elbow to the forehead.
King creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
King lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
King throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Takeshi blocks it with crossed arms.
King putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Takeshi in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
King is stalling here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
King tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Takeshi avoids it.
King connects with a nasty looking knee right to Takeshi's face.

That has opened up Yoshiro Takeshi's cut even more.
Takeshi takes a knee to the side of the body.
Takeshi looks gassed!
King lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Takeshi takes an elbow to the temple.
Takeshi dodges an elbow strike from King.
King creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Takeshi's defenses.

The cut above Yoshiro Takeshi's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. King obliges.
This has been an exciting period of action!
King stalling.
King lands an elbow just above Takeshi 's eye.
A knee to the head by King.
Takeshi blocks an elbow strike from King.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
King misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Takeshi.
King lands a nice knee to the body.
Takeshi takes an elbow to the temple.

Yoshiro Takeshi's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Takeshi avoiding damage as King throws knees to the body.
Takeshi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
King lands an elbow that stopped Takeshi in his tracks for a moment.
Knees to the body from King.
King creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
King stops a takedown attempt from Takeshi.
Knees to the body from King.
King connects with a nasty looking knee right to Takeshi's face.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Yoshiro Takeshi's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Eddie King!
Eddie King decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between James Alvarado (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank Mir (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mir is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Skrillex - Ruffneck . I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Frank Mir was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Alvarado
vs
Mir

200 cm
20
205 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

190 cm
25
210 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Great elbows
Experienced

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, James Alvarado!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Frank Mir!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Hirohito Nitta and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Alvarado closes this distance looking for a takedown but Mir circles away.
Alvarado tries to clinch but Mir moves out of range.
Mir throws a low kick but Alvarado moves out of range easily.
Mir avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Mir throws a low kick but Alvarado avoids it.

Alvarado rushes Mir and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Mir is looking to take this one to the mat.
Alvarado on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Mir is looking for a takedown.
Alvarado looking to throw knees to the head but Mir is blocking nicely.
Alvarado content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Mir can't break the clinch.
Mir can't get the takedown.
James Alvarado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Mir.
Alvarado slows down the pace here.
A frustrated look appears on Alvarado's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alvarado has Mir pressed against the cage, preventing Mir from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Mir tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Mir gets underhooks to prevent Alvarado's takedown attempt.
Mir looking to slow down the pace here.
Mir prevents Alvarado from breaking the clinch.
Alvarado using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mir has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Mir goes for a takedown attempt but Alvarado pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Alvarado throws a head kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mir throws a leg kick but Alvarado sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Alvarado fails with a takedown attempt.
Mir slaps away a takedown attempt from Alvarado, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mir is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Alvarado tries to clinch but Mir is having none of it.
Mir tries to work over Alvarado's front leg with a kick but Alvarado checks it.
Alvarado throws a combination that misses
and Mir counters with a leg kick.
Alvarado shoots in for a takedown but Mir shows good takedown defense.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alvarado fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Mir avoids it really well and circles away.
Alvarado throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Mir counters with an outside leg kick.
Alvarado is breathing heavily.

Mir pushes Alvarado up against the cage in a clinch.
Mir doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Alvarado is trying to break the clinch but Mir has him pressed against the cage.
Alvarado throws a head punch that misses.
Mir looking to slow down the pace here.

Alvarado breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Alvarado moves out of range of the leg kick from Mir.
Mir circles away from the clinch attempt.
Alvarado fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alvarado throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Mir fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Alvarado checks it well.
Mir misses with a low kick as Alvarado jumps back.
Alvarado fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mir manages to avoid it.
Frank Mir is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Alvarado throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Mir's waist but Mir gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Alvarado off to one side.
Mir is looking to score with low kicks.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Alvarado blocks a leg kick.
Alvarado throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Mir tries to score with a low kick but Alvarado moves his leg out of the way.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Frank Mir will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Mir misses with a leg kick.
Alvarado shoots in looking for a takedown but Mir manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Alvarado's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Alvarado misses with a wild body shot.
Mir wants to clinch up but Alvarado keeps it at a distance.
Mir tried to score with a low kick but Alvarado checks it.
James Alvarado seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Alvarado misses with a takedown attempt - Mir sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Mir motions for Alvarado to come forward. Mir throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Nice sprawl there from Mir as Alvarado shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James Alvarado. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mir 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.
Mir doesn't manage to clinch there - Alvarado circles away.
Mir motions for Alvarado to come forward. Mir throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mir throws a solid leg kick but Alvarado takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Mir.
Alvarado avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A leg kick checked by Alvarado.
Mir throws a leg kick but Alvarado sees it coming and moves out of range.
Alvarado swats away the attempt to clinch by Mir.
Mir is looking to chop away at Alvarado's legs.
Mir throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Mir throws a leg kick but Alvarado sees it coming and moves out of range.
Horrible takedown by Alvarado or perhaps it was just good defense by Mir which made him look bad.
Alvarado fails to land the takedown.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mir tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Alvarado paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Alvarado fails to land the takedown.
Mir avoids the head kick by Alvarado.
Mir throws a front kick aimed at Alvarado's knee but Alvarado avoids it well.
Mir attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Mir throws a low kick but it's checked well by Alvarado.
Alvarado is trying hard to land a takedown here. Mir sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Mir shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Some bone on bone action there as Alvarado checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alvarado blocks a leg kick.
A clash of legs there as Alvarado blocks the low kick.
Alvarado tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mir swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Alvarado fails in his attempt to clinch.
Mir tries to clinch up but Alvarado circles away and keeps his distance.
That kick from Mir tenderised Alvarado's leg. Alvarado is trying to keep his angry face on.
Mir turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Mir defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Alvarado.
Mir tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Alvarado paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Mir wants to slow Alvarado down by chopping away at his legs.
Alvarado checks the leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mir blocks a head kick by Alvarado.
Mir throws a leg kick but Alvarado sees it coming and checks it nicely.
A leg kick checked by Alvarado.
Mir tries to close the distance and clinch but Alvarado swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Mir misses with a low kick.
Mir tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Alvarado is able to avoid easily.
Alvarado finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Alvarado circles away from the clinch attempt.
Mir is looking to score with low kicks.
Some bone on bone action there as Alvarado checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Alvarado tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mir swats him away and circles back towards the center.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Mir showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Mir wants to land a leg kick but Alvarado is out of range.
Mir finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Alvarado misses with a low kick.
Alvarado looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Mir rushes Alvarado and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Alvarado using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Mir has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Alvarado is trying to break the clinch but Mir is controlling him.
Alvarado controlling the action here for a moment.
Mir has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Alvarado after a bit of a struggle.
Alvarado tries to circle away but Mir has him pinned against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mir is trying to pull guard but Alvarado turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Mir can't break the clinch.
Alvarado has had enough of the clinch but Mir keeps him there for the moment.
Mir has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Alvarado avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
James Alvarado has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Mir.
Mir keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Alvarado's efforts to push away.
Alvarado has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Mir avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Mir breaks from the clinch.
Alvarado throws a solid leg kick but Mir takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Alvarado.
Alvarado doesn't manage to clinch there - Mir circles away.
Alvarado looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
James Alvarado is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alvarado checks the leg kick nicely there.
Mir misses with a low kick.
Mir misses with a low kick.
Alvarado tries to clinch but Mir is having none of it.
Alvarado shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mir as he avoids it easily.
Alvarado checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Alvarado keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
A clash of legs there as Alvarado blocks the low kick.
Mir misses with a low kick.
Mir is looking to chop away at Alvarado's legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mir will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Mir motions for Alvarado to come forward. Mir throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Mir will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Mir misses with a low kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Alvarado looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Alvarado. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Alvarado swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Mir gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Alvarado has Mir pressed against the cage.

Alvarado breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A clash of legs there as Alvarado blocks the low kick.
Alvarado tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Mir manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Alvarado tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Mir fails in his attempt to clinch.
Mir stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Mir wants it to stay on the feet.
Mir misses with a leg kick.
Mir walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Alvarado checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Mir doesn't manage to clinch there - Alvarado circles away.
Mir fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Good work by Alvarado as he checks the leg kick.
James Alvarado has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Mir has Alvarado up against the cage in a clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Frank Mir comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Mir winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 28:30
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Frank Mir!
A relieved looking Frank Mir thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
39%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Lamar Stevenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tom Hagen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stevenson's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, XV ft. Pusha T- Awesome. There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Stevenson
vs
Hagen

183 cm
19
175 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

178 cm
25
195 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Powerful

[CBK] The Smashwear Corporation

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Lamar Stevenson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Tom Hagen!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hagen shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Hagen showed some decent athleticism there.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Stevenson trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Stevenson is trying to escape the mount.
Stevenson is working hard here to advance position.
Stevenson is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Stevenson is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Hagen sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Hagen cracks Stevenson with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hagen controlling from the full mount.
Hagen avoids the attempt from Stevenson to control.
Stevenson is desperately trying to improve his position but Hagen has a good base and remains in mount.
Hagen sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Hagen lands a heavy elbow.
Stevenson is bucking up trying to escape but Hagen cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

Hagen has hold of an arm here, looking to extend it. He's committed to the armbar attempt here! Will he get it?! Yes! Stevenson is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Tom Hagen!
During a confident post fight interview, Tom Hagen thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Zander Rodriguez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and el Steveo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). el Steveo has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Zander Rodriguez's chin.

Rodriguez
vs
Steveo

170 cm
18
180 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

177 cm
25
175 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Zander Rodriguez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, el Steveo!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Taro Takaoka and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodriguez wants to clinch but Steveo slips to the side
and Steveo connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rodriguez is trying hard to land a takedown here. Steveo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Rodriguez could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Steveo stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Steveo lands with an uppercut that bounces Rodriguez off the cage and back into range.
Rodriguez tries for a takedown but Steveo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Steveo moves into range and connects with a jab.
Steveo throws a series of punches but Rodriguez avoids them all with ease.
Steveo closes the distance and lands a one-two.

Rodriguez is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Steveo bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Rodriguez's head backwards.
Oh Rodriguez is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Steveo walks forward and throws a big overhand right! Rodriguez drops to the floor like a sack of potatoes! Steveo swarms on him with more punches until the referee wrestles him away from Rodriguez's unconscious body! Wow, that was brutal!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). el Steveo!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Strygwyr Ghyl (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Warren Taller (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Ghyl
vs
Taller

225 cm
26
160 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

170 cm
18
165 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Strygwyr Ghyl!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Warren Taller!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Ren Mimura and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice sprawl there from Ghyl as Taller shoots in.
Taller circles away from the clinch attempt

so Taller counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Ghyl wants to stand but Taller is controlling the position.
Taller forces his way into half guard.
Taller looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Taller takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Taller is nestled in close to Ghyl, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ghyl keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Taller lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Taller slows the pace down in half guard.
Taller's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Ghyl wants to get back to his feet.
Ghyl knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Taller on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taller looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Ghyl with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

Taller decides to stand up.
Ghyl tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Taller counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Ghyl blocking the ground and pound attempt from Taller.

Taller decides to stand up.
Ghyl is breathing heavily.
Taller shoots for a double leg takedown but Ghyl sprawls well. He's pushed Taller's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Taller drives through with a takedown into Ghyl's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Taller has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Taller controls from within his opponent's guard.
Taller trying to control but Ghyl is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Warren Taller wasn't active enough on the ground.
Ghyl moves to clinch but Taller breaks away

and Taller counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Taller takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Taller lands with a punch from half guard.
Taller takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

Taller stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
Ghyl is looking to clinch but Taller is avoiding it.

Ghyl gets caught napping as Taller dives in and scores a takedown. Ghyl manages to retain guard.

Taller decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Ghyl, up you get!
Taller shoots in for a double leg but Ghyl sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Strygwyr Ghyl has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Warren Taller.
Ghyl closes the distance looking to clinch

so Taller counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taller pushes down on Ghyl's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Ghyl taking some punishment here, with Taller in his half guard.
Taller not doing much here.
Let's hope that Taller has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

Taller is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Ghyl is just riding it out for now. Taller eventually gives up the hold.
Taller is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Taller connects with a nice short shot to Ghyl's temple.
Taller looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Taller slips a nice elbow through Ghyl's hands, connecting with Ghyl's forehead.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Taller keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

Taller is trying to work for a kimura but Ghyl is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Taller with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Warren Taller dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Taller swats away the attempt to clinch by Ghyl.
Ghyl moves to clinch but Taller breaks away

and Taller counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Taller.
Ghyl can't keep his opponent in guard - Taller advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Taller seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Ghyl avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Taller.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Taller controlling the action here.
Taller takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taller landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Ghyl pushes Taller off looking to stand but Taller dives back in and keeps control.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Nice strikes from Taller there.
Taller seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Taller lands strikes from half guard.

Taller stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Ghyl to get to his feet.
Ghyl tries to clinch but Taller is having none of it.

Ghyl tries to sprawl but Taller drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Taller is nestled in close to Ghyl, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Taller is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Ghyl has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taller with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Taller lands a nice short elbow.
Taller seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Taller drops an elbow to the side of Ghyl's head.
Taller seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taller is nestled in close to Ghyl, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Warren Taller has got the better of the ground game so far.
Taller working over Ghyl with some ground and pound. Ghyl looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Taller winds up and cracks Ghyl with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Taller lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Ghyl is defending against the submission attempts here by Taller.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Taller in particular looking to stall.

Taller is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Ghyl doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Taller.
Taller lands with a punch from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taller lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Taller controlling the pace.

Taller is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Ghyl really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Taller stalling.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Warren Taller showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Taller looking to score a takedown here. Ghyl is defending well but Taller drives through and ends up in Ghyl's guard.
Taller advances position into side control!
Ghyl is trying to get back to his feet.
Taller lands a few punches from side control.
Ghyl is letting Taller control him for a moment.

Taller has hold of Ghyl's arm here. He's working for an Americana. It looks like he might have it! Ghyl tries to escape but he's just digging himself in deeper - Taller cranks the arm and Ghyl screams in pain! The ref makes a decision and ends the fight before the tap - no complains from Ghyl, who is just happy to have his arm attached to his body.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:51 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Warren Taller!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Masato Kunaida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bakki yAkoi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Kunaida
vs
yAkoi

176 cm
21
165 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

170 cm
20
158 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Lethal high kicks
Big right hand

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Masato Kunaida!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Bakki yAkoi!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Ren Mimura and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
yAkoi throws an off balance right hand
and Kunaida counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
yAkoi tries for a takedown but Kunaida sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kunaida thumps yAkoi with a low kick.
yAkoi shoots for a double leg takedown but Kunaida sprawls well. He's pushed yAkoi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Kunaida misses with a series of wild punches.
yAkoi throws a sloppy head kick
and Kunaida counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kunaida lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Kunaida scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
yAkoi fails with the takedown
and Kunaida counters with a nice uppercut.
Masato Kunaida has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bakki yAkoi.
Kunaida thuds a left hand into yAkoi's body.
Kunaida has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from yAkoi finds it's way round the side to connect with Kunaida's head.
yAkoi dives in and grabs Kunaida's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kunaida pushes down on yAkoi's head and hops out.
Kunaida throws a right hand that yAkoi ducks under and follows up with a left that yAkoi also avoids with ease.
Kunaida closes the distance and lands a one-two.
yAkoi has a takedown stuffed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kunaida stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kunaida wants it to stay on the feet.
Kunaida bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps yAkoi's head backwards.
Kunaida will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
yAkoi misses with a takedown attempt - Kunaida sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
yAkoi has a takedown stuffed.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
yAkoi takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Kunaida scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kunaida keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
yAkoi's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kunaida connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! yAkoi scrambles back to his feet.
yAkoi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kunaida swivels and escapes.
Kunaida dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Kunaida.
The fighters circling - yAkoi throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kunaida listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
yAkoi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kunaida swivels and escapes.
Kunaida scores with the left hand. yAkoi knows he should have avoided that one.
yAkoi misses with a takedown attempt
and yAkoi takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
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!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
yAkoi tries for a takedown but Kunaida sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kunaida fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and yAkoi has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Masato Kunaida dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kunaida scores with a kick to the body.
Kunaida listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
yAkoi shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kunaida sprawls well. Kunaida wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. yAkoi gets slowly back to his feet.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from yAkoi is defended easily by Kunaida.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Kunaida digs a good body shot into yAkoi's ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
yAkoi shoots for a double leg takedown but Kunaida sprawls well. He's pushed yAkoi's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Masato Kunaida has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bakki yAkoi.
yAkoi ducks right into an uppercut from Kunaida.
Kunaida avoids the head kick by yAkoi.
Bakki yAkoi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
yAkoi walks into a stiff left hand from Kunaida.
Kunaida moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kunaida ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kunaida connects with a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kunaida with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kunaida scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Good standup being displayed there by Kunaida as he connects with a hook.
yAkoi shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kunaida sprawls well. Kunaida wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. yAkoi gets slowly back to his feet.
Kunaida leaves yAkoi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A right-left combo lands from Kunaida.
Masato Kunaida is winning the standup battle so far.
yAkoi fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Kunaida stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Kunaida stalks yAkoi and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into yAkoi's face. yAkoi staggers backwards, shaken.
Kunaida tries a head kick but it misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kunaida tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Masato Kunaida is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kunaida connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Kunaida defends well against a solid takedown attempt from yAkoi.
Kunaida scores with a jab.
yAkoi throws a sloppy head kick
and Kunaida cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
yAkoi has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
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!
Kunaida scores with a nice body kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kunaida throws a series of strikes that have yAkoi backpedaling.
Kunaida lands an overhand right.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Masato Kunaida dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Crunch! Kunaida slams his shin into yAkoi's torso.
yAkoi gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kunaida.
yAkoi shoots in but no luck this time.
yAkoi misses with a takedown attempt - Kunaida sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Kunaida defends well against a solid takedown attempt from yAkoi.
Masato Kunaida has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bakki yAkoi.
yAkoi shoots in and drives through. Kunaida sprawls well.
Kunaida wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
yAkoi takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kunaida lands a body shot.
Kunaida paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kunaida connects with a body shot that sends yAkoi's belly button to the back.
yAkoi takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Kunaida smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Kunaida lands a two punch combo.
Kunaida thows a body shot but no joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kunaida keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Nice straight punches there by Kunaida. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kunaida.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kunaida, as that shot connected.
Nice straight punches there by Kunaida. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kunaida.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
yAkoi walks into a jab.
yAkoi has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
yAkoi shoots and misses
and Kunaida counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kunaida blocks a head kick by yAkoi.
yAkoi is trying desperately to land a takedown but Kunaida is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for yAkoi.
yAkoi fails with the takedown.
Kunaida fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Bakki yAkoi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kunaida connects with a high kick.
Kunaida wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kunaida cracks yAkoi with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kunaida moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kunaida avoids the head kick by yAkoi.
No luck with that takedown attempt from yAkoi.
Kunaida paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
yAkoi shoots for a takedown but Kunaida saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
yAkoi takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

And that's the end of the fight!
Masato Kunaida showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kunaida 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Masato Kunaida!
Our winner, Masato Kunaida, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.