SFC 48: PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Muteba Kidiaba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Takeshi Sendou (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Takeshi Sendou has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kidiaba
vs
Sendou

181 cm
19
145 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

170 cm
24
155 lbs
1 - 5 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Muteba Kidiaba!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Takeshi Sendou!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Shirou Masuda and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kidiaba throws a nice looking combination but Sendou bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Sendou swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kidiaba looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kidiaba misses with a wild combination.
Sendou looks to land a combination but Kidiaba avoids it well.
Kidiaba throws a series of punches but Sendou avoids them all with ease.
Sendou showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kidiaba.
Sendou throws a nice looking combination but Kidiaba bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Sendou slips a jab and a cross from Kidiaba.
Kidiaba throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sendou misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kidiaba really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Kidiaba takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Sendou missing with a left hand there. Kidiaba was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sendou avoids a punch combination nicely.
Sendou dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Sendou tries to bum rush Kidiaba with a series of wild strikes but Kidiaba uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kidiaba looks to land a combination. Sendou sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Kidiaba misses with a series of wild punches.
Kidiaba is breathing heavily.
Sendou fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Sendou displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

It looks like Muteba Kidiaba has been cut.
Sendou lands with a hook. Kidiaba tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Kidiaba with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Sendou to score with a decent uppercut.
Sendou fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kidiaba on the side of the head.

Kidiaba is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sendou misses with a two punch combination.
Oh Kidiaba is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sendou throws a right hand that Kidiaba ducks under and follows up with a left that Kidiaba also avoids with ease.
Kidiaba seems to have got his legs back now.
Sendou connects with a good straight punch right through the guard and follows up with a right hook and a left hook! That last one sent Kidiaba tumbling to the canvas! Sendou pours on the pressure with more strikes and the referee has no hesitation diving in to stop the fight! Kidiaba was done - good stoppage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:08 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Takeshi Sendou!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Wyatt Zwerschke (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michael Scofield (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Michael Scofield has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Zwerschke
vs
Scofield

182 cm
23
180 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

185 cm
23
173 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Solid 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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Wyatt Zwerschke!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Michael Scofield!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Hirohito Nitta and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Scofield shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Zwerschke as he avoids it easily.
Zwerschke throws a quick inside leg kick.
Scofield has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Scofield there as he acknowledges the shot.
Scofield circles away from the clinch attempt.
Horrible takedown by Scofield or perhaps it was just good defense by Zwerschke which made him look bad.
Zwerschke tries a head kick but it misses.
Scofield on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Zwerschke feints and then cracks Scofield's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Scofield down.
Zwerschke tries for a takedown but Scofield circles away easily

and Scofield counters with a single leg into guard. Zwerschke didn't expect that.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zwerschke is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Scofield is controlling him.

Scofield postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Zwerschke is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Scofield, into his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Scofield looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Zwerschke passes into side control.
Zwerschke knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Scofield on the ground.
Scofield is looking to regain half guard here but Zwerschke keeps moving and retains side control.
Zwerschke wants to control for a moment but Scofield uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Zwerschke misses with a head shot. Scofield uses the momentum to regain guard.
Zwerschke wants to control from the top but Scofield keeps moving.
Zwerschke controlling from the top position.

Scofield has his foot on Zwerschke's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Zwerschke works his way back into a safe position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zwerschke trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Scofield escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Zwerschke gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Zwerschke has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Zwerschke wants to control from the top but Scofield keeps moving.
Scofield controls Zwerschke momentarily but Zwerschke frees himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Scofield wants to sweep but no luck.
Zwerschke throwing strikes but missing.
Zwerschke is in close to Scofield's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Scofield is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Scofield looks gassed!
Zwerschke trying to control the position from guard on top but Scofield is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Wyatt Zwerschke will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Zwerschke scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Zwerschke misses with a double jab.
Scofield blocks a head kick by Zwerschke.
A head kick from Zwerschke lands but Scofield takes it in his stride.
Zwerschke with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Both fighters circling a little - Zwerschke finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Scofield is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Scofield takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Scofield is breathing heavily.
Some wild striking there from Zwerschke.
Zwerschke pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zwerschke throws a head kick that misses.
Zwerschke plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Zwerschke wants to clinch up but Scofield keeps it at a distance.
Scofield fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Wyatt Zwerschke seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zwerschke connects with a nice looking jab.
Zwerschke tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Scofield paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Zwerschke misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Wyatt Zwerschke is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Zwerschke thuds a left hand into Scofield's body.
Some wild striking there from Zwerschke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A chopping leg kick lands by Zwerschke.
Zwerschke will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
A nice leg kick lands there from Zwerschke.
A chopping leg kick lands by Zwerschke.
Zwerschke throws a nice outside leg kick.
Scofield's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zwerschke fails with the takedown

and Scofield counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Zwerschke wants to stand and escape but Scofield is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zwerschke working a defensive guard here.
Zwerschke is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Zwerschke keeping moving, preventing Scofield from controlling successfully.
Zwerschke wants to sweep but no luck.
Zwerschke wants to get back to his feet but Scofield is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Scofield trying to control the position from guard on top but Zwerschke is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Zwerschke throws a head kick that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Scofield fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Zwerschke avoids it really well and circles away.
Scofield shoots in but Zwerschke avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Wyatt Zwerschke has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Michael Scofield.
A nice combination there by Zwerschke.

It looks like Michael Scofield has been cut.
Zwerschke cracks the inside of Scofield's front leg.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zwerschke with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Scofield takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Zwerschke scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wyatt Zwerschke dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Michael Scofield's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Zwerschke is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A solid leg kick lands there for Zwerschke.
Zwerschke lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Scofield with a poor takedown
and Zwerschke counters with an inside leg kick.
Zwerschke lands with an overhand left.
Zwerschke throws a head kick that Scofield semi-blocks.

Scofield is rocked!
A head kick by Zwerschke - that's a beauty! Scofield is out but he's somehow still standing... he's going... going... gone. Like a drunk walking down the middle of the road, the inevitable face plant follows and the delayed knockout arrives. Even Zwerschke can't help but laugh at the bizarre end to this one!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:47 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Wyatt Zwerschke!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rogelio Baltazar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Justin dude (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Baltazar
vs
dude

175 cm
20
168 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

180 cm
25
179 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Determined

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 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Rogelio Baltazar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Justin dude!
The judges for this bout are Kenichi Hosakawa, Shirou Masuda and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Baltazar fakes high and swings low for a body shot but dude manages to avoid it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Baltazar. dude does a little dance to reset his feet.
dude lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
dude moves out of range as Baltazar strikes.
dude throws a right and a left that both miss.
dude tries to close the distance and clinch up but Baltazar swats him away and circles back towards the center.
dude wants to clinch.
dude tries to close the distance and clinch but Baltazar swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Baltazar looks to land a combination. dude sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Baltazar keeps the fight on the outside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
dude thows a left - swing and a miss!
dude tries to clinch but Baltazar moves out of range.
dude fails with an attempt to clinch.
dude tries to clinch but Baltazar moves out of range.
Baltazar avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Baltazar connects with a single shot there.
dude misses with an uppercut. Baltazar saw that one coming.
dude swings away with a body shot that misses
and Baltazar counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Baltazar lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but dude circles away quickly and effectively.
Baltazar just misses with a punch to the body.
Rogelio Baltazar is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
dude dodges the punch combination from Baltazar.
dude throws a left and a right that both miss
and Baltazar counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Baltazar scores with a nice head shot.
Baltazar throws an uppercut from half a mile away. dude sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A nice combination there by Baltazar.
dude fails in his attempt to clinch.
dude ducks right into an uppercut from Baltazar.
dude throws the left hand but Baltazar avoids the punch easily.
dude is looking to clinch.
Baltazar staying out of range there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
dude tries to clinch up
and Baltazar counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Baltazar swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Baltazar misses with a few strikes there.
dude throws a combination that misses
and Baltazar counters with a one-two to the body.
dude fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
A big left from dude misses.
Baltazar uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from dude.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
dude tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Baltazar paws at him with a jab and circles away.
dude clinches but Baltazar breaks the clinch
and Baltazar counters with a stiff right hand.
dude is looking to clinch but Baltazar is avoiding it.
Baltazar lands a lovely overhand right.
dude staying out of range there.
dude misses with an uppercut.
No joy there for Baltazar, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
dude closes the distance looking to clinch
and Baltazar counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

dude darts in trying to clinch
and Baltazar counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Baltazar displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from dude.
dude tries to close the distance and clinch but Baltazar swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
dude loads up on a big right hand but Baltazar slips the punch.
A telegraphed right hand from Baltazar misses the target.
dude lands with a shot to the body.
dude closes the distance looking to clinch
and Baltazar counters with a straight right hand.
Rogelio Baltazar is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's one minute gone in the round.
dude moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
dude is looking to clinch.
Rogelio Baltazar is winning the standup battle so far.
Baltazar lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as dude backs up against the cage.
dude thows a body shot but no joy.
dude gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
dude shoots in and drives through. Baltazar sprawls well.
dude doesn't manage to clinch there - Baltazar circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baltazar throws a right and a left that both miss.
Baltazar fails to land with a series of punches.
dude tries to clinch but Baltazar moves away
and Baltazar counters with a stiff right hand.
dude tries to clinch up.
dude thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nice jab there from Baltazar.
dude swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Baltazar counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Justin dude seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
dude moves in looking to clinch but Baltazar pushes him off.
dude defending well as Baltazar loads up on a big left hand.
Baltazar throws a right and a left that dude avoids nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baltazar circles away from the clinch attempt
and Baltazar counters with a lovely shot to the body.

dude has closed the distance and engaged Baltazar in a clinch.
dude goes for a takedown in the clinch but Baltazar prevents it.
Rogelio Baltazar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justin dude.
dude is working for takedown but Baltazar is calmly controlling the position for now.
Baltazar prevents a takedown attempt there.
dude tries to score a body lock takedown but Baltazar shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
dude is working for takedown but Baltazar is calmly controlling the position for now.
dude is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
dude is breathing heavily.
dude wants a takedown but no success here.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baltazar misses with a series of wild punches.
Baltazar scores with a hook to the body. dude takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Baltazar moves into range and connects with a jab.
Some wild striking there from Baltazar.
Baltazar lands a nice shot to the body.
Baltazar throws a combination but it was largely blocked by dude.
Baltazar slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rogelio Baltazar dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

dude takes one to the chin there.
dude on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Baltazar scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
dude misses with a shot to the body
enabling Baltazar to counter with a crisp jab.
Baltazar lands a jab-cross combination.

dude is rocked!
Baltazar throws a nice looking combination but dude bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
dude is still on wobbly legs! Can Baltazar finish him?
dude throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Baltazar's waist but Baltazar gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing dude off to one side.
dude seems to have recovered his senses.
Baltazar leaves dude with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Baltazar misses with a series of wild punches.
dude takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baltazar lands a body shot.
Baltazar misses with a shot to the body
enabling dude to counter with a crisp jab.
Baltazar fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
dude dodges the punch combination from Baltazar.
dude slips a jab and a cross from Baltazar.
dude throws a predictable looking body shot
enabling Baltazar to counter with a crisp jab.
dude misses with a looping left.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baltazar lands a head shot.
dude jabbing away but nothing is landing.
dude misses with a wild combination.
Baltazar circles away from the clinch attempt
and Baltazar counters with a nice uppercut.
Baltazar avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Baltazar scores with a body shot.
dude takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
dude misses with a body punch
and Baltazar counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Baltazar throws a nice looking combination but dude bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
dude takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
dude moves out of range as Baltazar strikes.
Baltazar rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but dude moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Baltazar lands a two punch combo.
dude misses with a body punch
and dude takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
dude has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
dude avoids the body shot from Baltazar.
dude throws a jab when Baltazar was well out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
dude dips to his left and cracks Baltazar with an uppercut!
dude throws the left hand but Baltazar avoids the punch easily.
Baltazar lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
dude takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
dude dodges the punch combination from Baltazar.
Baltazar scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Rogelio Baltazar is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
dude tries to clinch up
and Baltazar counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps dude thinking.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rogelio Baltazar showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Baltazar 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 Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 30:26
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 30:26
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rogelio Baltazar!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Taj Mahal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Freeky Zeeky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Freeky Zeeky told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Mahal
vs
Zeeky

198 cm
23
238 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

190 cm
23
264 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Big heart

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Taj Mahal!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Freeky Zeeky!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mahal throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Zeeky looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Zeeky lands a front kick.

Zeeky closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Mahal to the mat! Mahal manages to get full guard.

Zeeky stands up and waves to Mahal to follow him.
Mahal pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Mahal misses with the body kick
and Zeeky counters with a good low kick that Mahal was not able to check.
Mahal throws the kick towards the body but Zeeky avoids it.

Zeeky fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Mahal sprawls well initially but Zeeky persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Zeeky landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Zeeky missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Zeeky prevents Mahal from improving his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zeeky is nestled in close to Mahal, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Zeeky throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Mahal is trying to stand up here but Zeeky is controlling him well.
Mahal moves into full guard.
Mahal is looking to sweep but instead, Zeeky has passed into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zeeky thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Mahal's head.
Mahal trying to control but Zeeky postures up.
The fighters are battling for position here. Mahal manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Mahal wants to get back to his feet but Zeeky is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Mahal tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Zeeky is working Mahal over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zeeky content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Zeeky throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Mahal works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mahal has momentary wrist control but Zeeky slips an elbow through the middle.

Mahal looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Zeeky postures up in Mahal's guard and throws a big left but Mahal blocks it.
Zeeky lands a couple of digs.
Mahal preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Mahal preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zeeky scoring with some ground and pound.
Zeeky trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Mahal trying to control the position.
Zeeky keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Mahal's head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zeeky lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Zeeky stands up from guard. Let's bang!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Freeky Zeeky dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Zeeky blocks the body kick.
Mahal with a lazy takedown attempt

and Zeeky counters with a shoot takedown. Mahal fights it but they end up in guard.

Zeeky gets to his feet - Mahal follows without any prompting.
Zeeky blocks the body kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Zeeky.
Zeeky takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Zeeky looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Zeeky lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Mahal takes a swing at Zeeky's ribcage but misses.
Zeeky throws a leg kick which misses Mahal's front leg but catches the back leg as Mahal tries to avoid it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zeeky lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A clash of legs there as Zeeky blocks the low kick.
A slapping body kick lands there for Zeeky.
Mahal takes a kick to the side of the head.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Zeeky throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Crunch! Zeeky slams his shin into Mahal's torso.

Zeeky rushes Mahal and presses him up against the cage.
Zeeky tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mahal takes an elbow to the temple.
Zeeky lands a knee to the body.
Zeeky tries to land knees in the clinch but Mahal avoids the damage to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Zeeky.
Zeeky is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Mahal is defending well for now.
Zeeky connects with a knee to the head.

It looks like Taj Mahal has been cut.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Zeeky takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Zeeky throws a knee to the head but misses.
Zeeky is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Mahal is defending well for now.
Zeeky missing with knees to the body.
Zeeky tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Zeeky throws an elbow but it misses.
Zeeky misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Mahal.
Zeeky lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

Mahal breaks the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zeeky throws a head kick that half lands.

Zeeky drives through with a takedown into guard.

Zeeky stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zeeky checks the leg kick nicely there.
Freeky Zeeky seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Zeeky misses with a leg kick
and Mahal counters with a leg kick.
Zeeky wants to land a leg kick but Mahal is out of range.
Mahal avoids the head kick by Zeeky.
Mahal checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
A head kick misses from Mahal.
Zeeky throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Mahal counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Zeeky is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Zeeky feints and then cracks Mahal's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Mahal down.
Mahal thumps Zeeky with a low kick.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Zeeky.
Zeeky throws a half hearted mid kick.
Zeeky misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Freeky Zeeky seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Crunch! Zeeky slams his shin into Mahal's torso.
Mahal is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.

Zeeky shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Zeeky landing shots from mount.
Zeeky avoids the attempt from Mahal to control.
Mahal tries to reverse the position but Zeeky maintains control.
Mahal tries to hold on but Zeeky postures up.
Zeeky punishing his opponent with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mahal wants to hold on but Zeeky pushes him away.
Mahal tries to buck Zeeky off but he can't manage it.
Freeky Zeeky has got the better of the ground game so far.
Zeeky fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Zeeky landing punches.
Mahal is working to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Freeky Zeeky showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Taj Mahal's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Zeeky darts in trying to clinch
and Mahal counters with a body kick that stops Zeeky in his tracks momentarily.
A bone on bone clash there as Mahal blocks the leg kick.
Zeeky throws a head kick that misses.
Nice body kick there by Zeeky.
A head kick misses from Zeeky.
Mahal tries for a takedown but Zeeky circles away easily

and Zeeky counters with a takedown into side control.
Mahal struggling a bit here.
Zeeky grinds an elbow into Mahal's temple.
Mahal pushes Zeeky away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Zeeky gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mahal regains half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zeeky working over Mahal with some ground and pound. Mahal looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Mahal scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Zeeky manages to mount him!
Zeeky with a couple of short strikes.
Mahal tries to lock up and control but Zeeky gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Mahal is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Mahal in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Taj Mahal has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mahal wants to control but Zeeky is having none of it.
Zeeky is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Mahal can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Zeeky scoring with strikes but Mahal is staying in there.
Zeeky dominating with strikes here.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Zeeky cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Zeeky working away from the top, dropping strikes.

Mahal is rocked!
Mahal can't escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mahal in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Zeeky unloading with bombs!
Oh Mahal is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Mahal throwing hammer fists to the chest of Zeeky. What's that going to do exactly?
Mahal seems to have got his legs back now.
Zeeky has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Zeeky working the ground and pound effectively.
Zeeky in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Zeeky lands a heavy elbow.
Zeeky lands a big shot there that rocks Mahal but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mahal tries to hold on but Zeeky postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mahal flailing away with punches but nothing is landing.
Mahal is desperately trying to improve his position but Zeeky has a good base and remains in mount.
Mahal is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Zeeky lands a big shot there that rocks Mahal but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mahal takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Zeeky blocks Mahal's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Freeky Zeeky comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Zeeky 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 26:30
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 26:30
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Freeky Zeeky!

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 heavyweight MMA rules bout between Grigoriy Rasputin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lester Beetlejuice (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Beetlejuice is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: This Is Beetle. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Rasputin
vs
Beetlejuice

187 cm
20
260 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

208 cm
28
280 lbs
8 - 8 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
KO power

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Grigoriy Rasputin!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Lester Beetlejuice!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Yuuki Gou and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rasputin gets a clinch.
Rasputin missing with knees to the body.
Rasputin tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Beetlejuice ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Beetlejuice no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Rasputin pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Beetlejuice is keeping the position for now.
Rasputin has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Rasputin wants to control from the top but Beetlejuice keeps moving.
Beetlejuice wants to sweep here but Rasputin controlling him for the moment.
Rasputin pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Beetlejuice is keeping the position for now.
Rasputin trying to control the position from guard on top but Beetlejuice is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Rasputin thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Rasputin might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Beetlejuice keeping full guard, as Rasputin tries to pass.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Beetlejuice scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Beetlejuice is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Rasputin!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasputin really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Rasputin is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

Beetlejuice goes for an armbar but Rasputin turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Rasputin.
Rasputin trying to control the position from guard on top but Beetlejuice is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Beetlejuice has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Beetlejuice wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Rasputin trying to control the position from guard on top but Beetlejuice is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Beetlejuice fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Beetlejuice.
Rasputin is looking to regain half guard here but Beetlejuice keeps moving and retains side control.
Beetlejuice advances to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Beetlejuice trying to control but Rasputin is having none of it.
Rasputin regains half guard.

Beetlejuice is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rasputin is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Beetlejuice works his way into side control.
Rasputin is trying to control Beetlejuice's posture but Beetlejuice avoids it.
Beetlejuice wants to control but Rasputin is keeping him busy.
A lull in the action here.
Rasputin holding on.

Beetlejuice tries for a kimura but Rasputin is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Beetlejuice circles away from the clinch attempt.
Rasputin tries to clinch up but Beetlejuice circles away and keeps his distance.
Rasputin fails in his attempt to clinch.

Beetlejuice clinches up against the cage.
Rasputin fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Rasputin jumps guard and drags Beetlejuice to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Rasputin 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.
Rasputin manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Rasputin can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Beetlejuice is looking to escape.
Beetlejuice can't escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beetlejuice is squirming around, avoiding Rasputin's attempts to control the action.

Rasputin is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Beetlejuice is surviving well by controlling Rasputin's body position as best he can.
Beetlejuice is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Rasputin wants to control the pace but Beetlejuice is squirming around nicely.
Rasputin looking to control and managing it successfully.
Rasputin prevents Beetlejuice from getting the reversal.
Beetlejuice is squirming around, avoiding Rasputin's attempts to control the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Beetlejuice is in all sorts of trouble here.
Rasputin controlling from the full mount.
Rasputin can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Beetlejuice is looking to escape.
Rasputin controlling his opponent.
Rasputin prevents Beetlejuice from getting the reversal.
Rasputin trying to control but Beetlejuice is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Grigoriy Rasputin just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Beetlejuice.

Rasputin scores a takedown into full mount!
Beetlejuice is trying desperately to improve position.

Rasputin moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Beetlejuice has worked his arm free - good work by Beetlejuice!
Beetlejuice is not content to let Rasputin control the position.
Rasputin tries to advance to mount but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rasputin wants to lay and pray for a moment but Beetlejuice keeps working.
Rasputin tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Beetlejuice gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Beetlejuice has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Rasputin is working away from the top position though.
Rasputin wants to control but Beetlejuice is keeping him busy.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Rasputin has closed the distance and engaged Beetlejuice in a clinch.
Rasputin tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Beetlejuice avoids it.
Rasputin tries to land knees in the clinch but Beetlejuice avoids the damage to the body.
Rasputin tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Grigoriy Rasputin dominated that second round.
That's time! Rasputin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Beetlejuice misses with a takedown attempt

and Rasputin holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Rasputin tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Rasputin tries a knee to the head but Beetlejuice blocks it.
Beetlejuice drops down looking for an ankle pick but Rasputin pulls his leg out and moves away.

Beetlejuice moves into range and clinches up with Rasputin.
Rasputin looking to throw knees to the head but Beetlejuice is blocking nicely.
Beetlejuice is pressed up against the cage. Rasputin has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Beetlejuice down to the mat. Beetlejuice avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Rasputin tries to clinch

and Beetlejuice counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Beetlejuice pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rasputin is keeping the position for now.
Beetlejuice controls from within his opponent's guard.
Rasputin controlling Beetlejuice's posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beetlejuice wants to control from the top but Rasputin keeps moving.
Rasputin wants to sweep but no luck.
Beetlejuice seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Rasputin looking to control but Beetlejuice passes into half guard.
Beetlejuice wants to take a breather but Rasputin is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Rasputin is looking for a sweep. Beetlejuice is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Lester Beetlejuice has got the better of the ground game so far.
Beetlejuice wants to take a breather but Rasputin is having none of it.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Rasputin darts in trying to clinch

so Beetlejuice counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Rasputin keeping moving, preventing Beetlejuice from controlling successfully.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Rasputin is on top in guard.

Rasputin avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rasputin trying to control but Beetlejuice is working from the bottom.
Beetlejuice looking for a sweep. Not yet Beetlejuice, not yet.
Rasputin trying to control the position from guard on top but Beetlejuice is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Beetlejuice is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rasputin is aware though and is defending well.
Beetlejuice takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Rasputin looking to sit in guard and control but Beetlejuice gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Rasputin working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Rasputin looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Rasputin has his hands on Beetlejuice's head, controlling the position.
Rasputin trying to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Grigoriy Rasputin.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Beetlejuice is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Grigoriy Rasputin has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lester Beetlejuice.
Beetlejuice on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Rasputin tries to land knees in the clinch but Beetlejuice avoids the damage to the body.
Rasputin trying to land knees to the body.
Beetlejuice drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rasputin tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lester Beetlejuice really dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Beetlejuice clinches.
Beetlejuice drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Rasputin gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Beetlejuice stalling.
Rasputin throws a knee to the head but misses.

Beetlejuice gets control of Rasputin's arms and successfully pulls guard. Beetlejuice will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Beetlejuice looking for a guillotine here but Rasputin defends easily.
Rasputin looking to pass the guard.
Rasputin trying to control but Beetlejuice is working from the bottom.
Rasputin tries to free his leg and advance position but Beetlejuice is retaining full guard.
Rasputin wants to control from the top but Beetlejuice keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasputin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Rasputin trying to control but Beetlejuice is working from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Rasputin darts in trying to clinch

and Beetlejuice counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Beetlejuice.
Beetlejuice is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Rasputin misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Beetlejuice.
Rasputin tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Beetlejuice smiles and moves away.

Beetlejuice gets caught flat footed, as Rasputin shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

Beetlejuice looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Beetlejuice keeping moving, preventing Rasputin from controlling successfully.
Beetlejuice tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Beetlejuice is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Rasputin throwing strikes from guard but Beetlejuice blocks nicely.

Beetlejuice is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Rasputin rolls with it to try and escape but Beetlejuice cranks on the arm and Rasputin is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:42 of round 4, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Lester Beetlejuice! Lester Beetlejuice retains his heavyweight title!