PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Little Kitty Sripituksakul (ranked 264 p4p, 489 weight class) and Yoshihiro Asai (ranked 16 p4p, 29 weight class). Asai has chosen Dragon as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Sripituksakul
vs
Asai

168 cm
25
136
13 - 3 - 1

172 cm
41
140
36 - 20 - 2

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Voodoo Nutrition
Shadow-Battle Clothing

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
Voodoo Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Little Kitty Sripituksakul!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 36 - 20 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Yoshihiro Asai !
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Kenichi Hosakawa and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Asai on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Sripituksakul looks to score with a jab to the body but Asai is just out of range.
Sripituksakul shoots for a double leg takedown but Asai sprawls well. He's pushed Sripituksakul's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Yoshihiro Asai seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Asai throws a leg kick that misses.
Asai misses with a hook

and Sripituksakul counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Sripituksakul trying to control the position from guard on top but Asai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sripituksakul loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Sripituksakul prevents Asai from getting back to his feet.
Sripituksakul trying to control but Asai is working from the bottom.
Sripituksakul stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Asai swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Asai utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Asai really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Sripituksakul. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Asai controls Sripituksakul momentarily but Sripituksakul frees himself.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sripituksakul trying to control the position from guard on top but Asai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sripituksakul is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Asai is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Asai pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Asai moves out of range as Sripituksakul strikes.
Asai scores with a crisp jab that stopped Sripituksakul in his tracks.
Sripituksakul thuds a left hand into Asai 's body.
Sripituksakul throws a body shot but no joy.
Yoshihiro Asai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sripituksakul slips under a jab.
Asai slips under a jab from Sripituksakul.
Sripituksakul tries for a takedown but Asai circles away easily
and Asai counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Sripituksakul thinking.
Asai swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sripituksakul ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sripituksakul feinted with a counter takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice inside leg kick there by Asai . That's going to slow Sripituksakul down.

Sripituksakul feints and as Asai raises his hands in defense, Sripituksakul changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Asai has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Sripituksakul off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
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!
Sripituksakul moves out of range of the leg kick from Asai .

Sripituksakul closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Sripituksakul tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Sripituksakul wants to control but Asai is keeping him busy.
Sripituksakul in side control, throwing shots but Asai defends.

Sripituksakul is trying to get an arm triangle but Asai is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sripituksakul is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Asai has escaped the position, nice work there.
Sripituksakul wants to take a breather but Asai manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Sripituksakul.
Asai keeping full guard, as Sripituksakul tries to pass.
Asai preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Sripituksakul's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Asai keeping moving, preventing Sripituksakul from controlling successfully.
Asai wants to stand but Sripituksakul is controlling the position.
Sripituksakul passes into half guard.
Sripituksakul with the ground and pound but Asai uses the opportunity to regain guard.
We've been hearing that Sripituksakul has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Asai keeping full guard, as Sripituksakul tries to pass.
Sripituksakul looking to sit in guard and control but Asai gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Asai must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Sripituksakul is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Little Kitty Sripituksakul will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Sripituksakul throws an overhand right that lands on Asai 's shoulder, as Asai tries to avoid the shot.

Sripituksakul decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Asai is refusing to be controlled, as Sripituksakul sits in half guard.

Asai manages to escape and get back to his feet!

Sripituksakul gets a takedown into half guard.
Sripituksakul is trying to control. Asai wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Sripituksakul is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Sripituksakul wants to work for an arm triangle but Asai is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Asai wants to control but Sripituksakul is keeping busy.

Sripituksakul is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Asai is staying active underneath Sripituksakul, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Sripituksakul frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Asai tries to reverse the position but Sripituksakul maintains control.

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.
Sripituksakul unloads with some shots from mount but Asai bucks and avoids them well.
Sripituksakul raining down hammerfists from mount.
Poor strikes thrown by Sripituksakul there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!

Sripituksakul is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Asai has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Asai !
Sripituksakul is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Sripituksakul is looking to sweep but instead, Asai has passed into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sripituksakul tries to get to full guard but Asai has control of the leg.
Sripituksakul is staying active underneath Asai , who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Sripituksakul is pressing down on Asai 's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Sripituksakul is on top in guard.

Sripituksakul wants to pass the guard but Asai is keeping the position.
Sripituksakul is looking to work some ground and pound but Asai has wrist control.
Sripituksakul wants to control from the top but Asai keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Asai avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Asai keeping moving, preventing Sripituksakul from controlling successfully.
Asai looking for a sweep. Not yet Asai , not yet.
Sripituksakul trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Asai can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Sripituksakul controls the pace.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Asai looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Sripituksakul avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Sripituksakul checks the leg kick.
Asai misses with a looping left.
Asai rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sripituksakul moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sripituksakul wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Sripituksakul chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Asai can pounce on him.
A clash of legs there as Sripituksakul blocks the low kick.
Sripituksakul avoids a kick to the body.
Sripituksakul connects with a body shot that sends Asai 's belly button to the back.
Asai throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Sripituksakul stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Asai lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sripituksakul is trying hard to land a takedown here. Asai sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Asai misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Sripituksakul decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Asai 's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sripituksakul slips nicely into half guard.
Asai is pressing down on Sripituksakul's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sripituksakul looking to pass the guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Asai is on top in guard.

Asai won't allow Sripituksakul to sweep him here.
Sripituksakul managing to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Sripituksakul's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Sripituksakul looking to hit a scissor sweep but Asai is one step ahead there.
Sripituksakul bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Asai 's guard.

Asai utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Asai keeping full guard, as Sripituksakul tries to pass.
Sripituksakul throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sripituksakul stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Asai swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Asai keeping moving, preventing Sripituksakul from controlling successfully.
Sripituksakul looking to sit in guard and control but Asai gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

There's a bit of a scramble here and now Sripituksakul is on top in guard.

Sripituksakul postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sripituksakul pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Asai is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Asai avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Little Kitty Sripituksakul overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Sripituksakul trying to control the position from guard on top but Asai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sripituksakul pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Asai is keeping the position for now.
Sripituksakul throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Asai works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Sripituksakul throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sripituksakul scoring with punches to the head and body.
Sripituksakul 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.
Sripituksakul is pushing down on Asai 's leg trying to pass to half guard. Asai is fighting to maintain full guard but Sripituksakul has managed to sneak the leg through.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Little Kitty Sripituksakul did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Sripituksakul closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Asai did well to prevent Sripituksakul getting side control.

Sripituksakul wants to work for an arm triangle but Asai is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Sripituksakul controlling the action here.

Sripituksakul looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Sripituksakul is pressing down on Asai 's thigh, looking to free his foot. Asai is holding on for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sripituksakul wants to lay and pray for a moment but Asai keeps working.
Asai keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Sripituksakul throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Sripituksakul is keen to just control but Asai is a slippery customer.

Sripituksakul is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Asai is just riding it out for now. Sripituksakul eventually gives up the hold.

Sripituksakul is working for a kimura but Asai is defending it quite comfortably.

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.
Sripituksakul looks to land a strike but Asai avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Sripituksakul trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sripituksakul with a flurry of punches that miss.
Sripituksakul throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Asai avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Asai displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sripituksakul.
Asai throws a lazy head kick

and Sripituksakul counters with a shoot takedown. Asai fights it but they end up in guard.
Asai is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Sripituksakul dives into side control.

Sripituksakul tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Sripituksakul has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Sripituksakul tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Sripituksakul has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Asai tries to bench press Sripituksakul off him but Sripituksakul keeps the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Asai taking a bit of punishment here - Sripituksakul scoring with strikes.

Sripituksakul tries for a kimura but Asai is defending well.

Sripituksakul goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Asai has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Sripituksakul but great work by Asai .
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sripituksakul is looking for a sweep.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Little Kitty Sripituksakul had his way with Yoshihiro Asai in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

A jab from Asai misses.
An inside leg kick lands from Asai .
Asai 's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Sripituksakul connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Asai scrambles back to his feet.
Sripituksakul lands with a nice combination. Asai backs away looking to recover.
Asai comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Asai pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Sripituksakul closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Sripituksakul changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Asai tries to avoid it but Sripituksakul manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Asai to the ground. Asai escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Sripituksakul moves out of range of the strikes.
Sripituksakul feinted with a counter takedown.
Sripituksakul walks into a jab.
Sripituksakul digs a good body shot into Asai 's ribs.
Asai takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A slapping leg kick lands for Asai .
Sripituksakul wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Asai throws a hook but Sripituksakul blocks it.
Sripituksakul has a takedown stuffed.
Asai takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Asai displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sripituksakul.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Little Kitty Sripituksakul. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Asai scoring well with a low kick there.
Sripituksakul keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Asai looks to throw the jab but Sripituksakul is out of range.
A low kick from Asai is predictable there

and Sripituksakul counters with a single leg into guard. Asai didn't expect that.
Sripituksakul advances to half guard.
Yoshihiro Asai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sripituksakul is working for a kimura but Asai is defending it quite comfortably.
Sripituksakul wants to take a breather but Asai is having none of it.
Sripituksakul looks to land a strike but Asai avoids it nicely and regains full guard.

Asai escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Sripituksakul gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Sripituksakul trying to control but Asai is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Asai is trying to control the position but Sripituksakul postures up.
Sripituksakul trying to control the position from guard on top but Asai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Asai utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Asai throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Sripituksakul.
Asai takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Asai throws a head kick that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sripituksakul throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Asai 's waist but Asai gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Sripituksakul off to one side.
Sripituksakul misses with a body shot
and Asai counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Sripituksakul thinking.
A low kick from Asai is predictable there

and Sripituksakul counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Sripituksakul is looking for submissions but instead, Asai has regained full guard.
Little Kitty Sripituksakul is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sripituksakul is in close to Asai 's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Sripituksakul throws a big elbow that misses.
Sripituksakul pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Asai is keeping the position for now.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sripituksakul engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Yoshihiro Asai .
I think Sripituksakul has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 50:47
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 49:47
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 50:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Little Kitty Sripituksakul!
Little Kitty Sripituksakul retains his bantamweight title!
A very excited looking Little Kitty Sripituksakul made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Yoshihiro Asai spoke after the fight, saying 'Ill Train Harder And Win My Next Fight'.