PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Garuda Kaji (ranked 2623 p4p, 2492 weight class) and Bobo Valdenius (ranked 298 p4p, 285 weight class). Kaji comes to the cage accompanied by Young Eagle's Song (Yokaren's Song). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Kaji
vs
Valdenius

190 cm
20
191
5 - 1 - 0

177 cm
20
184
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Very quick

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Garuda Kaji!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Bobo Valdenius!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Ivan Kurochkin and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Valdenius has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Valdenius there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kaji throws a shot from downtown. Valdenius moves away and avoids it.
And Valdenius tries to counter it with a takedown but Kaji pushes his down on his head and steps out.
The fighters circling - Kaji throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
And Valdenius tries to counter it with a takedown but Kaji pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Kaji misses with a left hand

and Valdenius counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Valdenius.
Valdenius engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Valdenius slips nicely into half guard.
Valdenius wants to take a breather but Kaji is having none of it.

Valdenius seems to be working for a kimura but Kaji defends the submission attempt.
Kaji pushes Valdenius off looking to stand but Valdenius dives back in and keeps control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Valdenius performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kaji wants to get back to his feet.
Valdenius tries to pass the half guard into mount. Kaji knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kaji tries to kick Valdenius off but Valdenius keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Valdenius is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Valdenius is pressing down on Kaji's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kaji is holding on for now.

Valdenius is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Kaji is just riding it out for now. Valdenius eventually gives up the hold.
Valdenius uses his free foot to push down on Kaji's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Kaji.
Kaji trying desperately to get to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Valdenius trying to control but Kaji is having none of it.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Kaji is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.

Valdenius looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Kaji squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Kaji prevents Valdenius from taking his back.
Kaji is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Valdenius looking to control but Kaji is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Kaji squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Valdenius tries to control but Kaji wriggling away.

Valdenius has control of Kaji's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Kaji regains control of the situation pretty easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kaji tries to buck Valdenius off but he can't manage it.
Valdenius looking to control but Kaji is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

Kaji somehow manages to escape the mount and get back to his feet!
Kaji looks to score with a jab to the body but Valdenius is just out of range.
Valdenius with the counter takedown but Kaji avoids it easily.
Kaji throws a lazy right hand but Valdenius sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kaji lands the left hand.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kaji. Valdenius does a little dance to reset his feet.
Valdenius listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Kaji misses its intended target.
Kaji misses the shot to the body.
Valdenius is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Kaji misses with an uppercut. Valdenius saw that one coming.
A jab from Kaji misses.
Kaji fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Valdenius shoots in looking for a takedown. Kaji tries to sprawl out of it but Valdenius keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kaji manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kaji looks to land a left hand but Valdenius moved out of range nicely.
Valdenius slips a jab from Kaji.
Valdenius misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kaji.
Kaji swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kaji lands a nice shot that snaps Valdenius's head back.
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 Garuda Kaji will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Valdenius swings widly with a right hand
and Kaji connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kaji scores with a hook to the body. Valdenius takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
We've been told by Kaji's head coaches at Kitano Fight Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Kaji is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Valdenius.
Valdenius tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Kaji throws a body shot but no joy.
Kaji looks to score with a jab to the body but Valdenius is just out of range.
Kaji lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Kaji tests Valdenius's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Valdenius shoots in for a takedown but Kaji shows good takedown defense.
Kaji connects with a body shot that sends Valdenius's belly button to the back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kaji misses with a body shot.
Kaji scores with a jab.
Kaji is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Valdenius can do to turn this around?
Kaji misses with a lunging right hand

and Valdenius counters with a shoot takedown. Kaji fights it but they end up in guard.
Valdenius has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at The Tank Factory. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Kaji uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Kaji is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valdenius comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Valdenius misses with a few strikes there.
Valdenius slips a jab from Kaji.
Valdenius slips under a jab.
Valdenius feints the counter takedown.
A head kick from Kaji lands but Valdenius takes it in his stride.
Valdenius displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kaji throws out the jab.
Valdenius with the counter takedown but Kaji avoids it easily.
Kaji throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Valdenius steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kaji.
Garuda Kaji seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A jab from Kaji misses.
Kaji scores with a hook to the body. Valdenius takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

Valdenius looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kaji wants to stand and escape but Valdenius is having none of it.
Valdenius stays in close to Kaji's body and controls the position.
Kaji wants to get back to his feet but Valdenius is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Valdenius sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Kaji's guard.
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!
Valdenius passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Kaji!
Valdenius controlling from mount.

Valdenius working for a guillotine from mount but Kaji is in no mood to give up.
Kaji squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valdenius fails to move to back control.

Valdenius is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Kaji can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
You get the feeling that Kaji really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Valdenius content just to control the position here.
Kaji prevents Valdenius from taking his back.
Valdenius controlling the position easily from mount.
Kaji is trying to get back to his feet but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kaji tries to buck Valdenius off but Valdenius takes his back!
Well, with Valdenius on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Kaji is tapping out... Can he escape the position?

Kaji is looking to stand back up. He's having to work hard to escape but eventually he manages it.
Valdenius throws a nice looking combination but Kaji bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kaji misses with a straight left.
Valdenius with the counter takedown but Kaji avoids it easily.
Bobo Valdenius is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nice jab there from Kaji.
Kaji lands a body shot.
Valdenius displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kaji throws out the jab.
Garuda Kaji is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kaji throws a big shot that misses.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Kaji gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Valdenius to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Valdenius stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kaji swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kaji wants to get back to his feet but Valdenius is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Garuda Kaji dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Kaji misses the shot to the body.
Kaji misses with a straight left.
Valdenius with the counter takedown but Kaji avoids it easily.
Kaji takes a swing at Valdenius's ribcage but misses.
Kaji ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Valdenius moves away.
Valdenius changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Valdenius misses with a straight right.
Kaji throws out a loose jab but Valdenius uses good head movement to avoid it.

Valdenius closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Valdenius lands in his opponent's guard.
Kaji will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Kaji can't keep his opponent in guard - Valdenius advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kaji is refusing to be controlled, as Valdenius sits in half guard.
Valdenius stops Kaji from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kaji is staying active underneath Valdenius, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Valdenius content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

Valdenius is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Kaji sees it coming and defends easily.
Kaji is trying to stand back up but Valdenius is controlling him

Valdenius is trying to work for a kimura but Kaji is defending well.

Valdenius is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Kaji doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Valdenius.
Valdenius wants to free his trapped foot but Kaji is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's two 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.
Kaji looks like he's trying to stand up.
Kaji trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

Valdenius is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Valdenius is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Kaji is refusing to be controlled, as Valdenius sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valdenius with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Kaji is trying to stand back up but Valdenius is controlling him

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Kaji scores with a jab. Valdenius acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Donk. Kaji catches Valdenius right on the button with a cross.
Kaji lands a nice looking body shot.
Kaji lands with an overhand left.
Valdenius misses with a hook.
Kaji misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Valdenius.
Kaji throws a jab when Valdenius was well out of range.
Kaji ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Valdenius moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kaji swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kaji misses the shot to the body.
Kaji throws a body punch but Valdenius moves out of range.
Kaji tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Valdenius was well out of range. Poor timing from Kaji.
Kaji looks to score with a jab to the body but Valdenius is just out of range.
Good exchange - Kaji coming out on top.
Kaji misses with a straight left.
Kaji misses with a looping right.
Garuda Kaji is winning the standup battle so far.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kaji throws a hook but Valdenius avoids it easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kaji jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kaji throws a jab but it's blocked by Valdenius.
Bobo Valdenius has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kaji throws a jab when Valdenius was well out of range.
Valdenius with the counter takedown but Kaji avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Garuda Kaji showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kaji, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Garuda Kaji!
In his post fight interview, Garuda Kaji started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.