PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Keiji Hashimoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dick Knuckles (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Hashimoto might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Chopin's Funeral March in B flat minor. Keiji Hashimoto has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Hashimoto
vs
Knuckles

172 cm
22
151 lbs
8 - 4 - 1

172 cm
22
150 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
KO power

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

[JMFC] Rising Sun Clothing Co.
[JMFC]Arashi Fighting Nutrition Q156 REC/CARDIO

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Keiji Hashimoto!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Dick Knuckles!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Seu Braga and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Knuckles lands a really nice looking cross but Hashimoto seems unphased.
Hashimoto is looking to clinch but Knuckles is avoiding it.
Knuckles misses with a hook.
The fighters circling - Knuckles throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Hashimoto shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Hashimoto thows a huge punch but Knuckles dodges it nicely.
Hashimoto seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Knuckles does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Hashimoto seems to be looking for submissions.
Hashimoto is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Hashimoto misses with a head shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hashimoto is trying to take his opponent's back.

Hashimoto looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Hashimoto thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Hashimoto misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Knuckles is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Knuckles wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Hashimoto.
Knuckles is controlling an arm, preventing Hashimoto from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Knuckles is in all sorts of trouble here.
Knuckles wants to hold on but Hashimoto pushes him away.
Hashimoto controlling the pace for now.
Knuckles wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Hashimoto.
Hashimoto punching from mount but Knuckles doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Hashimoto throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knuckles is squirming around, avoiding Hashimoto's attempts to control the action.
Hashimoto thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Knuckles is squirming around, avoiding Hashimoto's attempts to control the action.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Hashimoto with shots to the head and body - Knuckles looks very uncomfortable down there.
Knuckles avoids a series of strikes thrown by Hashimoto.
Poor strikes thrown by Hashimoto there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Hashimoto takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

It looks like Dick Knuckles has been cut.
Knuckles blocking the ground and pound.
Hashimoto thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Hashimoto trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Knuckles really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Hashimoto sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keiji Hashimoto dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Dick Knuckles's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Knuckles throws a right hand that Hashimoto ducks under and follows up with a left that Hashimoto also avoids with ease.

Hashimoto closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Knuckles to the mat! Knuckles manages to get full guard.
Hashimoto stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Knuckles swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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

Knuckles got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hashimoto has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Knuckles has managed to get both his arms back between Hashimoto's legs - danger averted.
Knuckles controls from within his opponent's guard.

Knuckles avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hashimoto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Knuckles doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Knuckles manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Hashimoto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Knuckles can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

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

Hashimoto looking for a guillotine here but Knuckles defends easily.

That's two 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.

Hashimoto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Knuckles can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Knuckles trying to control the position from guard on top but Hashimoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hashimoto is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Knuckles trying to control the position from guard on top but Hashimoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto keeping moving, preventing Knuckles from controlling successfully.

Hashimoto escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Knuckles gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Hashimoto had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Knuckles is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Hashimoto Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Knuckles's back instead.
Knuckles is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Hashimoto off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

Hashimoto seems to be going for a rear naked choke. He has an arm under Knuckles's chin but Knuckles turns very nicely into Hashimoto's guard. Good BJJ skills being displayed there by Knuckles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Hashimoto is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Knuckles defends well.

Hashimoto is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Knuckles defends well.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Knuckles trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keiji Hashimoto dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Dick Knuckles's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Hashimoto throws a leg kick but Knuckles moved away.
Hashimoto shoots in for a takedown but Knuckles shows good takedown defense.
Hashimoto throws a looping overhand right but Knuckles ducks down to avoid it.
Knuckles misses with a hook. Hashimoto ducked under it nicely.
Knuckles connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Hashimoto misses with a takedown attempt - Knuckles sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Knuckles throws a jab when Hashimoto was well out of range.
Knuckles displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Hashimoto.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Hashimoto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Knuckles keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Hashimoto has managed to clinch.
Hashimoto fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Knuckles stops a takedown attempt from Hashimoto.
Hashimoto jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Knuckles walks away with a smile on his face. Hashimoto gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Hashimoto shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Knuckles as he avoids it easily.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Hashimoto lands an overhand right.

Hashimoto shoots in and bounces Knuckles off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Hashimoto trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hashimoto trying to control but Knuckles is working from the bottom.
Knuckles is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Hashimoto is controlling him.
Hashimoto wants to pass the guard but Knuckles is keeping the position.

Hashimoto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hashimoto wants to pass the guard but Knuckles is keeping the position.
Knuckles really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Hashimoto. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Nice takedown defense from Knuckles. No joy for Hashimoto on that attempt.

Knuckles lands a left and a right that send Hashimoto crashing to the mat, dazed. Knuckles thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Hashimoto is rocked!

It looks like Keiji Hashimoto has been cut.
Knuckles throws a jab when Hashimoto was well out of range.
Keiji Hashimoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Hashimoto shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Knuckles's guard.
Hashimoto trying to control but Knuckles is working from the bottom.
Knuckles 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hashimoto has gone for a leg lock! Knuckles slips out almost immediately though and dives into Hashimoto's guard.

Hashimoto working for submissions but it's allowed Knuckles to get to half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Hashimoto manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Knuckles stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Knuckles lands a jab to the nose.
A big left from Knuckles misses.
Knuckles takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Hashimoto is defended easily by Knuckles.
Knuckles misses with an uppercut.
Nice defenses there by Hashimoto.
Knuckles might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Knuckles waving his hands out infront of him, looking to distract Hashimoto.
Knuckles takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Knuckles misses with an uppercut.
Knuckles misses with a looping left.
Knuckles throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Knuckles looks to land a right hand but Hashimoto moved out of range.
Hashimoto slips a jab from Knuckles.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dick Knuckles really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Hashimoto shoots for a double leg takedown but Knuckles sprawls well. He's pushed Hashimoto's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hashimoto is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Hashimoto uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Knuckles.

Hashimoto shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Hashimoto wants to pass the guard but Knuckles is keeping the position.
Hashimoto trying to control but Knuckles is working from the bottom.

Hashimoto drops back, looking for a kneebar! Knuckles looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Knuckles looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Knuckles!
Hashimoto regains half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hashimoto slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Hashimoto tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Hashimoto has his foot on Knuckles's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Knuckles works his way back into a safe position though.
Hashimoto wants to sweep but no luck.
Keiji Hashimoto overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Hashimoto is working hard here to advance position.
Knuckles is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

Hashimoto is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Knuckles defends well.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Knuckles pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Hashimoto is keeping the position for now.

That's two 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.
Hashimoto tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Hashimoto is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Hashimoto working a defensive guard here.
Hashimoto looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Hashimoto is looking for a triangle but Knuckles pushes his legs off easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hashimoto has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Knuckles can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Knuckles avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Hashimoto looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Hashimoto is looking for a triangle but Knuckles pushes his legs off easily.
Knuckles slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

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.
Hashimoto struggling a bit here.

Knuckles stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Hashimoto finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Hashimoto avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Nice sprawl there from Knuckles as Hashimoto shoots in.
Hashimoto connects with a crisp jab.
Hashimoto slips a jab and a cross from Knuckles.
Hashimoto moves out of range as Knuckles strikes.
Dick Knuckles is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Knuckles looks to throw the jab but Hashimoto is out of range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hashimoto.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Hashimoto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A telegraphed right hand from Knuckles misses the target.
Hashimoto catches Knuckles with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keiji Hashimoto had his way with Dick Knuckles in that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Knuckles thows a left - swing and a miss!
Knuckles misses with a few strikes there.
Hashimoto slips a jab from Knuckles.
Hashimoto is looking to clinch.
Hashimoto clobbers Knuckles with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hashimoto misses with a looping right.
Hashimoto moves out of range of the strikes.
Knuckles needs to keep his hands up - Hashimoto had a free shot at his head there.
Hashimoto staying out of range there.

Hashimoto takes the fight into the clinch.
Hashimoto blocking some punches.
Hashimoto tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hashimoto tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Knuckles smiles and moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hashimoto pushes Knuckles up against the cage in a clinch.
Hashimoto looking to throw knees to the head but Knuckles is blocking nicely.
Knuckles's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Hashimoto is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Hashimoto scores a nice knee to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hashimoto is trying to drag Knuckles to the mat but Knuckles just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keiji Hashimoto. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Hashimoto fails to pull guard.
Hashimoto fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Knuckles wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Knuckles has had enough of the clinch but Hashimoto keeps him there for the moment.
Knuckles wants to get back to striking at distance but Hashimoto won't allow it.

Hashimoto manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Hashimoto has a closed guard, preventing Knuckles from standing up.
Hashimoto trying to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hashimoto looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Hashimoto striking off his back but it's not causing Knuckles any problems.

Hashimoto is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Hashimoto 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.
Knuckles looking to sit in guard and control but Hashimoto gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Hashimoto stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Knuckles swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Knuckles can do anything to dispel that myth.
Hashimoto wants to control from the top but Knuckles keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knuckles is pulling down on Hashimoto's head. It's preventing any offense from Hashimoto, at least for the moment.

Hashimoto thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Keiji Hashimoto is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hashimoto stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Knuckles swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Knuckles looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hashimoto is one step ahead there.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Knuckles misses with a straight right.
Dick Knuckles has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Knuckles throws the left hand but Hashimoto avoids the punch easily.
Hashimoto slips a jab and a cross from Knuckles.
Knuckles jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Hashimoto pushes Knuckles up against the cage in a clinch.
Hashimoto tries to pull guard but Knuckles holds him up against the cage and eventually Hashimoto drops back down to his feet.
Knuckles tries to circle away but Hashimoto has him pinned against the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hashimoto fails to pull guard.

Hashimoto pulls guard effortlessly.
Hashimoto trying to control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Keiji Hashimoto showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hashimoto 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 Thiago Cunha scores the fight 49:46
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 49:46
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keiji Hashimoto!
Keiji Hashimoto retains his featherweight title!