PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ichigo Kurosagi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lalli Jaakonpoika (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kurosagi's entrance music is Not Afraid. A fine choice. Ichigo Kurosagi has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Kurosagi
vs
Jaakonpoika

195 cm
21
184 lbs
6 - 5 - 0

180 cm
24
184 lbs
6 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent knees
Determined

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 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ichigo Kurosagi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Lalli Jaakonpoika!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Taro Takaoka and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Jaakonpoika fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kurosagi, pushing him back against the cage.
Jaakonpoika tries a knee to the head but Kurosagi blocks it.
Jaakonpoika unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Jaakonpoika throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kurosagi blocks it with crossed arms.
Kurosagi is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Jaakonpoika gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Jaakonpoika gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kurosagi.
Jaakonpoika throws a knee to the head but misses.
Jaakonpoika looking to throw knees to the head but Kurosagi is blocking nicely.
Kurosagi goes for a takedown attempt but Jaakonpoika pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichigo Kurosagi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kurosagi will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Jaakonpoika lands with a nice combination. Kurosagi backs away looking to recover.
Jaakonpoika tries to clinch there but Kurosagi circles away.
Kurosagi shoots in and drives through. Jaakonpoika sprawls well.
Kurosagi looks for a takedown but Jaakonpoika sprawls well.

Jaakonpoika has Kurosagi up against the cage in a clinch.
Jaakonpoika connects with a knee to the head.
Jaakonpoika with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Kurosagi turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Jaakonpoika manages to work his way to half guard, despite Kurosagi's best efforts.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jaakonpoika works his way to full guard. Good work.
Kurosagi is breathing heavily.
Kurosagi advances position into side control!
Jaakonpoika is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Kurosagi's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Jaakonpoika wants to improve his position but Kurosagi is controlling well.
Kurosagi will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Kurosagi throwing shots but Jaakonpoika is blocking nicely.
Jaakonpoika is pressing down on Kurosagi's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Kurosagi won't allow Jaakonpoika to sweep him here.
Kurosagi postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Kurosagi has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Jaakonpoika is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Jaakonpoika is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Kurosagi flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jaakonpoika blocks the strikes from Kurosagi.

Jaakonpoika is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kurosagi defends it well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Jaakonpoika is looking for a kimura here.

Jaakonpoika is looking for a kimura but Kurosagi is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Jaakonpoika to get the leverage.
Kurosagi is looking for a sweep. Jaakonpoika is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kurosagi punching from the bottom.

Jaakonpoika is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kurosagi flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jaakonpoika is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kurosagi defends it well.
Kurosagi throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Kurosagi connecting with a few gentle strikes.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Kurosagi has a takedown stuffed.
Kurosagi takes a jab right on the kisser.
Kurosagi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Jaakonpoika but Jaakonpoika pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Jaakonpoika tries to clinch but Kurosagi moves out of range.
Kurosagi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Jaakonpoika swivels and escapes.
Jaakonpoika thuds a left hand into Kurosagi's body.
Jaakonpoika lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jaakonpoika lands a nice shot to the body.
Jaakonpoika keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Jaakonpoika closes the distance and clinches.
Jaakonpoika tries to land a knee to the head but Kurosagi blocks with his arms.
Jaakonpoika misses with a knee strike.
Jaakonpoika is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Jaakonpoika throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kurosagi blocks it with crossed arms.
Jaakonpoika landing knees to the head.
Jaakonpoika tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kurosagi can't get the takedown.
Knees in the clinch landing for Jaakonpoika.
Jaakonpoika scores with a knee to the head.
Jaakonpoika with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Jaakonpoika using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kurosagi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Jaakonpoika is pressed up against the cage. Kurosagi has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Jaakonpoika down to the mat. Jaakonpoika avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Kurosagi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Lalli Jaakonpoika is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kurosagi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kurosagi changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Jaakonpoika tries to avoid it but Kurosagi manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Jaakonpoika to the ground. Jaakonpoika escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jaakonpoika scores with a jab to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lalli Jaakonpoika dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kurosagi throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Jaakonpoika's waist but Jaakonpoika gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kurosagi off to one side.
Nice sprawl there from Jaakonpoika as Kurosagi shoots in.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kurosagi.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichigo Kurosagi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jaakonpoika goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kurosagi.
Kurosagi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Jaakonpoika sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kurosagi somewhat.
Jaakonpoika closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Lalli Jaakonpoika is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Jaakonpoika clinches up with Kurosagi and pushes him back against the cage.
Kurosagi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Jaakonpoika is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Jaakonpoika throws a knee to the head but misses.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Jaakonpoika content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Jaakonpoika tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jaakonpoika lands a knee to the head.
Jaakonpoika throws a knee to the head but misses.
Come on Jaakonpoika - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Jaakonpoika gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kurosagi.
Jaakonpoika landing knees to the body.
Jaakonpoika lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Jaakonpoika misses with a knee to the head.
Jaakonpoika throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kurosagi blocks it with crossed arms.
Jaakonpoika with a knee to the head.
Jaakonpoika tries a knee to the head but Kurosagi blocks it.
Jaakonpoika is pressed up against the cage. Kurosagi has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Jaakonpoika down to the mat. Jaakonpoika avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Jaakonpoika fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kurosagi looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Kurosagi shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Jaakonpoika sprawls well. Jaakonpoika wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kurosagi gets slowly back to his feet.
Kurosagi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Jaakonpoika sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kurosagi somewhat.
Ichigo Kurosagi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jaakonpoika tries to close the distance and clinch but Kurosagi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice takedown defense from Jaakonpoika. No joy for Kurosagi on that attempt.
Kurosagi shoots in looking for a takedown. Jaakonpoika tries to sprawl out of it but Kurosagi keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Jaakonpoika manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Jaakonpoika smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Jaakonpoika tries to clinch up but Kurosagi circles away and keeps his distance.
Kurosagi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Jaakonpoika displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kurosagi.
Jaakonpoika stuffs the takedown.
Nice body punch from Jaakonpoika.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kurosagi closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Jaakonpoika fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kurosagi looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Jaakonpoika jabs Kurosagi right on the nose. Kurosagi blinks but takes it well.
Kurosagi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Jaakonpoika wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Jaakonpoika tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Jaakonpoika cracks Kurosagi with an open hand slap.
Jaakonpoika is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Jaakonpoika ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Jaakonpoika lands a slapping body shot.
Jaakonpoika throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Nice shot by Jaakonpoika.
Jaakonpoika is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kurosagi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Jaakonpoika but Jaakonpoika pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Jaakonpoika moves into the clinch.
Jaakonpoika with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kurosagi wants a takedown.
Jaakonpoika with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Jaakonpoika connects with a knee to the head.
Kurosagi tries to score a body lock takedown but Jaakonpoika shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Kurosagi as Jaakonpoika tries to tie him up.
A knee to the head by Jaakonpoika.
Jaakonpoika tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Jaakonpoika tries to land a knee to the head but Kurosagi blocks with his arms.
Jaakonpoika with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Jaakonpoika unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Jaakonpoika connects with a knee to the head.
Kurosagi can't get the takedown.
A knee to the head by Jaakonpoika.
Jaakonpoika with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kurosagi wants a takedown but no success here.
Kurosagi wants a takedown but no success here.
Jaakonpoika tries a knee to the head but Kurosagi blocks it.
Jaakonpoika tries a knee to the head but Kurosagi blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lalli Jaakonpoika showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

No luck with that takedown attempt from Kurosagi.

Jaakonpoika gets a clinch.
Kurosagi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Jaakonpoika is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Kurosagi drops down looking for an ankle pick but Jaakonpoika pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ichigo Kurosagi. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Jaakonpoika has taken the fight to the clinch.
Jaakonpoika stops a takedown attempt from Kurosagi.
Jaakonpoika is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Jaakonpoika.
Kurosagi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Jaakonpoika is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Jaakonpoika with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Jaakonpoika looking to slow down the pace here.
Jaakonpoika lands a knee to the head.
Kurosagi is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Jaakonpoika pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Jaakonpoika with a knee to the head.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Jaakonpoika looking to throw knees to the head but Kurosagi is blocking nicely.
Jaakonpoika with a knee to the head.
Jaakonpoika prevents the takedown attempt.
Jaakonpoika with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jaakonpoika lands a knee to the head.
Kurosagi is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Jaakonpoika pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Jaakonpoika tries a knee to the head but Kurosagi blocks it.

Kurosagi wants the takedown. Jaakonpoika is fighting it off but Kurosagi persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Jaakonpoika's guard against the cage.
Kurosagi stands up over Jaakonpoika, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Kurosagi preventing the sweep.
Kurosagi throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kurosagi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kurosagi postures up in Jaakonpoika's guard and throws a big left but Jaakonpoika blocks it.
Kurosagi throwing strikes from guard but Jaakonpoika blocks nicely.
Kurosagi throwing strikes from guard but Jaakonpoika blocks nicely.
Kurosagi in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Jaakonpoika forces Kurosagi back against the cage and clinches.
Lalli Jaakonpoika is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kurosagi is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Jaakonpoika gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Jaakonpoika trying to control the position but instead, Kurosagi has worked for underhooks and has pushed Jaakonpoika into the cage.
Kurosagi can't get the takedown.
Jaakonpoika throws a knee to the head but misses.
Jaakonpoika throws a knee to the head but misses.
Jaakonpoika misses with a knee strike.
Jaakonpoika prevents the takedown attempt.
Jaakonpoika with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Jaakonpoika landing knees to the head.
Jaakonpoika is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Jaakonpoika prevents a takedown attempt there.
Kurosagi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kurosagi takes a knee right on the jaw!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Jaakonpoika obliges.
Jaakonpoika stops a takedown attempt from Kurosagi.
Jaakonpoika with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Jaakonpoika connects with a knee to the head.
Kurosagi wants a takedown but no success here.
Jaakonpoika landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Jaakonpoika connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kurosagi's face.

Kurosagi is rocked!
Jaakonpoika tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Oh Kurosagi is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Kurosagi looking for a takedown.
Jaakonpoika throws a knee to the head but misses.
Jaakonpoika tries to land a knee to the head but Kurosagi blocks with his arms.
Kurosagi seems to have got his legs back now.
Kurosagi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Jaakonpoika with a knee to the head.

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.
Jaakonpoika using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kurosagi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Jaakonpoika lands a big knee to the head and Kurosagi goes down! Jaakonpoika pounces and finishes the fight with strikes! He jumps to his feet and celebrates with the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:16 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Lalli Jaakonpoika!