PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Naruto Uzamaki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shaka Zulu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Naruto Uzamaki had a look across the ring there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Uzamaki
vs
Zulu

184 cm
20
182 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

183 cm
24
170 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Naruto Uzamaki!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shaka Zulu!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zulu on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Uzamaki. Uzamaki obviously looking to wear him down.
Zulu moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Uzamaki motions for Zulu to come forward. Uzamaki throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Uzamaki lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

It looks like Shaka Zulu has been cut.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Uzamaki.
Good leg kick by Uzamaki there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Uzamaki fails to land with a series of punches.
Uzamaki shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Zulu is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Uzamaki checks a low kick from Zulu.
Uzamaki lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Uzamaki misses with a head kick.
Uzamaki lands a head kick!
Zulu looks to throw the jab but Uzamaki is out of range.
Zulu has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Uzamaki.
Zulu misses with a hook.
Zulu misses with a wild combination.
Uzamaki lands with a thumping leg kick.
Zulu misses with a kick to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zulu throws a right hand that Uzamaki ducks under and follows up with a left that Uzamaki also avoids with ease.
A swing and a miss from Uzamaki.
Some wild striking there from Uzamaki.
Zulu takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Uzamaki throws a sloppy head kick and Zulu moves out of range easily.
Zulu throws a head kick that misses.
Uzamaki plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Zulu throws a right and a left that both miss.
No joy there for Zulu, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Zulu closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Uzamaki throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Uzamaki tries to score a power double leg takedown but Zulu sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Uzamaki somewhat.
Zulu with a hook.
Zulu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Uzamaki throws a head kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uzamaki is looking to slow Zulu down with leg kicks.
A head kick misses from Zulu.
Uzamaki lands a head kick!
Zulu throws a big shot that misses.
Nice straight punches there by Zulu. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Zulu.
Zulu has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zulu looks to score with a jab to the body but Uzamaki is just out of range.
Zulu looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Uzamaki is fending him off so far but Zulu persists. Nope, Uzamaki circles away and we're back to standing.
Uzamaki misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zulu.
Uzamaki throws a head kick that misses

so Zulu counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Uzamaki throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Uzamaki is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Zulu won't allow Uzamaki to get back to his feet.
Uzamaki is breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zulu trying to control the position from guard on top but Uzamaki is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Uzamaki keeping full guard, as Zulu tries to pass.
Zulu trying to control but Uzamaki is working from the bottom.
Zulu throwing strikes from guard but Uzamaki blocks nicely.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Zulu takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Uzamaki tries a head kick but it misses.
Uzamaki misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Zulu misses with a looping left.
Zulu throws a head kick that misses
and Uzamaki counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Zulu takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

Zulu shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Uzamaki napping and manages to drive through into side control!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Uzamaki can't do much from the bottom here.
Zulu wants to control but Uzamaki is keeping him busy.
Uzamaki is trying to control Zulu's posture but Zulu avoids it.

Zulu is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Uzamaki has escaped the position, nice work there.
Uzamaki sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Zulu is looking for a kimura but Uzamaki is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Zulu to get the leverage.

Uzamaki kicks off Zulu and gets to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Naruto Uzamaki dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Shaka Zulu's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Uzamaki bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Zulu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zulu misses with a head kick.
Naruto Uzamaki is winning the standup battle so far.
Uzamaki misses with a body kick.
Uzamaki goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A jab from Uzamaki does it's job there.
Uzamaki tests Zulu's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Uzamaki misses with a body kick.
Zulu avoids the head kick by Uzamaki.
Zulu checks the leg kick.
A slow jab from Uzamaki misses its intended target.

Zulu fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Uzamaki sprawls well initially but Zulu persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Ground and pound from Zulu.
Zulu wants to pass to mount but Uzamaki is defending the position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uzamaki is staying active underneath Zulu, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Zulu is looking for a kimura here.
Zulu works his foot free and advances to mount.
Zulu is breathing heavily.
Uzamaki is working to get back to half guard.
Uzamaki is working hard here to advance position.

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.
Uzamaki is just holding on here. Zulu manages to take his back.

Zulu working for a choke but Uzamaki is defending well.
Zulu is not going to allow Uzamaki to sit and survive in this position.

Uzamaki defends a prolonged rear naked choke attempt and turns nicely into his opponent's guard.
Uzamaki has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Zulu trying to control the position.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zulu working for a triangle but Uzamaki defends it easily.
Uzamaki trying to control but Zulu is working from the bottom.

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

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.

Zulu looking for a guillotine here but Uzamaki defends easily.
Zulu avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Uzamaki wants to get up but he can't break Zulu's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
A slapping leg kick lands for Uzamaki.
Zulu shoots in for a takedown but Uzamaki shows good takedown defense.
Zulu shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Uzamaki defends it nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Uzamaki throws a head kick that misses
and Zulu counters with a two punch combo.
Naruto Uzamaki is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Zulu looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Uzamaki fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Zulu on the side of the head.
Uzamaki throws a right and a left that Zulu avoids nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Shaka Zulu will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Shaka Zulu's cut.
That's time! Uzamaki's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Uzamaki throws a sloppy head kick and Zulu moves out of range easily.
Uzamaki lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Uzamaki throws a head kick that half lands.
Zulu closes the distance and clinches up with Uzamaki, looking for a takedown. Zulu pushes Uzamaki against the ropes but Uzamaki circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Zulu misses with a leg kick
and Uzamaki counters with a leg kick.
Uzamaki displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Zulu.
Zulu swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Uzamaki misses with a head kick.
Zulu throws a sloppy head kick
and Uzamaki counters with a three punch combo that has Zulu backing up. Zulu nods at Uzamaki to acknowledge the strikes.

Zulu scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Uzamaki blocking the ground and pound attempt from Zulu.
Uzamaki won't allow Zulu to pass to mount.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Zulu seems to be looking for submissions.
Uzamaki wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uzamaki manages to get to full guard.
Uzamaki controls Zulu momentarily but Zulu frees himself.
Uzamaki is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Zulu drops back looking for a leg! Uzamaki is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Uzamaki manages to kick Zulu off! Zulu jumps back into Uzamaki's guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Uzamaki misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Uzamaki misses with an attempted mid kick.

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.
Zulu lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Uzamaki misses with a jab, cross combination.
Uzamaki throws a head kick that misses.
Zulu tries a head kick but it misses.
Zulu misses with a two punch combination.
Uzamaki scores with a jab to the jaw.
Uzamaki lands a head kick. Zulu smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Uzamaki takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Zulu scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Uzamaki is looking for a sweep.
Zulu is trying to ground and pound but Uzamaki uses the momentary lack of control by Zulu to regain half guard.

Zulu 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.
Uzamaki tries to roll over but Zulu keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zulu wants to pass to mount but Uzamaki is defending the position.
Uzamaki is looking for a sweep. Zulu is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

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.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Uzamaki throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Zulu counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Uzamaki's guard now.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Uzamaki is on top in guard.
Uzamaki stopping the sweep attempt from Zulu.
Shaka Zulu has got the better of the ground game so far.
Zulu is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Zulu looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Zulu is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Uzamaki wants to get up but he can't break Zulu's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Shaka Zulu just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Shaka Zulu's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Uzamaki misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Zulu tries to clinch but Uzamaki moves out of range.
Zulu thows a leg kick but Uzamaki checks it
and Zulu takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Zulu throws a combination that misses
and Uzamaki counters with a straight right hand.
Zulu fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Uzamaki scores with a nice body kick.
A left lands for Uzamaki.
Uzamaki defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zulu.
Zulu dives in and grabs Uzamaki's left leg, looking for a takedown. Uzamaki pushes down on Zulu's head and hops out.
Naruto Uzamaki has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shaka Zulu.
Uzamaki smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Zulu fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Zulu takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Danga de danga de dang - Uzamaki scores with a four punch combination!
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Zulu throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Uzamaki misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uzamaki throws a wild body kick that Zulu sees coming a mile off.
Uzamaki tries to land a front kick but Zulu steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Zulu fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Uzamaki swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Zulu.
Uzamaki misses with a series of wild punches.
Zulu with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Uzamaki to score with a decent uppercut.
Zulu has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Uzamaki plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Zulu fails to land with a series of punches.
Uzamaki throws a sloppy head kick

and Zulu counters with a shoot takedown. Uzamaki fights it but they end up in guard.
Zulu working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Zulu drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Zulu jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Zulu trying to control but Uzamaki is working from the bottom.
Zulu prevents Uzamaki from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Zulu drops back looking for a leg! Uzamaki is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Uzamaki manages to kick Zulu off! Zulu jumps back into Uzamaki's guard.
Zulu trying to move into half guard but instead Uzamaki has managed to sweep!
Uzamaki wants to stand but Zulu has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Zulu looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Uzamaki stands and steps away. Zulu gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Zulu drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Uzamaki wants to stand and escape but Zulu is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uzamaki tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Uzamaki wants to stand and escape but Zulu is having none of it.
Zulu pushing down on Uzamaki's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Uzamaki is looking for a sweep. Zulu is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Uzamaki pushes Zulu off looking to stand but Zulu dives back in and keeps control.
Zulu trying to control the action but Uzamaki is working from the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Uzamaki throws a sloppy body shot

and Zulu counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Zulu.
Zulu trying to control the position from guard on top but Uzamaki is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Uzamaki wants to stand up but Zulu is controlling him.
Zulu trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zulu works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Uzamaki trying to control but Zulu postures up.
Zulu wants to pass the guard but Uzamaki is defending well.
Zulu prevents Uzamaki from standing back up.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Zulu misses with a hook.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zulu throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Uzamaki counters with an outside leg kick.
Zulu misses with an uppercut.
Zulu looks to land a body kick but Uzamaki moved away.
Zulu checks a low kick from Uzamaki.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Shaka Zulu will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Shaka Zulu's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Zulu throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Zulu swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Zulu throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Uzamaki tests Zulu's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Uzamaki looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Uzamaki throws a push kick but Zulu slaps the foot to one side.
Uzamaki throws a body kick the misses

and Zulu counters with a shoot takedown. Uzamaki fights it but they end up in guard.

Zulu drops back looking for a leg! Uzamaki is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Uzamaki manages to kick Zulu off! Zulu jumps back into Uzamaki's guard.
Zulu is pushing down on Uzamaki's leg trying to pass to half guard. Uzamaki is fighting to maintain full guard but Zulu has managed to sneak the leg through.
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.

Zulu wants to work for an arm triangle but Uzamaki is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Uzamaki works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uzamaki is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Zulu stops Uzamaki from standing up.
Zulu wants to control from the top but Uzamaki keeps moving.
Zulu won't allow Uzamaki to get back to his feet.
Uzamaki looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Uzamaki avoids a punch combination nicely.
Zulu avoids a kick to the body.

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.
Zulu throws a nice outside leg kick.
Uzamaki avoids the head kick by Zulu.
Zulu moves away from the strike by Uzamaki.
Zulu thows a body shot but no joy.

Zulu shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.

Zulu working for a submission but Uzamaki is keeping him at bay.
Uzamaki is working to get back to half guard.
Uzamaki really wants to buck Zulu off and get back to his feet.

Zulu swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Uzamaki is now in Zulu's guard. A big mistake from Zulu there, giving up the dominant position!

Zulu looking for subs off his back but Uzamaki has passed one foot through into half guard.
Shaka Zulu is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uzamaki wants to stand up but Zulu has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Naruto Uzamaki has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Uzamaki sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Zulu defending well though.
Zulu controlling the position for now.
Zulu trying to hold on to Uzamaki's head to control him but Uzamaki postures up.
Zulu tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Uzamaki has advanced to mount. Uh oh.

Uzamaki looking for a guillotine from mount but Zulu is having none of it.

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.

Uzamaki working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Zulu wants to control but Uzamaki is having none of it.
Uzamaki 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.
Zulu tries to hold on but Uzamaki pushes him away.
Zulu is working to get back to half guard.
Uzamaki thowing shots but they're missing.
Zulu wants to hold on but Uzamaki pushes him away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Shaka Zulu comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Zulu has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Ren Mimura scores the fight 46:49
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 46:49
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shaka Zulu!
Shaka Zulu is the new welterweight champion!