PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Muta Baruka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hideo Ishikawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Baruka might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Don't Stay In A Whiteman Country Too Long. Ishikawa comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Iron Man kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Baruka
vs
Ishikawa

194 cm
24
160 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

180 cm
24
165 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Rio Mma Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight 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, Muta Baruka!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hideo Ishikawa!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Kenichi Hosakawa and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ishikawa looks to land a right hand but Baruka moved out of range.
Baruka really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Baruka tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Baruka takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Ishikawa misses with a series of wild punches.
Baruka pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Ishikawa checks a leg kick.
Ishikawa throws the left hand but Baruka avoids the punch easily.
Some wild striking there from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ishikawa misses with a jab, cross combination.
Ishikawa lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Baruka on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Baruka defending well as Ishikawa loads up on a big left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ishikawa throws a hook but Baruka blocks it.
Baruka looks for the body kick but Ishikawa saw that one coming.
Ishikawa throws a jab when Baruka was well out of range.
Ishikawa pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Baruka scores with a kick to the midsection.
Baruka slips under a jab.
Ishikawa lands with a nice body punch.
Ishikawa throws an overhand right that lands on Baruka's shoulder, as Baruka tries to avoid the shot.
Baruka checks a leg kick.
Baruka avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ishikawa misses with a wild body shot.
Ishikawa throws a body punch but Baruka moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Baruka throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ishikawa lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Ishikawa is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Ishikawa lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baruka circles away quickly and effectively.
Ishikawa misses with a straight left.
Ishikawa swinging wildly here.

Baruka moves into the clinch successfully.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Baruka throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Ishikawa blocks it with crossed arms.
Ishikawa is trying to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling him.
Ishikawa avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ishikawa has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Ishikawa takes a knee right on the jaw!
A frustrated look appears on Ishikawa's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Ishikawa wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good body shot from Baruka.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Ishikawa lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Ishikawa is trying to force a seperation but Baruka has the dominant position.
Ishikawa is looking to break free of the clinch but Baruka has double underhooks.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Ishikawa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Ishikawa looks gassed!
Ishikawa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka lands a knee to the head.
Ishikawa wants to break the clinch but can't.
Ishikawa wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka working Ishikawa over with knees to the body.
Baruka lands a good knee to the midsection. Ishikawa won't want to take too many of those.
A knee to the head by Baruka.
Baruka dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Ishikawa has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Baruka prevents Ishikawa from breaking the clinch.
Baruka will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Ishikawa up against the ropes.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Baruka stalling the fight.
Ishikawa has had enough of the clinch but Baruka keeps him there for the moment.
Baruka pressing his opponent against the ropes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ishikawa has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baruka prevents a body shot from Ishikawa.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Baruka.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Ishikawa blocks it.
Ishikawa wants to break free but Baruka has control.
Baruka lands a knee to the body.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Ishikawa is trying to maintain a safe position but Baruka gets an underhook and turns Ishikawa into the ropes.
Ishikawa wants to break the clinch but can't.
Baruka scores with a knee to the head.
Baruka prevents Ishikawa from breaking the clinch.
Baruka taking a breather.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Ishikawa is blocking nicely.

Ishikawa's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Baruka tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ishikawa swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ishikawa avoids the head kick by Baruka.
Baruka scores with a nice body kick.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa avoids a kick to the body.
Ishikawa has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Baruka.
Baruka attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Ishikawa misses with a looping right.
A swing and a miss from Ishikawa.

Baruka rushes Ishikawa and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ishikawa has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baruka scores with a knee to the head.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Baruka's elbow.
Ishikawa is trying to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling him.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Ishikawa is defending well for now.
Baruka keeps control of Ishikawa as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Baruka misses with a knee strike.
Ishikawa lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Baruka with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Baruka has Ishikawa pressed against the ropes, preventing Ishikawa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.
A left hand lands to the body for Ishikawa.
Ishikawa managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Knees in the clinch landing for Baruka.
Baruka keeps control of Ishikawa as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Ishikawa is looking to break free of the clinch but Baruka has double underhooks.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ishikawa.

Ishikawa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Baruka uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Baruka.
Baruka throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Ishikawa swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Baruka staying out of range there.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Ishikawa.
Baruka will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Baruka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Baruka throws a leg kick but Ishikawa sees it coming and moves out of range.
Ishikawa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Baruka was well out of range. Poor timing from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a series of punches but Baruka moves out of range.
Ishikawa connects with a looping right hand.
Ishikawa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Baruka was well out of range. Poor timing from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ishikawa looks to land a left hand but Baruka moved out of range nicely.
Baruka ducks under a wild hook from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa is looking to slow Baruka down with leg kicks.

That's eight 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.
Ishikawa slips under a jab.
Baruka throws the kick towards the body but Ishikawa avoids it.
Ishikawa throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Baruka.
Ishikawa throws an overhand right that lands on Baruka's shoulder, as Baruka tries to avoid the shot.
Baruka slips a straight right by Ishikawa.
A nice leg kick lands there from Baruka.
Baruka throws a half hearted mid kick.
Ishikawa works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
A jab from Ishikawa misses.
A jab from Ishikawa misses.
Baruka checks the leg kick.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Baruka attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
A slapping body kick lands there for Baruka.
Ishikawa takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Baruka misses with a head kick.
Baruka slips under a jab from Ishikawa.
Baruka tries to clinch but Ishikawa is having none of it.
A thudding body kick lands there by Baruka!
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!
Ishikawa takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Ishikawa blocks the body kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Baruka feints and then cracks Ishikawa's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Ishikawa down.
Ishikawa has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Baruka.
Baruka slips a jab from Ishikawa.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muta Baruka dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Ishikawa sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Ishikawa blocks the body kick.
Baruka keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ishikawa.
Hideo Ishikawa is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ishikawa misses with a series of wild punches.

Baruka gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Baruka leaning against his opponent.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa struggles to land a body shot inside as Baruka controls his hands.
Ishikawa takes a knee to the side of the body.
Ishikawa takes a knee to the side of the body.
Ishikawa managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Baruka obliges.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Ishikawa blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Baruka breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Muta Baruka is winning the standup battle so far.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Baruka tries to land a front kick but Ishikawa steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ishikawa fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Baruka throws a low kick, looking for Ishikawa's leg but Ishikawa calmly moves out of range.
Ishikawa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Baruka gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Baruka lands a good knee to the midsection. Ishikawa won't want to take too many of those.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Ishikawa avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Ishikawa is defending well for now.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa has had enough of the clinch but Baruka keeps him there for the moment.
Ishikawa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Muta Baruka has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Baruka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Ishikawa takes a knee right on the jaw!
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka stalling.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baruka crunches a lovely knee into Ishikawa's ribcage.
A knee to the head by Baruka.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ishikawa is trying to break free.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ishikawa tries to break free but Baruka pushes him back against the ropes.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Baruka.
Ishikawa is trying to break the clinch but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Ishikawa blocks it.
A short right from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa wants to get back to striking at distance but Baruka won't allow it.
The referee is keeping an eye on Baruka - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ishikawa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Ishikawa digs a right hand underneath Baruka's ribcage. Baruka let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Baruka is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Ishikawa is keeping busy.
Ishikawa wants to get back to striking at distance but Baruka won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baruka has Ishikawa pressed against the ropes, preventing Ishikawa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Ishikawa wants to get back to striking at distance but Baruka won't allow it.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Ishikawa blocks it.
Ishikawa has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Ishikawa working aggressively here.
Baruka scores with a knee to the head.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Ishikawa blocks it.
Ishikawa wants to break the clinch but can't.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ishikawa.
Baruka throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Ishikawa blocks it with crossed arms.
Ishikawa working hard to break the clinch.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.

Ishikawa pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ishikawa misses the shot to the body.
Ishikawa checks a leg kick nicely.
Baruka misses with a head kick.
Ishikawa throws a hook to the side of Baruka's head but Baruka sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's four 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.
Ishikawa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Baruka was well out of range. Poor timing from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a looping overhand right but Baruka ducks down to avoid it.
Baruka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ishikawa blocks the body kick.
Baruka gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Ishikawa throws a hook but Baruka avoids it easily.
Baruka throws a sloppy head kick and Ishikawa moves out of range easily.
Baruka throws a wild body kick that Ishikawa sees coming a mile off.
Ishikawa connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Ishikawa throws a big shot that misses.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
A left lands for Ishikawa.
A nice combination there by Ishikawa.
Ishikawa misses with a wild combination.
Ishikawa throws a big shot that misses.
Hideo Ishikawa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ishikawa throws a right hand that Baruka ducks under and follows up with a left that Baruka also avoids with ease.
Donk. Ishikawa catches Baruka right on the button with a cross.
Ishikawa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Baruka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Baruka dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ishikawa. That did some damage!

That's six minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ishikawa. Baruka does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ishikawa keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Baruka bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ishikawa looks to throw the jab but Baruka is out of range.
Baruka throws a head kick but Ishikawa moves out of range.
Baruka slips a jab from Ishikawa.
Baruka walks into a straight right hand from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a series of punches but Baruka avoids them all with ease.
Baruka delivers a nice body kick.
Baruka jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Ishikawa takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Baruka throws a sloppy head kick and Ishikawa moves out of range easily.
Baruka tries to clinch but Ishikawa is having none of it.
Baruka wants to clinch.
Ishikawa swings for the body but Baruka moves out of range.
Ishikawa misses with a wild combination.
Baruka misses with a body kick.
A bone on bone clash there as Ishikawa blocks the leg kick.
Baruka avoids the body shot from Ishikawa.

That's eight 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.
The fighters circling - Ishikawa throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Some wild striking there from Ishikawa.
Baruka chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Baruka misses with a head kick.

Baruka moves into the clinch.
Ishikawa wants to break free but Baruka has control.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Baruka connects with a knee to the head.
Ishikawa looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Baruka controlling the action here for a moment.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Ishikawa blocks it.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Baruka is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Baruka lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Baruka connects with a knee to the head.
Ishikawa managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Ishikawa tries to throw a body punch but Baruka avoids it by throwing Ishikawa back against the cage.
Ishikawa avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Baruka content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Ishikawa is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Baruka landing knees to the head.
Baruka is pushing Ishikawa up against the ropes, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ishikawa tries a body shot but Baruka blocks it.
Baruka misses with a knee to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ishikawa.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muta Baruka dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Baruka uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa swats away the attempt to clinch by Baruka.
Ishikawa goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Ishikawa throws the left hand but Baruka avoids the punch easily.
Baruka tries to clinch there but Ishikawa circles away.
Ishikawa misses with a hook.
Ishikawa misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Baruka tries to clinch up but Ishikawa circles away and keeps his distance.
Ishikawa misses with a body shot
and Baruka counters with a nice kick to the body.

Baruka drives through and clinches with Ishikawa against the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baruka lands a good knee to the midsection. Ishikawa won't want to take too many of those.
Ishikawa takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The referee calls for Baruka to work.
Nice body punch from Baruka.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Baruka dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Baruka seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
Baruka lands a knee to the head.
Ishikawa is looking to break free of the clinch but Baruka has double underhooks.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Ishikawa is defending well for now.
Ishikawa takes a knee to the side of the body.
Ishikawa avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Baruka connects with a knee to the head.
A bit of stalling here from Baruka.
Ishikawa takes a knee right on the jaw!
Ishikawa is looking to break free of the clinch but Baruka has double underhooks.
Baruka lands a left hand.
Ishikawa wants to get back to striking at distance but Baruka won't allow it.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka lands a nice knee to the body.
Baruka is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Ishikawa is keeping busy.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ishikawa wants to get back to striking at distance but Baruka won't allow it.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Ishikawa is trying to break the clinch but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.

Ishikawa pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Baruka ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ishikawa moves away.
Baruka lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Ishikawa pivots, looking for a leg kick but Baruka is out of range and Ishikawa settles back down.
Baruka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Baruka slips a jab from Ishikawa.
Baruka throws a half hearted mid kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baruka throws a half hearted mid kick.
Baruka is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa misses with an uppercut.
Ishikawa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Baruka.
Ishikawa misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Baruka finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Baruka lands a high kick!
Baruka throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ishikawa lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Baruka walks into a left hand.
Ishikawa rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Baruka moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baruka blocks a jab.
Baruka throws a push kick but Ishikawa slaps the foot to one side.
Ishikawa swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ishikawa misses with a looping right.
Ishikawa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Baruka.
Ishikawa misses with a straight right.
Baruka throws a wild body kick that Ishikawa sees coming a mile off.
Baruka gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Baruka ducks under a wild hook from Ishikawa.
Baruka throws a half hearted mid kick.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Baruka ducks under a wild hook from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a jab but it's blocked by Baruka.
Baruka uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a combination that misses

and Baruka counters by moving into the clinch.
Ishikawa is trying to break free.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ishikawa has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ishikawa has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Ishikawa avoids the damage to the body.
A right hand to the body from Ishikawa.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Ishikawa is trying to force a seperation but Baruka has the dominant position.
Ishikawa wants to break free but Baruka has control.
Baruka just leaning against Ishikawa, taking a breather.
Ishikawa has had enough of the clinch but Baruka keeps him there for the moment.

Baruka's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Baruka throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

That's six 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.
Ishikawa throws a nice looking combination but Baruka bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Ishikawa throws a series of punches but Baruka avoids them all with ease.
Baruka is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Baruka misses with a low kick.
Baruka throws a front kick aimed at Ishikawa's knee but Ishikawa avoids it well.
Ishikawa throws a left and a right that both miss
and Baruka makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Baruka moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Ishikawa stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Baruka.
Baruka bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
A leg kick checked by Ishikawa.
Baruka looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Baruka throws out a leg kick but Ishikawa moves out of range and Baruka only half commits.
The fight stays on the outside here - Baruka looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Baruka moves away from the strike by Ishikawa.
Ishikawa fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Baruka is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ishikawa can do to turn this around?
Baruka dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Ishikawa. That did some damage!
Baruka ducks under a wild hook from Ishikawa.
Baruka looks to land a body kick but Ishikawa moved away.

Baruka has taken the fight to the clinch.
Baruka is pushing Ishikawa up against the ropes, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Ishikawa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Ishikawa avoids the damage to the body.
Ishikawa managing to block the knees to the body from Baruka.
Ishikawa avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Ishikawa looking to stall.
Baruka scores with a knee to the head.

Ishikawa breaks the clinch.
Baruka throws a body kick that misses.
Baruka does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Ishikawa swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Baruka counters with a slapping leg kick.
Ishikawa throws out a loose jab but Baruka uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ishikawa misses the shot to the body.
Ishikawa misses with an uppercut.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Baruka sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ishikawa throws a nice looking combination but Baruka bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Baruka throws a push kick but Ishikawa slaps the foot to one side.
Ishikawa misses the shot to the body.
Ishikawa pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ishikawa throws a big shot that misses.
Baruka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Baruka is looking to land body kicks.
Baruka throws a half hearted mid kick.
Baruka tries to land a front kick but Ishikawa steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muta Baruka clearly takes that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Baruka, right into the meat.
Ishikawa looks to score with a jab to the body but Baruka is just out of range.
Baruka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ishikawa misses the body punch
and Baruka counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Baruka misses with a head kick.
Baruka moves out of range of the strikes.
Ishikawa misses with a jab, cross combination.
Baruka lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ishikawa's sensitive parts.
Baruka keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Ishikawa with a jab.
Baruka cracks Ishikawa with a right hand to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ishikawa throws a body punch but Baruka moves out of range.
Baruka lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Ishikawa on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Baruka. Baruka obviously looking to wear him down.
Baruka throws a body kick that misses.
Baruka scores with a kick to the body.
Baruka lands with a thumping leg kick.

Baruka closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
A bit of stalling here from Baruka.
Baruka taking a breather.
Ishikawa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka connects with a nasty looking knee right to Ishikawa's face.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.
Ishikawa avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Baruka escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ishikawa's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
A telegraphed right hand from Ishikawa misses the target.
Baruka misses with a low kick.
Ishikawa throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Baruka counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Baruka ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Baruka scores with a head kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ishikawa stuns Baruka with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Ishikawa works the jab nicely.
Ishikawa circles away from the clinch attempt.
Ishikawa throws an overhand right that lands on Baruka's shoulder, as Baruka tries to avoid the shot.
Baruka fakes the leg kick and cracks Ishikawa in the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa swinging wildly here.
Ishikawa throws a big shot that misses.

Baruka gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Ishikawa is trying to force a seperation but Baruka has the dominant position.
Baruka landing knees to the head.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Ishikawa is blocking nicely.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Ishikawa blocks it.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but Ishikawa blocks it.
Ishikawa has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Baruka lands a nice knee to the body.
Ishikawa tries to break free but Baruka pushes him back against the ropes.
Ishikawa wants to break the clinch but can't.

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.
Ishikawa tries to stall but Baruka uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Baruka with a knee to the head.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Ishikawa lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka stalling in the clinch but Ishikawa improves position.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ishikawa.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.

Ishikawa manages to break the clinch.
Baruka staying out of range there.
Ishikawa scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Baruka throws a head kick that misses.
Ishikawa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Baruka moves away.
Ishikawa looks to score with a jab to the body but Baruka is just out of range.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Ishikawa misses.
Ishikawa misses with a body punch
letting Baruka counter with a right hand.
Ishikawa misses with a combination

and Baruka holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Baruka trying to land knees to the body.
Ishikawa is trying to break free.
Baruka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Ishikawa's efforts to push away.
Baruka is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Baruka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Ishikawa has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Baruka scores with a hook to the body.
Ishikawa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baruka has Ishikawa pushed against the ropes.
Ishikawa working hard to break the clinch.
Baruka stalling the fight.
Baruka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa looking to slow down the pace here.
Ishikawa wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.

Ishikawa breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ishikawa swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Baruka finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Baruka throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Baruka looks to land a body kick but Ishikawa moved away.
Ishikawa throws out a loose jab but Baruka uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ishikawa throws a hook but Baruka blocks it.
Baruka throws a low kick, looking for Ishikawa's leg but Ishikawa calmly moves out of range.
Baruka thows a body shot but no joy.
Baruka throws a wild body kick that Ishikawa sees coming a mile off.
Ishikawa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Baruka darts in and clinches Ishikawa up against the ropes.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka landing knees to the head.
Ishikawa wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Ishikawa wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka throws a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Ishikawa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Ishikawa digs a right hand underneath Baruka's ribcage. Baruka let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Baruka prevents Ishikawa from breaking the clinch.
Ishikawa tries to break free but Baruka pushes him back against the ropes.
Baruka stalling in the clinch.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Ishikawa is blocking nicely.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Ishikawa breaks the clinch.
Ishikawa misses with a hook to the body
and Baruka counters with a nice uppercut.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Ishikawa throws a good cross that connects.
Baruka has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Baruka there as he acknowledges the shot.
Baruka swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Ishikawa throws a combination. Baruka tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Ishikawa throws a looping overhand right but Baruka ducks down to avoid it.
Baruka takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
A shot to the body from Ishikawa misses
and Baruka counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Baruka tries to land a leg kick but Ishikawa saw it coming and moves away.
Ishikawa throws a jab but it's blocked by Baruka.
Baruka drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Baruka throws a half hearted mid kick.
Ishikawa blocks a head kick by Baruka.
Ishikawa throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Ishikawa swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Ishikawa lands a nice looking body shot.
Ishikawa lands a slapping body shot.
Baruka tries to clinch up.
Baruka slips under a jab from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Baruka looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A big left from Ishikawa misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Muta Baruka had his way with Hideo Ishikawa in that round.
That's time! Baruka's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Ishikawa fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Baruka tries to clinch up.
Ishikawa throws a jab but it's blocked by Baruka.
Baruka needs to keep his hands up - Ishikawa had a free shot at his head there.
Baruka uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a jab when Baruka was well out of range.
Ishikawa throws a nice looking combination but Baruka bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Baruka tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ishikawa swats him away and circles back towards the center.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ishikawa throws a big shot that misses.
Baruka uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ishikawa.
Baruka uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ishikawa.
Ishikawa misses with a hook to the body
and Baruka finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Ishikawa is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ishikawa throws a series of punches but Baruka avoids them all with ease.

Baruka moves into the clinch.
Ishikawa stalling in the clinch but Baruka improves position.
Baruka landing knees to the body.
Ishikawa avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
A short left from Baruka.
Baruka slows down the pace here.
Baruka lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Baruka landing knees to the head.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Baruka throws a knee to the head but misses.
Baruka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Ishikawa in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Baruka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Ishikawa's efforts to push away.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Baruka taking a breather.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baruka pressing his opponent against the ropes.
Ishikawa scores with a hook to the body.
Knees to the body from Baruka.
Ishikawa avoiding damage as Baruka throws knees to the body.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Ishikawa wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Baruka throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Ishikawa blocks it with crossed arms.
Ishikawa lands a left hand that snaps the head of Baruka backwards.
Baruka has Ishikawa pressed against the ropes, preventing Ishikawa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A right hand to the body from Ishikawa.
Baruka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Ishikawa's efforts to push away.
Ishikawa working hard to break the clinch.
Baruka landing knees to the body.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Ishikawa is blocking nicely.
Ishikawa wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Ishikawa avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.
Baruka has Ishikawa pressed against the ropes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa is trying to force a seperation but Baruka has the dominant position.
Baruka lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Ishikawa is blocking nicely.
Baruka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ishikawa avoids it.
Ishikawa taking a breather.
Baruka tries to stall but Ishikawa uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Baruka has Ishikawa pressed against the ropes, preventing Ishikawa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Baruka manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Baruka prevents a body shot from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa is trying to stall.
Ishikawa is trying to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling him.
A short uppercut from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Baruka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Ishikawa wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Baruka throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Baruka's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Ishikawa is defending well for now.
Baruka trying to control the position but instead, Ishikawa has worked for underhooks and has pushed Baruka into the ropes.
Baruka blocking some punches.
Baruka with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Baruka crunches a lovely knee into Ishikawa's ribcage.
Ishikawa struggles to land a body shot inside as Baruka controls his hands.
Baruka stalling in the clinch but Ishikawa improves position.
Ishikawa can't find room to land a body shot as Baruka controls the action.
Baruka tries to land knees in the clinch but Ishikawa avoids the damage to the body.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Ishikawa is trying to break the clinch but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
Ishikawa is trying to force a seperation but Baruka has the dominant position.
Baruka holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Baruka lands a nice knee to the body.
Baruka is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Ishikawa is leaning against Baruka and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Baruka looking to throw knees to the head but Ishikawa is blocking nicely.
Baruka is trying to stall.
Ishikawa tries to circle away but Baruka has him pinned against the ropes.
Ishikawa tries to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling the position.
Baruka slows down the pace here.
Baruka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa presses Baruka against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Baruka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Baruka stalls.

Ishikawa escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ishikawa lands a jab to the head.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Ishikawa throws a sloppy body shot
and Baruka counters with an outside leg kick.
Ishikawa throws a right hand that Baruka ducks under and follows up with a left that Baruka also avoids with ease.
Baruka slips a jab from Ishikawa.
Ishikawa throws a combination that misses
and Baruka counters with a body kick.
Baruka thuds his shin into the meat of Ishikawa's side.
Baruka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ishikawa falls off balance throwing a combination
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Baruka throws a sloppy head kick and Ishikawa moves out of range easily.
A good leg kick by Baruka.
Ishikawa misses with a double jab.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Baruka looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Baruka is looking to clinch but Ishikawa is avoiding it.
Baruka lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Ishikawa throws out a loose jab but Baruka uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ishikawa throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Baruka counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Ishikawa pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Baruka lands with a thumping leg kick.
Baruka lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.

Baruka closes the distance and clinches.
Baruka content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Baruka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Baruka just leaning against Ishikawa, taking a breather.
Baruka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Ishikawa lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Baruka with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Baruka is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Baruka prevents Ishikawa from breaking the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Ishikawa as Baruka tries to tie him up.
Baruka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Ishikawa is defending well for now.
Ishikawa is trying to break the clinch but Baruka has him pressed against the ropes.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Ishikawa tries to break free but Baruka pushes him back against the ropes.
Ishikawa wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Ishikawa is trying to force a seperation but Baruka has the dominant position.
Ishikawa tries to break free but Baruka pushes him back against the ropes.
Baruka scores a nice knee to the body.
Ishikawa blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Ishikawa takes a knee to the side of the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Baruka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Baruka utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Baruka.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Baruka for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.
Baruka has Ishikawa pressed against the ropes, preventing Ishikawa from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ishikawa on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ishikawa lands a nice shot to the body.
Baruka missing with knees to the body.
Ishikawa takes a knee right on the jaw!
Ishikawa tries to break free but Baruka pushes him back against the ropes.
Ishikawa takes a knee right on the jaw!
Ishikawa looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Ishikawa tries to break the clinch but Baruka is controlling the position.
Ishikawa has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Baruka with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Baruka taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Ishikawa wants to break the clinch but can't.
Hideo Ishikawa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A knee to the head by Baruka.
Ishikawa lands a nice shot to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Muta Baruka showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Baruka has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Hirohito Nitta scores the fight for Muta Baruka!
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight for Muta Baruka!
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight for Muta Baruka!

Muta Baruka wins by unanimous decision!
Muta Baruka retains his lightweight title!