PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Fuma Kotaro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Karl Lawson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kotaro comes to the cage accompanied by Bang Bang. Lawson is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Personality Crisis. Both these fighters are unbeaten, so somebody's 0 has got to go!Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Kotaro
vs
Lawson

173 cm
20
177 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

183 cm
24
175 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Good elbows
Powerful

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 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Fuma Kotaro!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Karl Lawson!
The judges for this bout are Skip Squint, Bruno Hogan and Eliza Hachem.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kotaro throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Kotaro gets a takedown into half guard.
Kotaro wants to take a breather but Lawson is having none of it.
Lawson trying to control from the bottom.
Kotaro is keen to just control but Lawson is a slippery customer.

Kotaro is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Lawson is just riding it out for now. Kotaro eventually gives up the hold.
Lawson is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Kotaro seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Lawson does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Lawson won't allow Kotaro to pass to mount.
Lawson works his way to full guard. Good work.
Kotaro stops Lawson from standing up.
Lawson being controlled here, momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lawson is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Kotaro is controlling him.
Lawson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kotaro is one step ahead there.
Kotaro wants to control from the top but Lawson keeps moving.
Kotaro forces his way into half guard.
Lawson is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Kotaro is looking for a kimura here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kotaro is thwarting Lawson's attempts to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Kotaro shoots in for a takedown but Lawson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
An inside leg kick lands from Lawson.
Kotaro slips a straight right by Lawson.
Lawson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kotaro will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Fuma Kotaro seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kotaro wants to clinch.
Kotaro shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Lawson as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fuma Kotaro. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kotaro is breathing heavily.

Lawson closes the distance and clinches.
Kotaro has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Lawson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Lawson stops a takedown attempt from Kotaro.
Kotaro dodges an elbow strike from Lawson.
Lawson tries to land knees in the clinch but Kotaro avoids the damage to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawson gets underhooks to prevent Kotaro's takedown attempt.
Kotaro misses with a knee to the head.
Kotaro has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Lawson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kotaro.
Lawson lands an elbow that stopped Kotaro in his tracks for a moment.
Lawson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kotaro missing with knees to the body.
Lawson pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Kotaro misses with a knee strike.
Lawson prevents the takedown attempt.
Lawson scores with a shoulder strike.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Lawson pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Lawson.
Lawson lands a knee to the head.
Lawson working Kotaro over with knees to the body.
Kotaro takes a knee right on the jaw!
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.

It looks like Fuma Kotaro has been cut.
Lawson with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Lawson creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Kotaro's defenses.
Lawson creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Kotaro on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lawson lands a good knee to the midsection. Kotaro won't want to take too many of those.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Lawson.
Lawson tries to land knees in the clinch but Kotaro avoids the damage to the body.
Lawson looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Kotaro fails to pull guard.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Lawson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lawson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kotaro.
Lawson pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Lawson misses with an elbow over the top.
Lawson tries a knee to the head but Kotaro blocks it.
Lawson managing to block the knees to the body from Kotaro.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.
Lawson scores a nice knee to the body.
Lawson throws an elbow but it misses.
Kotaro is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Lawson is defending well for now.
Knees in the clinch landing for Lawson.
Lawson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Kotaro is looking to control Lawson's arms but Lawson gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kotaro has his back to the cage.
Lawson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kotaro backwards.
Lawson using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kotaro managing to block the knees to the body from Lawson.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Lawson throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Lawson missing with knees to the body.
Kotaro trying to control the position but instead, Lawson has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kotaro into the cage.
Lawson lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Kotaro dodges an elbow strike from Lawson.
Kotaro is trying to drag Lawson to the mat but Lawson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kotaro avoids a wild elbow strike from Lawson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karl Lawson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Fuma Kotaro's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Lawson connects with a solid leg kick.

Lawson pushes Kotaro up against the cage in a clinch.
With the fighters up against the cage, Lawson throws an elbow but misses.
Kotaro drops down looking for an ankle pick but Lawson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Lawson with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kotaro moves out of range of the body kick.
Kotaro has a takedown stuffed.
Kotaro drops his hands momentarily and Lawson takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

Lawson rushes Kotaro and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Lawson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kotaro lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the temple.
Kotaro jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Lawson walks away with a smile on his face. Kotaro gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fuma Kotaro. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Lawson gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the temple.
Lawson gets underhooks to prevent Kotaro's takedown attempt.
Lawson tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kotaro avoids it.
Lawson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kotaro is defending well for now.
Kotaro can't get the takedown.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Lawson scores with a shoulder strike.
Kotaro takes a knee right on the jaw!
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!
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Lawson just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kotaro's brow.
With the fighters up against the cage, Lawson throws an elbow but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kotaro tries to land knees in the clinch but Lawson avoids the damage to the body.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.
Lawson misses with a knee strike.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nice body punch from Lawson - that landed with a thud.
Lawson lands a knee to the head.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Lawson using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Lawson lands an elbow inside that Kotaro shrugs off.
Lawson trying to land knees to the body.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.
Kotaro drops down looking for an ankle pick but Lawson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Lawson lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Lawson.
Kotaro chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Lawson can pounce on him.
Kotaro takes a shot to the body in his stride.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lawson scores with a decent looking hook.
Lawson scores with a push kick.
Kotaro takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Lawson throws a body kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Lawson rushes Kotaro and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Lawson lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Kotaro blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Lawson lands an elbow inside.

Fuma Kotaro's cut is getting worse.
Kotaro managing to block the knees to the body from Lawson.
Lawson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Kotaro has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Lawson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Lawson crunches a lovely knee into Kotaro's ribcage.
Kotaro on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lawson pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Lawson throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kotaro blocks it with crossed arms.
Karl Lawson seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Lawson tries a knee to the head but Kotaro blocks it.
Lawson lands an elbow inside that Kotaro shrugs off.
Lawson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kotaro is defending well for now.
Kotaro lands a nice knee to the body.
Lawson tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kotaro avoids it.
Kotaro lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Kotaro is trying to drag Lawson to the mat but Lawson just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Kotaro is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Lawson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Lawson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Lawson tries to land knees in the clinch but Kotaro avoids the damage to the body.
Lawson misses with a knee to the head.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawson blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kotaro drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Lawson gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Kotaro tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Lawson smiles and moves away.
Lawson scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Lawson lands with an overhand left.
Lawson misses with an attempted mid kick.
Karl Lawson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Lawson buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kotaro with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Lawson to score with a decent uppercut.
Kotaro tries to clinch up
and Kotaro takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Lawson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Lawson throws the kick towards the body but Kotaro avoids it.
Kotaro tries to clinch but Lawson moves away
and Lawson counters with a left to the body.
Lawson lands with a right hand.
Lawson feints and then cracks Kotaro's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kotaro down.
Lawson with a body punch. A glancing blow.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kotaro chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Lawson can pounce on him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lawson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Kotaro is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Lawson connects with a looping right hand.

Lawson clinches up with Kotaro and pushes him back against the cage.
Lawson landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Lawson obliges.
Lawson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kotaro.
Lawson throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Knees in the clinch landing for Lawson.
Lawson lands a nice shot to the body.
Lawson lands a good knee to the midsection. Kotaro won't want to take too many of those.
Lawson lands an elbow inside that Kotaro shrugs off.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Kotaro takes a knee to the side of the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Lawson.
Kotaro goes for a takedown attempt but Lawson pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Lawson has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Lawson cracks Kotaro with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kotaro misses with a takedown attempt
and Lawson counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kotaro's knee momentarily.
Lawson turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Lawson throws a nice outside leg kick.
A nice leg kick lands there from Lawson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karl Lawson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Fuma Kotaro's cut.
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.

Kotaro takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kotaro ducks right into an uppercut from Lawson.

Lawson moves into the clinch.
Kotaro is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Lawson is defending well for now.
Kotaro jumps guard but Lawson stands there with Kotaro around his waist. Kotaro gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Nice elbow from Lawson.
Kotaro looking to stall.
Lawson throws a knee to the head but misses.
Lawson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kotaro has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Lawson misses with an elbow strike.
Lawson is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Kotaro wants a takedown but no success here.
Kotaro has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Lawson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fuma Kotaro. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the temple.
Kotaro goes for a takedown attempt but Lawson pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Lawson scores with a leg kick.
Lawson moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Lawson has closed the distance and engaged Kotaro in a clinch.
Lawson lands an elbow inside.
Lawson lands a good knee to the midsection. Kotaro won't want to take too many of those.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lawson lands an elbow that stopped Kotaro in his tracks for a moment.
Lawson pushes off an throws an elbow but Kotaro leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Lawson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Lawson digs a right hand into Kotaro's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kotaro's gas tank.
Lawson lands an elbow inside that Kotaro shrugs off.
Lawson lands an elbow inside.
Lawson on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lawson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Lawson tries a knee to the head but Kotaro blocks it.
Lawson lands an elbow inside that Kotaro shrugs off.
A knee to the head by Lawson.
Kotaro tries for a takedown. No joy.
Lawson lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the temple.
Kotaro is trying to break the clinch but Lawson is controlling him.
Kotaro jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Lawson walks away with a smile on his face. Kotaro gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kotaro has a takedown stuffed.
Kotaro doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Lawson counters with a stiff right hand.
Lawson cracks the inside of Kotaro's front leg.
Nice shot by Lawson.
Kotaro steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Lawson. That one must have hurt.
Lawson throws a nice inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lawson lands an overhand right.
Lawson scores with a sloppy right hand. Kotaro should have avoided that one.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Lawson lands with a straight right. Kotaro didn't see that one coming.
Lawson lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Lawson.
Lawson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kotaro's sensitive parts.
Lawson thumps Kotaro with a low kick.
Lawson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Lawson thuds his right hand into Kotaro's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Kotaro walks forward, straight into a front kick from Lawson.
Lawson chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Lawson throws a quick inside leg kick.

Lawson gets a clinch.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Kotaro drops down looking for an ankle pick but Lawson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Lawson is looking to slow Kotaro down with leg kicks.
Lawson misses with a few strikes there.
Lawson tries to land a front kick but Kotaro steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kotaro doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Lawson counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kotaro thinking.
Lawson misses with a kick to the body.
Lawson lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kotaro walks into a jab.
Kotaro looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Lawson, right into the meat.
Lawson scores with a nice head shot.
Kotaro shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

Lawson takes the fight into the clinch.
Lawson gets underhooks to prevent Kotaro's takedown attempt.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the forehead.
Lawson landing knees to the body.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the forehead.
Lawson lands a damaging elbow.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.
Lawson throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Lawson lands a nice knee to the body.
Lawson trying to land knees to the body.
Lawson lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Lawson lands a shot to the body.
Lawson landing knees to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Knees in the clinch landing for Lawson.
Lawson with a knee to the head.
Lawson lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Kotaro using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Lawson has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Lawson lands with a short shot to the head.
Lawson is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Lawson obliges.
Kotaro can't get the takedown.
Kotaro tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Lawson avoids it.
Lawson with a knee to the head.
Kotaro missing with knees to the body.
Lawson working Kotaro over with knees to the body.
Lawson throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Kotaro managing to block the knees to the body from Lawson.
Kotaro changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Lawson fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Lawson scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kotaro walks forward, straight into a front kick from Lawson.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A head kick misses from Lawson.
Karl Lawson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kotaro wants to clinch
and Lawson counters with a good, hard body kick but Kotaro shrugs it off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karl Lawson really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Fuma Kotaro's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Kotaro changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Lawson tries to avoid it but Kotaro manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Lawson to the ground. Lawson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Good leg kick by Kotaro there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kotaro throws a half hearted mid kick.
Kotaro darts in trying to clinch

and Lawson counters by moving into the clinch.

Kotaro pulls Lawson into guard.

Kotaro working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Lawson has passed into half guard!
Lawson is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Lawson tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

Lawson is standing up, even though he is in mount.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kotaro gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Lawson counters with an outside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lawson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Lawson cracks a nice hook into Kotaro's ribs.
Lawson throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Kotaro takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

Lawson has Kotaro up against the cage in a clinch.
Kotaro will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Kotaro is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Lawson pulls him back up using the underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fuma Kotaro. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Lawson lands a knee to the body.
Lawson lands a damaging elbow.
Lawson throws an elbow but it misses.
Lawson creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Kotaro's defenses.
Kotaro can't break the clinch.
Lawson pushes Kotaro back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Kotaro looking to stall.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Lawson obliges.
Lawson throws an elbow but it misses.
Knees to the body from Lawson.
Lawson landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Kotaro dodges an elbow strike from Lawson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lawson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kotaro lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Kotaro takes a knee to the side of the body.
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!
Lawson is pressed up against the cage. Kotaro has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Lawson down to the mat. Lawson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Kotaro tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Lawson counters with a one-two to the body.
Lawson moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

Lawson instigates a clinch.
Lawson managing to block the knees to the body from Kotaro.
Lawson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Lawson obliges.
Lawson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kotaro lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Lawson using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Kotaro wants a takedown but no success here.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kotaro tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Lawson misses with an elbow strike.
Lawson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kotaro.
Kotaro misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Lawson.
Lawson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Lawson is pressed up against the cage. Kotaro has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Lawson down to the mat. Lawson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Lawson with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kotaro steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Lawson. That one must have hurt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawson throws a head kick that misses.
A clash of legs there as Kotaro blocks the low kick.
Kotaro gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Kotaro moves out of range of the leg kick from Lawson.
Kotaro throws a sloppy head kick
and Lawson counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Lawson explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
The crowd cheers as Lawson lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kotaro doesn't seem phased though.
Kotaro fails with an attempt to clinch.
Lawson throws a sloppy head kick and Kotaro moves out of range easily.
Kotaro doesn't manage to clinch there - Lawson circles away.
An inside leg kick lands from Lawson.
Kotaro fails with a takedown attempt.
Lawson connects with a high kick.
Jab, jab by Lawson - just one landing.
Lawson wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kotaro wants to clinch
and Kotaro takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lawson clinches.
Kotaro looking for a takedown.
Lawson lands an elbow that stopped Kotaro in his tracks for a moment.
Lawson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kotaro is defending well for now.
Kotaro jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Lawson walks away with a smile on his face. Kotaro gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Lawson misses with a kick to the body.
Lawson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kotaro.
Lawson throws a shot to the body.

Kotaro shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Lawson manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kotaro is looking to advance position but Lawson has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Kotaro is looking to get to half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lawson looking to control and managing it successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karl Lawson dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Fuma Kotaro's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Kotaro shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Lawson pinned against the cage. Lawson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Kotaro doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Lawson counters with a stiff right hand.

Lawson clinches up with Kotaro and pushes him back against the cage.
Kotaro takes a knee to the side of the body.
Lawson crunches a lovely knee into Kotaro's ribcage.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Kotaro takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the temple.
Nice elbow from Lawson.
Lawson missing with knees to the body.
Kotaro tries to pull guard but Lawson won't allow it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fuma Kotaro. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A short body shot lands from Lawson as the two fighters clinch.
Kotaro jumps guard but Lawson stands there with Kotaro around his waist. Kotaro gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
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.
Kotaro is trying to break free.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Lawson just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kotaro's brow.
Lawson missing with knees to the body.
Kotaro has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Lawson avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Nice elbow from Lawson.
Lawson working Kotaro over with knees to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kotaro takes an elbow to the forehead.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kotaro fails to pull guard.
Lawson landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the temple.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.
Lawson scores with a knee to the head.
Lawson trying to land knees to the body.
Lawson scores a nice knee to the body.
Kotaro on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lawson lands a damaging elbow.
Kotaro is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Lawson is defending well for now.
Lawson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kotaro backwards.
Kotaro is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Lawson pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Lawson creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Kotaro's defenses.
Lawson lands an elbow inside.
Lawson lands a damaging elbow.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the temple.
Lawson gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Lawson is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Lawson gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Lawson using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kotaro has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Lawson lands a damaging elbow.
Kotaro tries to score a body lock takedown but Lawson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Lawson lands an elbow just above Kotaro 's eye.
Lawson throws an elbow that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kotaro fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Lawson throws an elbow that misses.
Kotaro has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Lawson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
A short uppercut from Lawson.
Lawson lands an elbow that stopped Kotaro in his tracks for a moment.
Lawson comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Lawson just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kotaro's brow.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.
Lawson misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kotaro.
Kotaro tries to pull guard but Lawson won't allow it.

Kotaro breaks from the clinch.
Kotaro misses with a low kick.
A good leg kick by Lawson.
Kotaro changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Lawson tries to avoid it but Kotaro manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Lawson to the ground. Lawson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Lawson stuns Kotaro with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Lawson lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kotaro at a distance.
Lawson with a jab.
Lawson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

Lawson clinches up with Kotaro and pushes him back against the cage.
Kotaro misses with a knee strike.
Lawson misses with an elbow over the top.
Kotaro missing with knees to the body.
Karl Lawson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lawson lands an elbow inside that Kotaro shrugs off.
Lawson lands a body punch in the clinch.
A knee to the head by Lawson.
Kotaro tries to break the clinch but Lawson is controlling the position.
Lawson landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Lawson lands a damaging elbow.
Lawson with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Lawson working Kotaro over with knees to the body.
Lawson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Lawson lands an elbow that stopped Kotaro in his tracks for a moment.
Kotaro has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Lawson is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Kotaro takes a knee right on the jaw!
Kotaro tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.
Lawson misses with an elbow strike.
Kotaro tries to score a body lock takedown but Lawson shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Lawson landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.
Kotaro wants to get back to striking at distance but Lawson won't allow it.
Kotaro goes for a takedown in the clinch but Lawson prevents it.
Lawson pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Fuma Kotaro has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lawson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Lawson with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Lawson crunches a lovely knee into Kotaro's ribcage.
Lawson lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Lawson crunches a lovely knee into Kotaro's ribcage.
Kotaro takes an elbow to the forehead.
Lawson throws an elbow that misses.
Kotaro tries for a takedown but Lawson manages to get underhooks.
Lawson lands an elbow that stopped Kotaro in his tracks for a moment.
Kotaro goes for a takedown in the clinch but Lawson prevents it.
Lawson connects with a knee to the head.
Lawson comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Lawson lands an elbow inside.
Lawson tries to land knees in the clinch but Kotaro avoids the damage to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kotaro tries to stall but Lawson uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Lawson lands a nice elbow.

Fuma Kotaro's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Lawson is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kotaro is defending well for now.
Kotaro takes a knee to the side of the body.
Lawson lands a damaging elbow.

And that's the end of the fight!
Karl Lawson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Lawson winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Skip Squint scores the fight 42:50
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 42:50
Judge Eliza Hachem scores the fight 42:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Karl Lawson! Karl Lawson retains his welterweight title!