PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Naomichi Marufuji (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and GSP GSP (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Marufuji
vs
GSP

175 cm
21
170 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
25
175 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Naomichi Marufuji!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, GSP GSP!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Ren Mimura and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Marufuji will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Marufuji missing with a left hand there. GSP was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Marufuji misses with a wild body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Marufuji. GSP does a little dance to reset his feet.
GSP slips a jab and a cross from Marufuji.
Marufuji throws a right hand that GSP ducks under and follows up with a left that GSP also avoids with ease.
Marufuji throws a combination but it was largely blocked by GSP.
A slow jab from Marufuji misses its intended target.

GSP shoots in and gets a takedown into Marufuji's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
GSP passes Marufuji's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

GSP is working for a submission of some sort.

That's one minute gone in the round.
GSP wants to pass the guard but Marufuji is defending well.

GSP is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Marufuji is just riding it out for now. GSP eventually gives up the hold.

GSP is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Marufuji defends it well.

GSP is working for a submission of some sort.

That's two 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.

GSP is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Marufuji sees it coming and defends easily.

GSP is trying to work for a kimura but Marufuji is defending well.
GSP looks gassed!

GSP is looking for a kimura but Marufuji is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for GSP to get the leverage.
Marufuji manages to get to full guard.

GSP drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Marufuji dives on top into guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Marufuji avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Marufuji wants to control from the top but GSP keeps moving.
Marufuji slips nicely into half guard.
GSP tries to get to full guard but Marufuji has control of the leg.
Marufuji trying to control the action but GSP is working from the bottom.
GSP is looking to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Marufuji is working for a kimura but GSP is defending it quite comfortably.
Marufuji looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
GSP is trying to get back to full guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Marufuji connects with a nice short shot to GSP's temple.
Marufuji trying to control the action but GSP is working from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
GSP tries to roll over but Marufuji keeps him under control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

GSP ducks under a wild hook from Marufuji.
Marufuji fails with the takedown

and GSP counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

GSP is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Marufuji defends it well.

GSP is working for a kimura but Marufuji is defending it quite comfortably.

Marufuji is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but GSP pulls his head out easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

GSP is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Marufuji is just riding it out for now. GSP eventually gives up the hold.

That's one minute gone in the round.

GSP wants to work for an arm triangle but Marufuji is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

GSP is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

GSP is trying to work for a kimura but Marufuji is defending well.
GSP is pressing down on Marufuji's thigh, looking to free his foot. Marufuji is holding on for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

GSP seems to be working for a kimura but Marufuji defends the submission attempt.
GSP trying to mount his opponent but Marufuji defends it.

GSP is working for a kimura but Marufuji is defending it quite comfortably.
GSP tries to pass to full mount but Marufuji defends it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

GSP is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

GSP is working for a submission of some sort.

GSP is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

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

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.

GSP is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Marufuji doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time GSP.

Marufuji is defending against the submission attempts here by GSP.
Marufuji is pressing down on GSP's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

GSP drops back, looking for a kneebar! Marufuji looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Marufuji looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Marufuji!
GSP is looking to reverse the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Marufuji throws a nice looking combination but GSP bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Marufuji will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Marufuji gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows GSP to score an easy takedown into full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

GSP has gone for a leg lock! Marufuji slips out almost immediately though and dives into GSP's guard.
Marufuji stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. GSP swivels though and keeps the full guard.

GSP is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Marufuji trying to control the position from guard on top but GSP is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.

GSP has his foot on Marufuji's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Marufuji works his way back into a safe position though.
GSP can't keep his opponent in guard - Marufuji advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
GSP is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Marufuji wants to take a breather but GSP is having none of it.
GSP won't allow Marufuji to pass to mount.

GSP looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Marufuji wants to free his trapped foot but GSP is holding on for dear life with his legs.
GSP moves into full guard.

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

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

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

GSP is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

GSP is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Marufuji defends well.
GSP keeping moving, preventing Marufuji from controlling successfully.
GSP wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

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

GSP has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Marufuji can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Marufuji is pushing down on GSP's leg trying to pass to half guard. GSP is fighting to maintain full guard but Marufuji has managed to sneak the leg through.

GSP looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

GSP actively working from the bottom here.
GSP GSP has got the better of the ground game so far.

Marufuji is sneakily working for an arm triangle but GSP sees it coming and defends easily.

GSP looking for submissions off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Marufuji seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but GSP does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
GSP gets full guard.

GSP throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

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

Marufuji got a little sloppy there for a moment and GSP has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Marufuji has managed to get both his arms back between GSP's legs - danger averted.
Marufuji won't allow GSP to sweep him here.

GSP throws his legs up looking for a submission but Marufuji uses it to pass to side control.
Naomichi Marufuji has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
GSP GSP is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
GSP manages to get back to half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
GSP GSP comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well GSP has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 27:30
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... GSP GSP!