PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ashida Kai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marco Centofanti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kai comes to the cage accompanied by Die Antwoord - "Fish Paste". Ashida Kai could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Marco Centofanti's chin.

Kai
vs
Centofanti

187 cm
27
186 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

186 cm
26
170 lbs
13 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Insanely flexible

ADCC Champion
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Brute
[WOT] GR Design - Top quality, from $10 to $150 !

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ashida Kai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Marco Centofanti!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Colin Fray and Chris Saunders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A right-left combo lands from Kai.
Kai paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Centofanti wants to land a leg kick but Kai is out of range.
Centofanti ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kai moves away.
Kai misses with a wild body shot.
Centofanti moves out of range of the leg kick from Kai.
Kai looks for the body kick but Centofanti saw that one coming.
Good exchange - Centofanti coming out on top.
Centofanti pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Centofanti shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Centofanti avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Kai swings away with a leg kick that misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kai. Centofanti does a little dance to reset his feet.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kai.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kai misses with the combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kai listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Kai misses with a hook. Centofanti ducked under it nicely.
Centofanti moves out of range of the body kick.
Kai cracks a nice hook into Centofanti's ribs.
Centofanti swats away the attempt to clinch by Kai.
Kai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kai looks for the body kick but Centofanti saw that one coming.
Kai connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Kai just misses with a punch to the body.
Kai swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Centofanti counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Centofanti sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Kai's guard.
Kai won't allow Centofanti to pass to mount.
Centofanti is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Centofanti not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Centofanti throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Kai is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Centofanti throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Kai to regain full guard.
Centofanti postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Centofanti working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Centofanti wants to pass the guard but Kai is keeping the position.
Centofanti with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Centofanti throws an elbow that misses. Kai uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Centofanti's guard. Nice move by Kai!
Centofanti wants to sweep here but Kai controlling him for the moment.
Kai loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kai working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kai wants to control from the top but Centofanti keeps moving.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Centofanti is on top in guard.
Kai trying to control the position.
Centofanti trying to control the position from guard on top but Kai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Centofanti is looking to work some ground and pound but Kai has wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Centofanti loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Centofanti lands a couple of elbows.
Centofanti working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Centofanti throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Kai utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Centofanti looking to pass the guard.
Kai preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kai working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Centofanti.
Centofantiis looking to pass into half guard but Kai pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Kai is in guard.

Centofanti working for a triangle but Kai defends it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Marco Centofanti will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kai throws a leg kick but Centofanti sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Centofanti changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kai tries to avoid it but Centofanti manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kai to the ground. Kai escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Kai throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kai fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Centofanti on the side of the head.
Kai wants to clinch up but Centofanti keeps it at a distance.
Kai throws a body kick that misses.
Kai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A jab from Kai misses.
Kai thows a body kick. Centofanti tries to catch it but that hurt him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Centofanti lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Kai has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kai and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Kai tries a head kick but it misses.
Kai throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kai feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Centofanti's calf.
Ashida Kai is winning the standup battle so far.
Centofanti scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Kai misses with a body kick.
Kai fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kai throws a good cross that connects.
Centofanti avoids a kick to the body.
Kai is looking to land body kicks.
Jab, jab by Kai - just one landing.
Kai tried to score with a low kick but Centofanti checks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kai throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kai throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Centofanti shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Centofanti showed some decent athleticism there.
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!
The fighters are battling for position here. Kai manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Centofanti working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Centofanti throws a strike but Kai rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Kai trying to control the position from guard on top but Centofanti is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kai stopping the sweep attempt from Centofanti.
Kai scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kai throws a big elbow that misses.

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

Centofanti escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kai gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Centofanti is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Kai avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kai works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Centofanti slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Centofanti keeping full guard, as Kai tries to pass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kai working some strikes from top position.
Centofanti working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kai.
Centofanti controls Kai momentarily but Kai frees himself.
Marco Centofanti has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kai working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Centofanti's head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kai stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Centofanti swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kai won't allow Centofanti to sweep him here.
Centofanti is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Centofanti is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kai looking to pass the guard.
Kai throwing strikes from guard but Centofanti blocks nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ashida Kai dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Centofanti shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Kai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Centofanti manages to avoid it.
Kai misses with a low kick.
Kai throws a sloppy head kick and Centofanti moves out of range easily.
Centofanti defending well as Kai loads up on a big left hand.
Centofanti connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Centofanti on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kai. Kai obviously looking to wear him down.
Centofanti checks a leg kick.
Centofanti tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kai paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Centofanti blocks a head kick by Kai.
Kai misses with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kai throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kai looks for the body kick but Centofanti saw that one coming.
Ashida Kai seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kai thuds his shin into the meat of Centofanti's side.
Kai throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Centofanti counters with a left to the body.
A cross from Kai lands.
Kai throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Centofanti counters with an outside leg kick.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Centofanti moves out of range of the body kick from Kai.
Kai throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Centofanti moves in looking to clinch but Kai pushes him off.
Good leg kick by Centofanti there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kai throws a leg kick that misses.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Kai.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kai.
Kai is looking to land body kicks.
Centofanti is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kai sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Kai with a jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Centofanti's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kai connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Centofanti scrambles back to his feet.
Centofanti checks a low kick from Kai.
Kai with a nice cross.
Centofanti throws a low kick, looking for Kai's leg but Kai calmly moves out of range.
A head kick by Kai misses
and Centofanti counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A jab from Kai does it's job there.
Ashida Kai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Centofanti walks into a stiff left hand from Kai.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kai fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kai is looking to land body kicks.
Kai misses with a two punch combination.
Kai misses with a combination
and Centofanti counters with a thumping low kick.
Centofanti misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kai.
Kai throws a lazy head kick

and Centofanti counters by moving into the clinch.
Kai lands a nice knee to the body.
Centofanti jumps guard but Kai stands there with Centofanti around his waist. Centofanti gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kai trying to land knees to the body.
Centofanti is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kai is defending well for now.
Kai looking to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kai dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Centofanti.

Centofanti has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Kai clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Centofanti lands with a hammerfist to the side of Kai's head.
Kai is trying to remain composed but Centofanti is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.

Centofanti working for a choke but Kai is defending well.
Centofanti struggling to land strikes to the head as Kai covers up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Ashida Kai did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Centofanti takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Kai throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kai goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kai lands a body shot.
Kai is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A head kick misses from Kai.
Kai throws the kick towards the body but Centofanti avoids it.
Kai goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kai tries to land a leg kick but Centofanti saw it coming and moves away.
Kai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Centofanti manages to avoid it.
Kai throws a half hearted mid kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kai throws out a leg kick but Centofanti moves out of range and Kai only half commits.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kai.
Kai misses with a body shot.

Centofanti closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Kai is defending against the submission attempts here by Centofanti.
Centofanti is pressing down on Kai's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kai is holding on for now.
Centofanti not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Centofanti thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Centofanti is stalling here. Kai is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Centofanti seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Kai has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Centofanti tries to buck Kai off but Kai is having none of it.
Kai trying to control the action but Centofanti is working from the bottom.
Kai is trying to ground and pound but Centofanti uses the momentary lack of control by Kai to regain half guard.
Centofanti is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kai scores with a couple of nice shots.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kai controlling the action here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Centofanti missing with punches from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kai is looking to take a break and control but Centofanti is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kai with the ground and pound but Centofanti uses the opportunity to regain guard.

Centofanti is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kai defends well.
Kai won't allow Centofanti to sweep him here.
Kai passes Centofanti's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Kai trying to control the action but Centofanti is working from the bottom.
Centofanti slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Centofanti throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kai trying to control but Centofanti is working from the bottom.
Kai distracts Centofanti with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Kai stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Centofanti swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Centofanti is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Kai is looking to work some ground and pound but Centofanti has wrist control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kai works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Kai thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Centofanti's head.

Kai is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Centofanti is just riding it out for now. Kai eventually gives up the hold.
Kai is thwarting Centofanti's attempts to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ashida Kai had his way with Marco Centofanti in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kai stalls.

Centofanti works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Centofanti throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kai not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Centofanti is pushing down on Kai's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kai is fighting to maintain full guard but Centofanti has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kai is trying to maintain the position but Centofanti is very close to passing his half guard.

Centofanti seems to be looking for submissions.
Centofanti works his foot free and advances to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kai in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Kai is desperately trying to improve his position but Centofanti has a good base and remains in mount.
Centofanti thowing shots but they're missing.
Centofanti cracks Kai with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Kai avoids a series of strikes thrown by Centofanti.
Centofanti punching from mount but Kai doing a good job of avoiding damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kai wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Centofanti.
Centofanti punishing his opponent with strikes.
Centofanti cracks Kai with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Centofanti thowing shots but they're missing.
Centofanti working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Centofanti lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Centofanti thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Centofanti working Kai over with strikes here.
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.
Centofanti misses with some ground and pound and Kai recovers position to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kai has his hands clasped together around Centofanti's back. He's all about the action.
Kai blocking the ground and pound attempt from Centofanti.
Centofanti is pressing down on Kai's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kai is holding on for now.
Centofanti throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Centofanti is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Kai!
Centofanti working the ground and pound effectively.
Kai is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kai holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Centofanti tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Kai avoids a series of strikes thrown by Centofanti.
Centofanti throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Centofanti pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Centofanti prevents Kai from getting the reversal.
Marco Centofanti has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Centofanti working the ground and pound effectively.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kai manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Centofanti throwing shots but Kai is blocking nicely.

And that's the end of the fight!
Marco Centofanti comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kai has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Josh West scores the fight 48:47
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 48:47
Judge Chris Saunders scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ashida Kai!
After winning the bout, Ashida Kai thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.