PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kaito Saruwatari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Sutherland (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Saruwatari comes to the cage accompanied by Andrea Bocelli - Time To Say Goodbye. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Saruwatari
vs
Sutherland

186 cm
27
214 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

189 cm
31
219 lbs
10 - 12 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Torment Fightwear

[WOT] DTK Designs (Laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kaito Saruwatari!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Paul Sutherland!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Radbod Blank and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saruwatari throws an overhand right that lands on Sutherland's shoulder, as Sutherland tries to avoid the shot.
Saruwatari throws a leg kick but Sutherland checks it.
Sutherland misses the shot to the body.
Saruwatari misses with a lunging right hand
and Sutherland counters with a left to the body.
Saruwatari tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sutherland swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Saruwatari throws a push kick but Sutherland slaps the foot to one side.
Sutherland throws a nice outside leg kick.
Saruwatari will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Saruwatari bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Sutherland's head.
Saruwatari throws a jab when Sutherland was well out of range.
Sutherland fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Saruwatari lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Saruwatari tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Sutherland tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Saruwatari swivels and escapes.
Kaito Saruwatari seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saruwatari connects with a looping right hand.
Sutherland ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Saruwatari moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saruwatari lets loose with a powerful body kick. Sutherland will feel that in the morning.
Sutherland tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Saruwatari was well out of range. Poor timing from Sutherland.
Saruwatari doesn't manage to clinch there - Sutherland circles away.
Saruwatari lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Saruwatari throws a leg kick but Sutherland checks it.
A clash of legs there as Saruwatari blocks the low kick.
Saruwatari shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Saruwatari pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Sutherland back to the cage. Saruwatari follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Saruwatari scores with a punch to the head.
Saruwatari uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sutherland.
Sutherland swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Saruwatari blocks a low kick nicely.
Sutherland is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Saruwatari rather than just go for the knockout.
Saruwatari pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Saruwatari tries to land a body kick
and Sutherland counters with a two punch combo.
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!
Sutherland looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sutherland looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Sutherland wants to control from the top but Saruwatari keeps moving.
Sutherland throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Saruwatari knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Sutherland on the ground.
Sutherland seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Saruwatari pulls Sutherland in close to his closed guard and prevents Sutherland from doing any damage or advancing position.
Sutherland in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sutherland has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Sutherland is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Sutherland smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

It looks like Kaito Saruwatari has been cut.
Saruwatari moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
A thudding body kick lands there by Saruwatari!
Sutherland showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari lands a leg kick that knocks Sutherland off balance momentarily.
Sutherland ducks under a wild hook from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari slaps away a takedown attempt from Sutherland, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kaito Saruwatari has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Sutherland.
Sutherland slips a straight right by Saruwatari.
Sutherland drops his hands momentarily and Saruwatari takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A solid leg kick lands there for Sutherland.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sutherland scores with a jab to the jaw.

Sutherland shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari is looking to improve his position.
Sutherland wants to free his trapped foot but Saruwatari is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Sutherland passes the guard and advances to mount!
Sutherland unloads with some shots from mount but Saruwatari bucks and avoids them well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Saruwatari tries to reverse the position but Sutherland maintains control.
Sutherland cracks Saruwatari with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Sutherland throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Sutherland dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kaito Saruwatari's cut.
That's time! Saruwatari's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Saruwatari throws a half hearted mid kick.
Sutherland displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Saruwatari throws out the jab.
Saruwatari throws a half hearted mid kick.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
A slapping body kick lands there for Saruwatari.
Sutherland misses with a low kick.
Sutherland avoids a kick to the body.
Sutherland scores with a jab to the jaw.
No joy there for Saruwatari, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sutherland takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Saruwatari throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Saruwatari closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Saruwatari fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Sutherland is out of range.
Nice takedown defense from Saruwatari. No joy for Sutherland on that attempt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sutherland on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Sutherland lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Sutherland.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saruwatari throws a combination. Sutherland tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

It looks like Paul Sutherland has been cut.
Saruwatari slips a jab and a cross from Sutherland.
Saruwatari tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Sutherland is able to avoid easily.
Kaito Saruwatari is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Saruwatari. Sutherland shrugs it off though.
Sutherland tests Saruwatari's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sutherland shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Saruwatari as he jumps to the side.
Sutherland throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Saruwatari misses with a leg kick.
Sutherland shoots in for a double leg but Saruwatari sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kaito Saruwatari has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Sutherland.
Saruwatari connects with a solid leg kick.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Saruwatari.
Sutherland uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Saruwatari.

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!
Saruwatari pushes Sutherland away with a front kick.
Sutherland fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Saruwatari is out of range.
Good leg kick by Saruwatari there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Saruwatari scores with a nice body kick.
Sutherland is breathing heavily.
Saruwatari avoids the body shot from Sutherland.
Saruwatari throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saruwatari connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Saruwatari connects with an inside leg kick.
Saruwatari is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A jab from Sutherland misses.
Saruwatari tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sutherland moves out of range of the strikes.
A head kick misses from Saruwatari.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sutherland throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kaito Saruwatari is winning the standup battle so far.
Saruwatari with a nice cross.
Saruwatari looks to land a body kick but Sutherland moved away.
Saruwatari tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Sutherland misses with a series of wild punches.
Sutherland has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Saruwatari.
Sutherland throws a left and a right that both miss
and Saruwatari connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Saruwatari tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Saruwatari displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Sutherland.
Sutherland just misses with a punch to the body.
Sutherland avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Saruwatari is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Sutherland tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Saruwatari was well out of range. Poor timing from Sutherland.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari is looking to clinch.
Sutherland keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Saruwatari.
Kaito Saruwatari is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Saruwatari tries a head kick but it misses.
Saruwatari moves away from the strike by Sutherland.
A cross from Sutherland lands.
Saruwatari shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Saruwatari connects with a right hand. Sutherland shakes it off.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A solid leg kick lands there for Saruwatari.
Saruwatari throws a low kick but Sutherland moves out of range easily.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Sutherland throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Saruwatari was covering up waiting for the punch and Sutherland finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Sutherland trying to control the position from guard on top but Saruwatari is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaito Saruwatari dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Sutherland dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Sutherland looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Sutherland keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Saruwatari.
Saruwatari lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Saruwatari scores with a nice strike.
Sutherland moves into range and connects with a jab.
Saruwatari lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Sutherland's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Saruwatari gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sutherland.
Saruwatari stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sutherland throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sutherland shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Saruwatari but Saruwatari pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Saruwatari throws a hook but Sutherland blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saruwatari tests Sutherland's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Sutherland is rocked!
Sutherland looks for a takedown but Saruwatari sprawls well.
Sutherland is still on wobbly legs! Can Saruwatari finish him?
Sutherland doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Sutherland seems to have recovered his senses.
Sutherland takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Sutherland misses with a low kick.
Sutherland slips under a jab from Saruwatari.

Saruwatari clinches with his opponent.
Sutherland misses with a knee strike.
Saruwatari wants to get back to striking at distance but Sutherland won't allow it.
Saruwatari displaying some good clinch control by pressing Sutherland up against the cage.
Stalling in the clinch from Sutherland.
Saruwatari lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Sutherland trying to control the position but instead, Saruwatari has worked for underhooks and has pushed Sutherland into the cage.
Saruwatari struggles to land a body shot inside as Sutherland controls his hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari lands a shoulder strike.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sutherland is trying to maintain a safe position but Saruwatari gets an underhook and turns Sutherland into the cage.
Saruwatari lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Sutherland.
Good body shot from Saruwatari.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Sutherland is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Saruwatari is keeping busy.
Saruwatari misses with a punch to the body.
Sutherland fails to pull guard.
Kaito Saruwatari has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Sutherland.
Saruwatari tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Saruwatari tries to throw a body punch but Sutherland avoids it by throwing Saruwatari back against the cage.
Saruwatari misses with a hook to the ribs.
Saruwatari lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Sutherland backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saruwatari tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Saruwatari struggles to land a body shot inside as Sutherland controls his hands.
Sutherland blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Saruwatari can't find room to land a body shot as Sutherland controls the action.
Kaito Saruwatari has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Saruwatari gets through Sutherland's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Sutherland turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Sutherland manages to end up in side control.
Saruwatari is trying to get back to half guard.
Sutherland tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

Sutherland is trying to get an arm triangle but Saruwatari is defending well.
Saruwatari struggling a bit here.
Saruwatari is trying to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sutherland wants to lay and pray for a moment but Saruwatari keeps working.
Sutherland has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Saruwatari!
Sutherland can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Saruwatari is looking to escape.

Sutherland looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Saruwatari is working to get back to half guard.
Saruwatari is working hard here to advance position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kaito Saruwatari showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Saruwatari 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 29:28
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 29:28
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kaito Saruwatari!
An out of breath Kaito Saruwatari thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.