PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Michael Filip (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zo Kutthlak (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Filip
vs
Kutthlak

185 cm
20
205 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

188 cm
24
213 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Prefers standup

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Michael Filip!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Zo Kutthlak!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Yukihiro Shimada and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Filip tries to move into range but Kutthlak moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Filip takes one on the button.
Filip drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Kutthlak lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Kutthlak displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Filip.
Filip takes one on the button.
Filip takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kutthlak ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Filip moves away.
Filip has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kutthlak finds it's way round the side to connect with Filip's head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Filip. Kutthlak does a little dance to reset his feet.
Filip tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Filip tries for a takedown but Kutthlak sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Filip takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Filip tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Filip on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A jab from Kutthlak finds it's way through Filip's defenses.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Filip.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Filip. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kutthlak connects with a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kutthlak throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kutthlak slaps away a takedown attempt from Filip, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kutthlak tries to land a front kick but Filip steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kutthlak stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Filip doesn't manage to clinch there - Kutthlak circles away.
Filip misses with a combination
and Kutthlak counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Filip tries to clinch but Kutthlak moves out of range.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kutthlak, as that shot connected.
Filip on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Kutthlak lands a really nice looking cross but Filip seems unphased.
Filip misses with a wild combination.
Filip takes a shot to the body in his stride.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kutthlak scores with a jab to the head.
Filip fails to land the takedown.
Kutthlak lands a lovely overhand right.
Kutthlak stuns Filip with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Nice straight punches there by Kutthlak. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kutthlak.
Kutthlak misses with a head kick.
Filip will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Filip is breathing heavily.
Kutthlak lands a glancing blow to the side of Filip's head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kutthlak lands a body shot.
Kutthlak lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Filip shoots in but no luck this time.
Filip looks to land a combination but Kutthlak avoids it well.
Kutthlak connects with a looping right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kutthlak lands with an overhand left.
Kutthlak comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Filip doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kutthlak avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Filip.
Filip looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Filip doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kutthlak scores with a jab. Filip acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Filip drops his hands momentarily and Kutthlak takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Kutthlak stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kutthlak wants it to stay on the feet.
Kutthlak scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Filip takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Kutthlak scores with the left hand. Filip knows he should have avoided that one.
Kutthlak misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kutthlak scores with a jab to the head.
Kutthlak stuffs the takedown.
Kutthlak ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Kutthlak scores with a body shot.
Kutthlak lands a nice looking body shot.
Filip takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kutthlak lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Filip needs to keep his hands up - Kutthlak had a free shot at his head there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kutthlak avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kutthlak lands a nice hook to Filip's body. Filip takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kutthlak fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Filip swinging wildly here.
Kutthlak is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Filip had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Nice jab there from Kutthlak.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zo Kutthlak dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Filip throws a nice looking combination but Kutthlak bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A punch combination from Kutthlak misses.
A jab from Kutthlak finds it's way through Filip's defenses.
Kutthlak looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kutthlak misses with a wild combination.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Filip.
Filip trying to control the position but Kutthlak is working away.
Filip working the ground and pound but Kutthlak is defending the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Filip stands up and beckons Kutthlak to his feet.
Kutthlak fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Kutthlak is breathing heavily.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Filip - that will leave a mark!
Kutthlak slaps away a takedown attempt from Filip, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Filip tests Kutthlak's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Filip throws a right and a left that Kutthlak avoids nicely.
Filip misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Filip takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kutthlak cracks Filip with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Filip walks into a stiff left hand from Kutthlak.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Filip is defended easily by Kutthlak.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Filip. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kutthlak slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Filip takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Filip tries to clinch but Kutthlak is having none of it.
Filip walks into a stiff left hand from Kutthlak.
Filip misses with a few strikes there.
Nice straight punches there by Kutthlak. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kutthlak.
Kutthlak ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Horrible takedown by Filip or perhaps it was just good defense by Kutthlak which made him look bad.
Kutthlak lands a jab-cross combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Filip is looking to clinch.
Kutthlak stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kutthlak wants it to stay on the feet.
Nice straight punches there by Kutthlak. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kutthlak.
Zo Kutthlak seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kutthlak lands a glancing blow to the side of Filip's head.
Kutthlak dodges the punch combination from Filip.
Kutthlak lands with an uppercut that bounces Filip off the cage and back into range.
Kutthlak connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Filip momentarily.
Michael Filip is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kutthlak throws a nice looking combination but Filip bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Filip fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kutthlak avoids it really well and circles away.
Jab by Kutthlak.
Zo Kutthlak is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kutthlak cracks Filip with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Filip tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kutthlak paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kutthlak throws an overhand right that lands on Filip's shoulder, as Filip tries to avoid the shot.
Kutthlak jabs at Filip's body.
Filip waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kutthlak.
Kutthlak circles away from the clinch attempt
and Kutthlak counters with a two punch combo.
Filip keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kutthlak.
Filip lands a leg kick that knocks Kutthlak off balance momentarily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Filip connects with a solid leg kick.
Kutthlak scores with the left hand. Filip knows he should have avoided that one.
Kutthlak stuffs the takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Filip dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Filip shoots in looking for a takedown but Kutthlak manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Filip's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Kutthlak scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Filip tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kutthlak sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Filip somewhat.
Kutthlak feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Filips jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Filip shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Filip. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Filip takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kutthlak connects with a crisp jab.
Kutthlak fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Filip looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Good standup being displayed there by Kutthlak as he connects with a hook.
Filip takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kutthlak lands with an overhand left.
Kutthlak misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Filip on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kutthlak darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Filip fails in his attempt to clinch.
The fighters circle momentarily. Kutthlak darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kutthlak cracks Filip with a right hand to the side of the head.
Nice cross by Kutthlak.
Filip is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kutthlak sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Kutthlak stuns Filip with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Filip on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Filip fails with the takedown.
Filip takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Kutthlak listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Kutthlak checks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Filip takes a shot to the body in his stride.

Filip takes the fight into the clinch.
Kutthlak wants to break free but Filip has control.

Kutthlak jumps guard and drags Filip to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Filip slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Kutthlak being controlled for a moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Filip decides to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Filip is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Filip blocks a head kick by Kutthlak.
Filip shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kutthlak pinned against the cage. Kutthlak gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A punch lands to the side of Filip 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Kutthlak throws out a powerful jab.
Filip steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kutthlak.
Nice sprawl there from Kutthlak as Filip shoots in.
Kutthlak is looking to score with low kicks.
Filip takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Kutthlak stuffs the takedown attempt from Filip. Filip gets slowly back to his feet.
Filip fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kutthlak connects with a body shot that sends Filip's belly button to the back.
Left hook, right uppercut from Kutthlak.
Filip throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kutthlak's waist but Kutthlak gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Filip off to one side.
Kutthlak avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kutthlak misses with a head kick.
Kutthlak avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Filip fails with an attempt to clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nice sprawl there from Kutthlak as Filip shoots in.
Kutthlak digs a good hook to Filip's body.
Kutthlak lands an overhand right.
No luck for Filip with that takedown attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Zo Kutthlak comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kutthlak has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 28:29
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zo Kutthlak!