PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Barry Scott (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Scott has chosen Bang - By Barry Scott as his entrance music. On his way into the cage it seems that Katsu Higashikuni has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Katsu Higashikuni seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Higashikuni
vs
Scott

162 cm
28
146 lbs
21 - 8 - 0

160 cm
31
145 lbs
26 - 9 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

ADCC Champion
World class boxer
Granite chin

Perkele!
Brute

KAISER Nutrition (160!)
Reaper Combatwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Katsu Higashikuni!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Barry Scott!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Don Winkell and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Higashikuni getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Higashikuni lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Scott chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Higashikuni can pounce on him.
Higashikuni dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Scott. That did some damage!

Scott fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Higashikuni, pushing him back against the cage.
Scott lands a body shot.
Scott digs a right hand into Higashikuni's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Higashikuni's gas tank.
Scott pushes Higashikuni back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Higashikuni prevents a body shot from Scott.
Higashikuni throws a punch but it's blocked by Scott.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Higashikuni blocks an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Scott.
Scott gets through Higashikuni's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Scott lands a hook that snaps the head of Higashikuni backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A right handed body shot lands from Higashikuni.
Scott lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Higashikuni backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Scott wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Higashikuni is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Scott can't fight it off and eventually Higashikuni manages to take the fight to the floor. Scott looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Scott trying to control the position.
Higashikuni works over Scott with some ground and pound from guard.
Scott avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Scott looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Higashikuni throws a big elbow that misses.
Higashikuni looking to pass the guard.
Higashikuni has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Scott is pulling down on Higashikuni's head to control his posture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Scott working a defensive guard here.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Barry Scott was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Higashikuni tries to clinch up but Scott circles away and keeps his distance.
Higashikuni throws a quick inside leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Higashikuni jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Scott goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Higashikuni cracks the inside of Scott's front leg.
Higashikuni just misses with a punch to the body.
Scott takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Decent striking displayed by Scott there.
Higashikuni cracks Scott with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Higashikuni throws a quick inside leg kick.
Nice sprawl there from Scott as Higashikuni shoots in.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Scott cracks Higashikuni with a right hand to the side of the head.
Scott throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni loads up on a big right hand but Scott slips the punch.
Higashikuni just misses with a punch to the body.

Higashikuni shoots in and bounces Scott off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Higashikuni pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Scott is keeping the position for now.
Higashikuni trying to control the position from guard on top but Scott is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Higashikuni is fighting to break Scott's control of his arms but Scott is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Scott had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Higashikuni defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Scott seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Higashikuni looking to pass the guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Scott is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Scott escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Higashikuni gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Scott keeping moving, preventing Higashikuni from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Higashikuni works a leg free and moves into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Katsu Higashikuni will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Higashikuni shoots in and bounces Scott off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Higashikuni trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Higashikuni passes into half guard.
Higashikuni wants to take a breather but Scott is having none of it.
Higashikuni missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Ground and pound from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni throwing shots but Scott is blocking nicely.
Higashikuni thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Higashikuni is trying to control the action in half guard but Scott is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Scott tries to get to full guard but Higashikuni has control of the leg.
Higashikuni missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Scott regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni lands a couple of elbows.
Scott keeping moving, preventing Higashikuni from controlling successfully.
Scott not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Higashikuni's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Higashikuni tries to free his leg and advance position but Scott is retaining full guard.
Scott has control of Higashikuni's left arm, preventing Higashikuni from doing any damage.
Higashikuni trying to control the position from guard on top but Scott is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Scott escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Higashikuni gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Higashikuni sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Scott's guard.
Higashikuni wants to free his trapped foot but Scott is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Scott tries to get to full guard but Higashikuni has control of the leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is looking to advance position but Scott won't allow it.
Higashikuni is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Scott reverses the position - he's now on top in Higashikuni's guard.
Scott preventing the sweep.
Scott tries to free his leg and advance position but Higashikuni is retaining full guard.
Higashikuni wants to sweep but no luck.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Scott trying to control but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.

Higashikuni looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Higashikuni looking for a sweep. Not yet Higashikuni, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni looking to control.
Scott trying to control but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Higashikuni is on top in guard.
Scott working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Higashikuni.
Scott wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Scott utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Scott is pulling down on Higashikuni's head. It's preventing any offense from Higashikuni, at least for the moment.
Higashikuni throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Scott has his hands on Higashikuni's head, controlling the position.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Scott working a defensive guard here.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Barry Scott hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Higashikuni wants to land a leg kick but Scott is out of range.
Higashikuni misses with an uppercut. Scott saw that one coming.
Higashikuni looks for a takedown but Scott sprawls well.
Higashikuni fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Scott manages to avoid it.

Scott feints and as Higashikuni raises his hands in defense, Scott changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
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.
Higashikuni 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.
Scott wants to control from the top but Higashikuni keeps moving.
Higashikuni has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Scott has passed into side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katsu Higashikuni dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Scott throws a leg kick but Higashikuni moved away.
Higashikuni takes a swing at Scott's ribcage but misses.
Scott takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Higashikuni with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Higashikuni fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Scott avoids it really well and circles away.
Higashikuni lands with a thumping leg kick.
Higashikuni throws a front kick aimed at Scott's knee but Scott avoids it well.
Higashikuni tests Scott's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Higashikuni gets a double leg takedown into Scott's guard.
Higashikuni is looking to work some ground and pound but Scott has wrist control.
Scott looking to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni postures up in Scott's guard and throws a big left but Scott blocks it.
Scott is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Higashikuni stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Scott swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Higashikuni trying to control the position from guard on top but Scott is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Higashikuni postures up.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Scott ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Higashikuni misses with a low kick.
Scott checks the leg kick nicely there.
Higashikuni scores with a leg kick.
Higashikuni throws an overhand right that lands on Scott's shoulder, as Scott tries to avoid the shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni throws a good cross that connects.
Higashikuni defending well as Scott loads up on a big left hand.
Scott tried to score with a low kick but Higashikuni checks it.
Higashikuni doesn't manage to clinch there - Scott circles away.
Scott throws the left hand but Higashikuni avoids the punch easily.
Scott avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Horrible takedown by Higashikuni or perhaps it was just good defense by Scott which made him look bad.
Good standup being displayed there by Scott as he connects with a hook.
Nice body punch from Higashikuni.
Scott ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Higashikuni throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Higashikuni blocks a leg kick.
Higashikuni throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Scott fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Higashikuni 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.
Scott wants to slow Higashikuni down by chopping away at his legs.
Higashikuni getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
That kick from Higashikuni tenderised Scott's leg. Scott is trying to keep his angry face on.

Scott tries to sprawl but Higashikuni drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Scott is looking for a sweep. Higashikuni is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Scott trying to control from the bottom.
Scott makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Scott.
Higashikuni lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Katsu Higashikuni overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Scott not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Higashikuni scoring with punches to the head and body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Higashikuni wants to pass the guard but Scott is keeping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Scott works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Scott seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Higashikuni passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Higashikuni cracks Scott with a big elbow.
Higashikuni working the ground and pound but Scott is defending the strikes.
Scott is trying to control Higashikuni's posture but Higashikuni avoids it.
Higashikuni throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Scott works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Scott is trying to control but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katsu Higashikuni clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Scott throws a looping overhand right but Higashikuni ducks down to avoid it.
Scott stuffs the takedown.
Higashikuni misses with a hook
enabling Scott to counter with a crisp jab.
Higashikuni tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
The fighters circling - Scott throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Scott throws a low kick but Higashikuni avoids it.
Higashikuni ducks under a wild hook from Scott.
Scott throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Higashikuni sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Scott throws a hook to the side of Higashikuni's head but Higashikuni sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Scott throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Higashikuni slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Higashikuni stuffs the takedown attempt from Scott. Scott gets slowly back to his feet.
Scott fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Higashikuni manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Scott but Scott pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Katsu Higashikuni is winning the standup battle so far.
Higashikuni tries for a takedown but Scott sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katsu Higashikuni. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Scott throws a solid leg kick but Higashikuni takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Scott.
Scott throws a hook to the side of Higashikuni's head but Higashikuni sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Higashikuni keeps the fight on the outside.
Higashikuni connects with a crisp jab.
Higashikuni looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Higashikuni wants to slow Scott down by chopping away at his legs.
Higashikuni moves out of range of the leg kick from Scott.
Scott connects with a leg kick. Higashikuni looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Scott waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Higashikuni.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good standup being displayed there by Higashikuni as he connects with a hook.
Higashikuni fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Scott avoids it really well and circles away.
A shot to the liver by Higashikuni. Beautiful body shot.
Scott lands a jab to Higashikuni's midsection.
Higashikuni throws a low kick but Scott avoids it.
Scott with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Katsu Higashikuni seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Higashikuni darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Scott won't allow Higashikuni to pass to mount.
Scott is concentrating on defense, preventing Higashikuni from advancing position.
Scott's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Scott wants to control but Higashikuni is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Higashikuni is looking to take a break and control but Scott is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Higashikuni looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Scott with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Scott preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Higashikuni working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Scott's thigh. Scott counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Higashikuni looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni is working hard here to advance position.
Scott controlling the position.
Higashikuni controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Higashikuni throws a hook but Scott avoids it easily.
Higashikuni bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Scott throws a solid leg kick but Higashikuni takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Scott.
Higashikuni blocks a jab.
Higashikuni lands with an overhand left.
Higashikuni jabs at Scott's body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Barry Scott will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Scott throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Higashikuni tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Scott swivels and escapes.
Barry Scott has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Higashikuni throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Scott dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Higashikuni fails to land with a series of punches.
Scott throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Scott walks forward, straight into a front kick from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni drops his hands momentarily and Scott takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Scott shoots in and drives through. Higashikuni sprawls well.
Higashikuni lands with a cross.
Scott just misses with a punch to the body.
Higashikuni connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Higashikuni.
Scott misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Higashikuni is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Scott's half guard.
Scott moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Higashikuni looking to pass the guard.
Higashikuni lands a couple of decent looking shots.

Scott has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Higashikuni can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Higashikuni stands up over Scott, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Scott keeping full guard, as Higashikuni tries to pass.
Scott working a defensive guard here.
Scott keeping moving, preventing Higashikuni from controlling successfully.
Katsu Higashikuni is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Higashikuni engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Scott is trying to control the position but Higashikuni postures up.

We're going to have a standup here because Katsu Higashikuni wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
An inside leg kick from Scott misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni looks to land a left hand but Scott moved out of range nicely.
Higashikuni throws a low kick but Scott moves out of range easily.
Higashikuni lands a jab to the head.
Higashikuni turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Scott looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Higashikuni lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Scott doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Scott throws a leg kick but Higashikuni sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Scott misses with a looping right.
Scott walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
A right-left combo lands from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni just misses with a punch to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni moves out of range of the strikes.
Scott looks to throw the jab but Higashikuni is out of range.
Higashikuni moves out of range as Scott strikes.
Higashikuni swings away with a leg kick that misses.
A solid leg kick lands there for Scott.
A bone on bone clash there as Higashikuni blocks the leg kick.
Higashikuni throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Scott sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Higashikuni throws the left hand but Scott avoids the punch easily.
Higashikuni cracks Scott with a right hand to the side of the head.
Scott swings for the body but Higashikuni moves out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Higashikuni gets a double leg takedown into Scott's guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Scott is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Higashikuni passes Scott's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Katsu Higashikuni showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Higashikuni 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 50:46
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Katsu Higashikuni!
Katsu Higashikuni retains his featherweight title!
A victorious Katsu Higashikuni thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.