PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Keiji Hashimoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hashimoto is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Holding Out For A Hero (Japanese Version). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Higashikuni
vs
Hashimoto

162 cm
29
146 lbs
22 - 9 - 0

172 cm
37
154 lbs
36 - 14 - 4

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Perkele!
Brute

Conviction
Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Katsu Higashikuni!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 36 - 14 - 4, fighting out of Los Angeles, Keiji Hashimoto!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, James Atkins and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hashimoto throws the kick towards the body but Higashikuni avoids it.
A punch lands to the side of Higashikuni 's head but he takes it in his stride.

Hashimoto forces Higashikuni back against the cage and clinches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Higashikuni.
Higashikuni softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Higashikuni goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Higashikuni lands with a light punch inside.
Hashimoto swings wildly with an uppercut but Higashikuni uses good head movement to avoid it.
Higashikuni misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hashimoto blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Higashikuni tries a body shot but Hashimoto blocks it.
Hashimoto misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hashimoto blocks a body shot from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Hashimoto pushes Higashikuni back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hashimoto.
Higashikuni tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Higashikuni misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hashimoto.
Hashimoto blocking some punches.
Higashikuni stalling in the clinch but Hashimoto improves position.
Hashimoto misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Higashikuni misses with a punch on the inside.
Hashimoto throws a punch but it's blocked by Higashikuni.
Higashikuni swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hashimoto pushes Higashikuni back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hashimoto misses with a punch on the inside.
Higashikuni misses with a short punch on the inside.
Higashikuni drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Higashikuni lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hashimoto.
Higashikuni swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Hashimoto makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Higashikuni wants the takedown. Hashimoto is fighting it off but Higashikuni persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Hashimoto's guard against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Hashimoto wants to sweep here but Higashikuni controlling him for the moment.

Hashimoto looking for a guillotine here but Higashikuni defends easily.
Hashimoto is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Higashikuni is looking for a sweep. Hashimoto is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hashimoto is taking a breather. Higashikuni says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni trying to control from the bottom.
Hashimoto is trying to control. Higashikuni wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Hashimoto not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Higashikuni is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hashimoto is figuring out what he wants to do next.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hashimoto is looking to advance position but Higashikuni won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto trying to control from half guard but Higashikuni is working away.

Higashikuni actively working from the bottom here.
Hashimoto trying to pass the guard but Higashikuni defending well.
Higashikuni wants to get back to full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni is working hard here to advance position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Hashimoto looks to throw the jab but Higashikuni is out of range.
Higashikuni scoring well with a low kick there.
Hashimoto scores with a sloppy right hand. Higashikuni should have avoided that one.
Higashikuni ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hashimoto moves away.
Higashikuni steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Hashimoto.
Higashikuni missing with a left hand there. Hashimoto was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Horrible takedown by Higashikuni or perhaps it was just good defense by Hashimoto which made him look bad.
Higashikuni moves away from the strike by Hashimoto.
Hashimoto throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Hashimoto has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Higashikuni.
Hashimoto finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Keiji Hashimoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hashimoto misses with an uppercut
and Higashikuni counters with a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Hashimoto misses with a body kick.
Hashimoto misses with a body shot.
Hashimoto takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Higashikuni throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Hashimoto throws out a leg kick but Higashikuni moves out of range and Hashimoto only half commits.
Higashikuni wants to clinch up but Hashimoto keeps it at a distance.
Hashimoto lands a right hook to the body.
Hashimoto looks to land a left hand but Higashikuni moved out of range nicely.
Hashimoto closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Hashimoto changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Hashimoto has a takedown stuffed.
Hashimoto lands a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice jab there from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni throws a head kick that Hashimoto semi-blocks.
A big left from Hashimoto misses.
A low kick from Hashimoto misses
and Higashikuni counters with an inside leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Higashikuni.
Hashimoto throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Higashikuni counters with a nice uppercut.
Hashimoto on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Higashikuni. Higashikuni obviously looking to wear him down.
Hashimoto throws a poor cross that misses
and Higashikuni counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Higashikuni takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Hashimoto looks to land a body kick but Higashikuni moved away.
Keiji Hashimoto seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hashimoto throws a wild body kick that Higashikuni sees coming a mile off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hashimoto scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Higashikuni is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Hashimoto prevents Higashikuni from improving his position.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Higashikuni is pressing down on Hashimoto's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Higashikuni is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Hashimoto with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hashimoto trying to control but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Higashikuni is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
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!
Higashikuni keeping moving, preventing Hashimoto from controlling successfully.
Hashimoto is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Higashikuni working a defensive guard here.

Higashikuni is looking for a triangle but Hashimoto pushes his legs off easily.
Hashimoto engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hashimoto passes Higashikuni's left leg - he's now in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Keiji Hashimoto showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Hashimoto throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A telegraphed right hand from Hashimoto misses the target.
Higashikuni scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

Hashimoto fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Higashikuni, pushing him back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Higashikuni fails to land.
Higashikuni tries a body shot but Hashimoto blocks it.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Higashikuni misses with a punch on the inside.
A hook to the body from Higashikuni.
A head punch on the inside from Higashikuni fails to land.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hashimoto.
Hashimoto misses with a hook to the ribs.
Higashikuni looking for a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Higashikuni.
Higashikuni is looking to control Hashimoto's arms but Hashimoto gets an underhook and turns him. Now Higashikuni has his back to the cage.
Hashimoto is looking to take this one to the mat.
Higashikuni misses with a punch on the inside.

Hashimoto escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hashimoto takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A big left from Hashimoto misses.

Higashikuni rushes Hashimoto and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Hashimoto lands a body punch.
Hashimoto lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hashimoto misses with a punch to the body.
Higashikuni lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Higashikuni tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Higashikuni misses with the head strike.
Higashikuni lands a body punch in the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Hashimoto.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A head punch on the inside from Higashikuni fails to land.
Higashikuni blocks the elbow strike.
Higashikuni tries to work over Hashimoto's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Higashikuni fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hashimoto blocks a body shot from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni wants to take the fight to the mat but Hashimoto manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hashimoto creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Katsu Higashikuni has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Higashikuni swings wildly with an uppercut but Hashimoto uses good head movement to avoid it.
Higashikuni tries a body shot but Hashimoto blocks it.
A short left from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni displaying some good clinch control by pressing Hashimoto up against the cage.
Hashimoto has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Higashikuni avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hashimoto is trying to drag Higashikuni to the mat but Higashikuni just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Katsu Higashikuni has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Keiji Hashimoto.
Higashikuni throws a head punch that misses.
A right handed body shot lands from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Hashimoto gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Higashikuni wants a takedown but no success here.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hashimoto creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

Hashimoto pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Good leg kick by Higashikuni there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Hashimoto ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Hashimoto misses the shot to the body.
Hashimoto looks to score with a jab to the body but Higashikuni is just out of range.
Keiji Hashimoto is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Higashikuni gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Higashikuni.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Higashikuni.
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!
Hashimoto blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Higashikuni lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hashimoto scores with a shoulder strike.
Hashimoto lands a nice shot to the body.
Higashikuni doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hashimoto lands a body shot in the clinch.
Hashimoto lands a right hand that snaps the head of Higashikuni backwards.
Higashikuni throws a head punch that misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni misses with a punch on the inside.
Higashikuni is looking to control Hashimoto's arms but Hashimoto gets an underhook and turns him. Now Higashikuni has his back to the cage.
Higashikuni prevents a takedown attempt there.
Higashikuni misses with a short punch on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Katsu Higashikuni showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Hashimoto 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 28:29
Judge James Glass scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Keiji Hashimoto!
Keiji Hashimoto took some time post fight to say the following; 'I am nearing the end of my journey. However, if it's not too much to ask and if it pleases mr Jug, I'd like to have one last shot at the title. Thank you.'.