PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Tomek Maksymilian (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Akiyama Shinichi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tomek Maksymilian has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Maksymilian
vs
Shinichi

170 cm
26
153 lbs
10 - 1 - 0

155 cm
31
145 lbs
10 - 6 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
KO power

TWGC Champion
Counter fighter
Granite chin

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 10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tomek Maksymilian!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Akiyama Shinichi!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fighters circling - Maksymilian throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Shinichi closes the distance and clinches.
Maksymilian scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Shinichi turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Shinichi advances nicely into full mount.
Shinichi can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Maksymilian is looking to escape.
Maksymilian is looking to improve his position but Shinichi isn't that keen on the idea.

Maksymilian defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Shinichi.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shinichi wants to control the pace but Maksymilian is squirming around nicely.

Shinichi has control of Maksymilian's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Maksymilian regains control of the situation pretty easily.

Maksymilian defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Shinichi.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Maksymilian can't escape the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shinichi wants to control the pace but Maksymilian is squirming around nicely.
Shinichi tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Shinichi looking to control but Maksymilian is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Shinichi controlling the position easily from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shinichi wants to control the pace but Maksymilian is squirming around nicely.

Akiyama Shinichi has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Shinichi fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Maksymilian avoids it really well and circles away.
Maksymilian misses with a double jab.
Maksymilian connects with a looping right hand.
Shinichi misses with a leg kick.
Maksymilian keeps the fight on the outside.
Maksymilian scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Shinichi has a takedown stuffed.
Shinichi shoots in for a takedown but Maksymilian shows good takedown defense.
Tomek Maksymilian has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Akiyama Shinichi.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maksymilian throws a body punch but Shinichi moves out of range.
Maksymilian fails to land with a series of punches.
Shinichi closes this distance looking for a takedown but Maksymilian circles away.
Maksymilian listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Shinichi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Maksymilian lands a right hook to the body.
Maksymilian lunges at Shinichi with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Shinichi's hand.
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!
Maksymilian loads up on a big right hand but Shinichi slips the punch.
Maksymilian throws a jab but it's blocked by Shinichi.
Maksymilian lands an overhand right.
Tomek Maksymilian seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Maksymilian lands a glancing blow to the side of Shinichi's head.
Maksymilian closes the distance and lands a one-two.
The fighters circle momentarily. Maksymilian darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Shinichi gets cracked there but stands up to it.
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 Tomek Maksymilian will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Shinichi shoots in but Maksymilian avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Maksymilian swinging wildly here.
Danga de danga de dang - Maksymilian scores with a four punch combination!
A shot to the liver by Maksymilian. Beautiful body shot.
Maksymilian is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

Shinichi has taken the fight to the clinch.
Shinichi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Maksymilian is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Shinichi tries to work over Maksymilian's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Maksymilian wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Shinichi tries to pull guard but Maksymilian forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Tomek Maksymilian has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Akiyama Shinichi.
Maksymilian is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Maksymilian is trying to force a seperation but Shinichi has the dominant position.
Shinichi has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Maksymilian avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Maksymilian is trying to break the clinch but Shinichi is controlling him.
Shinichi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shinichi looking to stall.
Shinichi drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Maksymilian gets the underhooks and prevents it.
A nice left hand lands by Maksymilian.
Shinichi tries to score a body lock takedown but Maksymilian shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Maksymilian presses Shinichi against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Shinichi is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Shinichi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Maksymilian is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Maksymilian gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Shinichi.
Maksymilian wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Shinichi has him pressed against the cage.
Shinichi looking for a takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shinichi tries to pull guard but Maksymilian forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Maksymilian scores with a shot to the side of Shinichi's head.
Shinichi has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Maksymilian after a bit of a struggle.
Maksymilian lands a left hand that snaps the head of Shinichi backwards.
Maksymilian can't break the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Maksymilian.
Maksymilian is trying to force a seperation but Shinichi has the dominant position.
Shinichi tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Maksymilian just stands there and leans against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Shinichi is working for takedown but Maksymilian is calmly controlling the position for now.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Maksymilian.
Shinichi is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Maksymilian pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Shinichi successfully pulls guard.
Shinichi is breathing heavily.
Maksymilian wants to stand and escape but instead Shinichi has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Maksymilian has control of Shinichi's left arm, preventing Shinichi from doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maksymilian keeping full guard, as Shinichi tries to pass.
Maksymilian is trying to control the position but Shinichi postures up.

Maksymilian wriggles free and stands up.
Tomek Maksymilian is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Maksymilian fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Maksymilian misses with a straight left.
Shinichi fails with a takedown attempt.
Maksymilian lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Shinichi backs up against the cage.

Shinichi darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shinichi is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Maksymilian!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Maksymilian tries to lock up and control but Shinichi gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Shinichi can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Maksymilian is looking to escape.
Shinichi prevents Maksymilian from getting the reversal.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shinichi tries to control but Maksymilian wriggling away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tomek Maksymilian dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Shinichi takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Shinichi looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Maksymilian is fending him off so far but Shinichi persists. Nope, Maksymilian circles away and we're back to standing.
Tomek Maksymilian is winning the standup battle so far.
Maksymilian throws a body punch but Shinichi moves out of range.
Maksymilian misses with a hook. Shinichi ducked under it nicely.
Shinichi walks into a left hand.
Shinichi fails with an attempt to clinch.

Shinichi throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Maksymilian was covering up waiting for the punch and Shinichi finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Shinichi trying to control the position from guard on top but Maksymilian is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Maksymilian knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Shinichi on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shinichi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Shinichi would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Shinichi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Maksymilian on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Maksymilian tries to get out of the position.
Maksymilian tries to land a sweep but no joy.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Shinichi trying to control the position from guard on top but Maksymilian is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shinichi is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Akiyama Shinichi.
Maksymilian swinging wildly here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maksymilian changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Maksymilian cracks Shinichi with a good jab.
Maksymilian connects with a good right hand that stumbles Shinichi. Shinichi circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

Shinichi shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Maksymilian's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Shinichi drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Maksymilian manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Shinichi has Maksymilian in his guard.
Shinichi working a defensive guard but Maksymilian passes into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shinichi is looking for a sweep. Maksymilian is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Shinichi trying to hold on to Maksymilian's head to control him but Maksymilian postures up.
Shinichi wants to improve his position but Maksymilian is controlling well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shinichi has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Maksymilian is working away from the top position though.
Maksymilian is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Shinichi moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Maksymilian stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Shinichi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Shinichi has his hands on Maksymilian's head, controlling the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Akiyama Shinichi.
I think Maksymilian 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight as a draw!
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight for Tomek Maksymilian!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Tomek Maksymilian!

Tomek Maksymilian wins by majority decision!
During a confident post fight interview, Tomek Maksymilian thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.