PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Danny Power (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Power has chosen Dangerous as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Higashikuni
vs
Power

162 cm
29
146 lbs
23 - 10 - 0

172 cm
31
147 lbs
27 - 11 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Merciless Gladiators
Perkele!

Hellbent
Reaper Combatwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Katsu Higashikuni!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Danny Power!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Donald Grub and Colin Fotheringham.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Power on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
A bone on bone clash there as Higashikuni blocks the leg kick.
Power throws a low kick but Higashikuni moves out of range easily.
Power lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Nice uppercut lands for Higashikuni. That snapped Power's head back.
Higashikuni thows a body shot but no joy.
Higashikuni chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Power can pounce on him.
Higashikuni drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Danny Power seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Power throws a sloppy head kick and Higashikuni moves out of range easily.
Power is looking to score with low kicks.
Power misses with a hook.
Power's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Higashikuni connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Power scrambles back to his feet.
Power misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Power throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Power tries to land a leg kick but Higashikuni saw it coming and moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni slips under a jab from Power.
Higashikuni misses with a right hand
and Power counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Higashikuni walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Power checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Power connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Power cracks the inside of Higashikuni's front leg.
Power uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Higashikuni.
Power throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Power tries for a takedown but Higashikuni sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Power throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Higashikuni counters with a single leg into guard. Power didn't expect that.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Higashikuni accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Higashikuni trying to move into half guard but instead Power has managed to sweep!
Higashikuni wants to sweep but no luck.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Power manages to get himself to full guard.
Power working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni looking to sit in guard and control but Power gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Power must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Higashikuni is trying to keep Power in close.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Power accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Power trying to control but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Power got a little sloppy there for a moment and Higashikuni has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Power has managed to get both his arms back between Higashikuni's legs - danger averted.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Power throws a big elbow that misses.
Higashikuni looking to control but Power passes into half guard.
Power trying to advance position but Higashikuni counters by regaining guard.
Higashikuni not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Power trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Power slips nicely into half guard, despite the strikes coming from Higashikuni.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Higashikuni is looking for a sweep. Power is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Power throws a strike but Higashikuni avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Power trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Higashikuni keeping moving, preventing Power from controlling successfully.
Power slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Higashikuni looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Danny Power will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Higashikuni throws out a loose jab but Power uses good head movement to avoid it.
Higashikuni throws a leg kick but Power checks it.
Power misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Power is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Higashikuni.
Power throws a lazy head kick
and Higashikuni counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Power connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Higashikuni momentarily.
Good standup being displayed there by Power as he connects with a hook.
Power scores with a leg kick.
Higashikuni fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Power on the side of the head.
Higashikuni ducks under a wild hook from Power.
Higashikuni throws a low kick but it's checked well by Power.
A looping hook to the body misses from Higashikuni. Power does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Power throws a lazy uppercut
and Higashikuni counters with a leg kick.
Higashikuni moves away from the strike by Power.
Power throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Power tries to land a front kick but Higashikuni steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Higashikuni uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Power.
Power swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Higashikuni counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Power connects with a right hand. Higashikuni shakes it off.
Higashikuni with a nice cross.
A clash of legs there as Higashikuni blocks the low kick.
A cross from Power lands.
Power throws the left hand but Higashikuni avoids the punch easily.
A jab lands there for Power.
Power throws a push kick but Higashikuni slaps the foot to one side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Power.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Power scoring well with a low kick there.
Power lands a nice leg kick that just misses Higashikuni's sensitive parts.
Danny Power seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Power thumps Higashikuni with a low kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Higashikuni.
Power throws a leg kick but Higashikuni checks it.
Higashikuni throws an overhand right that lands on Power's shoulder, as Power tries to avoid the shot.
Higashikuni misses with a hook.
Higashikuni shoots in looking for a takedown. Power tries to sprawl out of it but Higashikuni keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Power manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Power scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Power connects with a solid leg kick.
Power misses the shot to the body.
Higashikuni thows a leg kick but Power checks it
and Power counters with a big head kick but Higashikuni shrugs it off.

Higashikuni is rocked!
A left lands for Higashikuni.
Power takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Higashikuni throws a low kick but Power avoids it.
Power lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Higashikuni gets cracked there but stands up to it.
A left lands for Higashikuni.
Power misses with an uppercut
and Higashikuni cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Power walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Power throws a hook to the side of Higashikuni's head but Higashikuni sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni blocks a low kick nicely.
Higashikuni steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Power.
Power walks into a straight right hand from Higashikuni.
Power tries a head kick but it misses.
Power lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Power fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Higashikuni looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Higashikuni pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Higashikuni takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Power moves out of range of the body kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Power bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Higashikuni sneaks back into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Power showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Power throws an off balance right hand
and Higashikuni cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Higashikuni looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Power is fending him off so far but Higashikuni persists. Nope, Power circles away and we're back to standing.
A telegraphed right hand from Higashikuni misses the target.
Power swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Higashikuni throws a lazy right hand but Power sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Higashikuni avoids a punch combination nicely.
Power cracks Higashikuni with an open hand slap.

It looks like Katsu Higashikuni has been cut.
Higashikuni with a jab.
Higashikuni throws a solid leg kick but Power takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Higashikuni.
Power gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Higashikuni counters with a low kick, right behind Power 's knee.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jab, jab by Higashikuni - just one landing.
Power misses the jab.
Higashikuni misses with a looping left.
Power plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Oh Higashikuni is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Good standup being displayed there by Power as he connects with a hook.
Higashikuni misses with a left hand
and Power counters with an outside leg kick.
Higashikuni is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Power throws a sloppy head kick and Higashikuni moves out of range easily.
No luck for Power with that takedown attempt.
Power throws a solid leg kick but Higashikuni takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Power.
Higashikuni seems to have got his legs back now.
Power tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Higashikuni was well out of range. Poor timing from Power.
Higashikuni scores with a head kick. Power tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Power blocks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Power. Higashikuni does a little dance to reset his feet.
Power walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Higashikuni checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Power fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Higashikuni tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Power is able to avoid easily.
Power misses with a wild body shot.
Higashikuni shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Power scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Power throws a solid leg kick but Higashikuni takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Power.
A solid leg kick lands there for Power.
A looping hook to the body misses from Power. Higashikuni does a little dance to reset his feet.
Higashikuni throws a leg kick but Power moved away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Power motions for Higashikuni to come forward. Power throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Power takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Higashikuni ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Power throws a head kick but Higashikuni moves out of range.
Higashikuni avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Power throws a chopping leg kick but Higashikuni manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A solid leg kick lands there for Higashikuni.
A nice inside leg kick there by Higashikuni. That's going to slow Power down.
Power connects with a good right hand that stumbles Higashikuni. Higashikuni circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Power throws a jab when Higashikuni was well out of range.
Power misses with a hook
and Higashikuni counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Higashikuni fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Power is out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Power moves away.
Power throws a leg kick
and Higashikuni counters with a nice low kick that buckles Power's knee momentarily.
Power lands with a shot to the body.
Higashikuni is looking to chop away at Power's legs.
Power misses with a leg kick
and Higashikuni counters with a stiff right hand.
Power throws a leg kick that misses.
Power throws a low kick but Higashikuni avoids it.
Power lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Power lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Higashikuni checks the leg kick nicely there.
Power tries to score with a low kick but Higashikuni moves his leg out of the way.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Danny Power really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Katsu Higashikuni's cut.
That's time! Higashikuni's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Power swings widly with a right hand

and Higashikuni decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Power's guard.
Higashikuni works over Power with some ground and pound from guard.
Higashikuni wants to control from the top but Power keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Higashikuni accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Higashikuni wants to pass the guard but Power is keeping the position.
Higashikuni is looking to work some ground and pound but Power has wrist control.
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.
Power utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Higashikuni throws a big right hand that misses.
Higashikuni stays in close to Power's body and controls the position.
Higashikuni chips away with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Higashikuni in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Power preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Higashikuni looking to sit in guard and control but Power gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Power throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Power stands and throws Higashikuni's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Higashikuni is trying to improve his position.
Higashikuni takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Power trying to control the action but Higashikuni is working from the bottom.
Higashikuni is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Power is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Power with shots to the head and body - Higashikuni looks very uncomfortable down there.
BOOM! Power connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Higashikuni really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Power punishing his opponent with strikes.
Higashikuni tries to hold on but Power pushes him away.
Power content just to control the position here.
Power trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Katsu Higashikuni overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Power lands with some strikes.
Power postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Higashikuni looks a forlorn figure.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Higashikuni tries to get back to half guard but can't.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Power loads up on a couple of big shots to the head that have Higashikuni scrambling to escape. He can't get free though and several more unanswered shots from Power land to the head. The referee has no choice but to stop the fight. Power stands and salutes the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Danny Power!
Danny Power took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Hellbent for their support in the buildup to the fight.