PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Daiju Kikuchi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Willy Wonka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Wonka is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Mr Rotten Treats - Insane Clown Posse. Daiju Kikuchi had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Kikuchi
vs
Wonka

165 cm
26
140 lbs
10 - 5 - 0

173 cm
29
146 lbs
21 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best 160

Affordable Quality + Reliable Laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Daiju Kikuchi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Willy Wonka!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Steven Brown and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wonka missing with a left hand there. Kikuchi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A shot to the liver by Wonka. Beautiful body shot.
Wonka throws a jab when Kikuchi was well out of range.
Kikuchi misses with a head kick.
Kikuchi defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Wonka.
Kikuchi ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Kikuchi scores with a kick to the midsection.
Kikuchi with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kikuchi ducks under a wild hook from Wonka.
Wonka jabs Kikuchi right on the nose. Kikuchi blinks but takes it well.
Wonka throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wonka wants to clinch
and Kikuchi counters with a left to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kikuchi scores with a crisp jab that stopped Wonka in his tracks.

It looks like Willy Wonka has been cut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kikuchi walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Kikuchi staying out of range there.

Wonka is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Kikuchi's half guard.
Wonka missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kikuchi is staying active underneath Wonka, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Wonka slips a nice elbow through Kikuchi's hands, connecting with Kikuchi's forehead.
Kikuchi wants to get back to full guard.
Kikuchi is controlling Wonka's trapped leg to prevent Wonka from advancing to side control.
Wonka perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Kikuchi gets full guard.
Kikuchi looking for a sweep. Not yet Kikuchi, not yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi controlling the position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wonka wants to control from the top but Kikuchi keeps moving.
Wonka is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Kikuchi looking for a sweep. Not yet Kikuchi, not yet.

Wonka has gone for a leg lock! Kikuchi slips out almost immediately though and dives into Wonka's guard.
Wonka looking to control.

Wonka has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kikuchi can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Wonka has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Wonka has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kikuchi can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Wonka had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kikuchi defends it easily.
Kikuchi slips nicely into half guard.
Well, if Kikuchi is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Kikuchi wants to control but Wonka is keeping him busy.

Wonka actively working from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi misses with a head shot. Wonka uses the momentum to regain guard.
Wonka keeping full guard, as Kikuchi tries to pass.
Kikuchi lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Kikuchi preventing the sweep.
Kikuchi pushing down on Wonka's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Kikuchi wants to control but Wonka is keeping him busy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kikuchi thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wonka trying to control but Kikuchi postures up.
Wonka has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
Wonka is trying to get back to full 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 Daiju Kikuchi will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Willy Wonka's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Wonka with a poor takedown
and Kikuchi counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Wonka thinking.
Kikuchi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Wonka.
Nice defenses there by Kikuchi.
Wonka ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kikuchi moves away.
Kikuchi scores with a hook to the body. Wonka takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kikuchi lands a nice shot that snaps Wonka's head back.
Kikuchi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Wonka.
Wonka cracks Kikuchi with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Wonka tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kikuchi swivels and escapes.
Kikuchi scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Wonka misses with an uppercut. Kikuchi saw that one coming.
Kikuchi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wonka misses with a takedown attempt - Kikuchi sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Daiju Kikuchi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Willy Wonka.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wonka fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Wonka is defended easily by Kikuchi.
Wonka swings for the body but Kikuchi moves out of range.
Wonka on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kikuchi. Kikuchi obviously looking to wear him down.
Kikuchi leaves Wonka with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Daiju Kikuchi is winning the standup battle so far.
Wonka tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kikuchi was well out of range. Poor timing from Wonka.
Kikuchi displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Wonka.
A right-left combo lands from Kikuchi.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Wonka misses the target.
Wonka wants to clinch.

Wonka drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kikuchi is trying to control the position but Wonka postures up.
Kikuchi keeping full guard, as Wonka tries to pass.
Wonka wants to control from the top but Kikuchi keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wonka throws a big elbow that misses.
Wonka being controlled here momentarily.
Wonka in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kikuchi keeping moving, preventing Wonka from controlling successfully.
Kikuchi utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Kikuchi is trying to keep Wonka in close.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Wonka throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kikuchi sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Wonka has time to react.
Wonka swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wonka catches Kikuchi with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Kikuchi looks to score with a jab to the body but Wonka is just out of range.
Wonka throws out a loose jab but Kikuchi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Daiju Kikuchi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wonka lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Kikuchi thows a left - swing and a miss!
Wonka tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kikuchi swivels and escapes.
Wonka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Wonka on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Wonka moves out of range of the body kick from Kikuchi.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kikuchi bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Daiju Kikuchi will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Willy Wonka's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Wonka connects with a crisp jab.
Kikuchi misses with a body kick.
Kikuchi defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Wonka.
Wonka tries to close the distance and clinch but Kikuchi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Wonka tries to clinch up but Kikuchi circles away and keeps his distance.
Wonka tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kikuchi swivels and escapes.
Wonka on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Wonka is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kikuchi.
Wonka shoots in for a takedown but Kikuchi shows good takedown defense.
Daiju Kikuchi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Willy Wonka.
Wonka takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Wonka fails with the takedown.
Wonka takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Wonka tries to clinch but Kikuchi is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wonka is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kikuchi.
Kikuchi connects with a good right hand that stumbles Wonka. Wonka circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Wonka keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kikuchi connects with a solid leg kick.
Wonka looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kikuchi.
Wonka shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kikuchi but Kikuchi pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Wonka scores with a nice head shot.
Willy Wonka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wonka tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kikuchi was well out of range. Poor timing from Wonka.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Kikuchi takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Kikuchi slips a jab from Wonka.
Wonka connects with a nice looking jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kikuchi on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Wonka tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kikuchi swivels and escapes.
Wonka wants to clinch.
Wonka throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kikuchi throws a head kick that misses.
Wonka is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kikuchi sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Wonka throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wonka tries to clinch up.
Wonka misses with a straight right.
Wonka throws a lazy right hand but Kikuchi sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kikuchi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Wonka.
Wonka fails with the takedown.
Kikuchi darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Kikuchi takes one on the chin but seems OK.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Wonka misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kikuchi working aggressively here.
Kikuchi tries to work over Wonka's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kikuchi tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Wonka lands a shoulder strike.
Wonka effectively controlling the action here.
Good body shot from Kikuchi.
Kikuchi lands a left hand that snaps the head of Wonka backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kikuchi lands a right hand.
Kikuchi struggles to land a body shot inside as Wonka controls his hands.
Kikuchi lands with a light punch inside.

Wonka pulls guard.
Kikuchi wants to control from the top but Wonka keeps moving.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Wonka looking to control.
Wonka tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kikuchi wants to control from the top but Wonka keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Daiju Kikuchi did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Willy Wonka's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Wonka cracks Kikuchi with an open hand slap.
Wonka walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Kikuchi throws a jab but it's blocked by Wonka.
Wonka shoots for a double leg takedown but Kikuchi sprawls well. He's pushed Wonka's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Wonka takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Wonka looks to score with a jab to the body but Kikuchi is just out of range.
Kikuchi swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kikuchi scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

Wonka gets a clinch.
Wonka is looking for a takedown.
A right hand to the body from Kikuchi.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kikuchi.
Wonka is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wonka blocking some punches.

Wonka pulls guard successfully.
Willy Wonka has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kikuchi sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Kikuchi sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Wonka's guard.
Well, if Kikuchi is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

Wonka is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kikuchi pulls his head out easily.

Kikuchi is looking for a kimura but Wonka is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kikuchi to get the leverage.
Kikuchi trying to control from half guard but Wonka is working away.
Wonka trying to control but Kikuchi postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Kikuchi wants to take a breather but Wonka is having none of it.
Wonka is looking to improve his position.
Kikuchi wants to free his trapped foot but Wonka is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kikuchi passes the guard and advances to mount!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wonka keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Willy Wonka has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Wonka tries to lock up and control but Kikuchi gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Wonka is squirming around, avoiding Kikuchi's attempts to control the action.
Wonka regains half guard.
Kikuchi is trying to control the action in half guard but Wonka is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Kikuchi thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Wonka's head.
Wonka is staying active underneath Kikuchi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kikuchi is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Wonka has a hand on Kikuchi's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Kikuchi takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Wonka tries to reverse the position but Kikuchi maintains control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kikuchi trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Kikuchi is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Wonka to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Wonka shrugs it off.
Wonka bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wonka trying to control but Kikuchi is working from the bottom.
Kikuchi controls Wonka momentarily but Wonka frees himself.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kikuchi is really struggling to control Wonka but he's trying to hold on to the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Daiju Kikuchi showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kikuchi has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 40:38
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 40:36
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 38:38

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Daiju Kikuchi!
After the big win, Daiju Kikuchi made sure to do all the important stuff like thanking his sponsors Milwaukee's Best 160 and telling the interviewer how much he loves him.
The defeated Willy Wonka had this to say: 'Who paid off the ref/judges? Someone must have!'.