PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Romeo Hernanes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hideo Tokoro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hernanes comes to the cage accompanied by Awolnation - Sail. Tokoro has chosen Boomtastic as his entrance music. Hideo Tokoro told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Hernanes
vs
Tokoro

170 cm
33
154 lbs
15 - 8 - 1

171 cm
35
154 lbs
16 - 4 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Beaver Jooce!

GREEN!160
Underworld Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Romeo Hernanes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hideo Tokoro!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Robert Twigg and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tokoro takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Left hook, right uppercut from Hernanes.
Hernanes throws a one two combo.

It looks like Hideo Tokoro has been cut.
Tokoro wants to clinch.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Tokoro has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
A solid body kick from Hernanes.
Hernanes stuffs the takedown.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tokoro. Hernanes does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hernanes lands with a right hand.
Hernanes goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Tokoro throws a hook to the side of Hernanes's head but Hernanes sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Tokoro tries to keep at a distance but Hernanes has taken the fight into the clinch.
Hernanes tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Hernanes with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Hernanes lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tokoro has a couple of punches blocked by Hernanes.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hernanes connects with a knee to the head.
Tokoro swings wildly with an uppercut but Hernanes uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hernanes looking to throw knees to the head but Tokoro is blocking nicely.
Tokoro content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Hernanes throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tokoro blocks it with crossed arms.
Hernanes tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tokoro.
Hernanes tries to land a knee to the head but Tokoro blocks with his arms.
Hernanes tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Tokoro avoids it.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hernanes with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
A short right from Tokoro.
Tokoro struggles to land a body shot inside as Hernanes controls his hands.
Hernanes using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Tokoro has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

Tokoro manages to break the clinch.
Hernanes goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tokoro misses with a takedown
and Hernanes counters with a three punch combo that has Tokoro backing up. Tokoro nods at Hernanes to acknowledge the strikes.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Hernanes moves into range and clinches up with Tokoro.
Hernanes with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but Tokoro blocks it.

Tokoro jumps into guard, dragging Hernanes to the mat.
Tokoro wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Hernanes is now in half guard.
Hernanes wants to stand up but Tokoro has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Tokoro tries to roll over but Hernanes keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tokoro trying to hold on to Hernanes's head to control him but Hernanes postures up.
It looks like Hernanes is going to stand back up.
Tokoro is looking for a sweep. Hernanes is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Tokoro trying to control from the bottom.
Hernanes wants to get back to his feet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
A punch lands to the side of Hernanes 's head but he takes it in his stride.

Hernanes moves into the clinch successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hernanes throws a knee to the head but misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hernanes.
Hernanes is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Tokoro is defending well for now.
Hernanes with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hernanes.
A knee to the head by Hernanes.
Hernanes misses with a knee to the head.
Hernanes tries to land a knee to the head but Tokoro blocks with his arms.
Tokoro has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hernanes after a bit of a struggle.
Romeo Hernanes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hideo Tokoro.
Tokoro has Hernanes pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hernanes manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
A left hand lands to the body for Tokoro.
Tokoro tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Knees to the body from Hernanes.
Tokoro looks winded!
Hernanes throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tokoro blocks it with crossed arms.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hernanes using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Hernanes crunches a lovely knee into Tokoro's ribcage.
Tokoro tries a body shot but Hernanes blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Romeo Hernanes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Hideo Tokoro's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Tokoro slips a jab and a cross from Hernanes.

Hernanes drives through and clinches with Tokoro against the cage.
A short right from Tokoro on the inside.
Tokoro misses with a body punch.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Tokoro tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Hernanes smiles and moves away.
Hernanes is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tokoro can do to turn this around?
Tokoro swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Hernanes closes the distance and clinches.
Tokoro wants to stall.
Hernanes using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Tokoro has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hernanes with a knee to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hernanes throws a knee to the head but misses.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but Tokoro blocks it.
Tokoro pushes Hernanes back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Tokoro turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Tokoro manages to end up in side control.
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!
The strikes coming from Tokoro are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernanes tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Tokoro wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Tokoro is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hernanes knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Tokoro scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Hernanes to see if he's OK.

Tokoro is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Hernanes is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Tokoro in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Hernanes is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Hernanes managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Tokoro.
Hernanes wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Tokoro wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hernanes keeps working.
Hernanes gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Tokoro works his way into full mount!
Hernanes wants to control but Tokoro is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hernanes is trying to stand up.
Tokoro breaks from Hernanes's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Hernanes tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Tokoro thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Tokoro postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Hernanes looks a forlorn figure.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Tokoro cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Tokoro controlling his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tokoro forces the positional change into back control.
Tokoro scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Hernanes is looking for a way out.
Hernanes can't escape the position.

Hernanes is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Tokoro gets his way!

Tokoro has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Hernanes has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hideo Tokoro showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Hideo Tokoro's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Hernanes throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Tokoro tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hernanes was well out of range. Poor timing from Tokoro.

Hernanes moves into the clinch.
Tokoro lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Romeo Hernanes has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Tokoro tries to pull guard but Hernanes won't allow it.
Hernanes throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tokoro blocks it with crossed arms.
Tokoro jumps guard but Hernanes stands there with Tokoro around his waist. Tokoro gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hernanes misses with a knee to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Hernanes blocking some punches.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but Tokoro blocks it.
Hernanes with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Tokoro misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hernanes throws a knee to the head but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernanes with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Tokoro avoiding damage as Hernanes throws knees to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hernanes tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Tokoro lands an uppercut.
Hernanes looking to throw knees to the head but Tokoro is blocking nicely.
Tokoro misses with a punch to the body.
Hernanes blocks a body shot from Tokoro.

Tokoro ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Tokoro no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Hernanes wanted to stand there but Tokoro had control of the position.
Tokoro is trying to control the position but Hernanes postures up.

Tokoro looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Tokoro has an active guard here but Hernanes has managed to pass into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tokoro is trying to get back to full guard.
Hernanes wants to stand up but Tokoro is controlling the position.
Hideo Tokoro has got the better of the ground game so far.
Tokoro wants to get back to full guard.
Hernanes tries to stand but can't do so whilst Tokoro controls his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tokoro makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Tokoro.
Tokoro wants to sweep here but Hernanes controlling him for the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Hernanes moves into the clinch successfully.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but Tokoro blocks it.
Tokoro is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Hernanes to keep the fight standing.
Romeo Hernanes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hideo Tokoro.
Tokoro lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hernanes using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Tokoro has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hernanes throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tokoro blocks it with crossed arms.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tokoro softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Hernanes misses with a knee strike.
Tokoro lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Tokoro is trying to pull guard but Hernanes has him pressed against the cage.
Hernanes tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Tokoro avoids it.
Hernanes tries a knee to the head but Tokoro blocks it.
Hernanes misses with a knee strike.
Tokoro has a couple of punches blocked by Hernanes.
Hernanes with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Tokoro jumps guard but Hernanes stands there with Tokoro around his waist. Tokoro gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Hernanes throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tokoro blocks it with crossed arms.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hernanes misses with a knee to the head.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tokoro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Hernanes with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Tokoro jumps guard.

Tokoro is looking to cinch up a triangle. Hernanes throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Tokoro's body to avoid the submission. Tokoro has instead reached around Hernanes's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Tokoro arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Hideo Tokoro!
Hideo Tokoro seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.