PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Kem Fairtex (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Max Ryoko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Fairtex
vs
Ryoko

175 cm
19
147 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

175 cm
22
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kem Fairtex!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Max Ryoko!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fairtex throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fairtex rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ryoko moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ryoko blocks a head kick by Fairtex.
Fairtex misses with a body kick.
Fairtex throws a nice looking combination but Ryoko bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A solid body kick from Fairtex.
Fairtex is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ryoko.

Fairtex moves into range and clinches up with Ryoko.

Fairtex breaks the clinch.
Fairtex fails to land the takedown.

Ryoko scores with a takedown into Fairtex's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ryoko postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ryoko postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ryoko wants to control from the top but Fairtex keeps moving.
Ryoko tries to free his leg and advance position but Fairtex is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ryoko slips nicely into half guard.
Ryoko controlling the action here.
Ryoko trying to control from half guard but Fairtex is working away.
Ryoko trying to control the pace.
Fairtex is not content to let Ryoko control the position.
Fairtex pushes Ryoko off but Ryoko dives into side control.
Fairtex is breathing heavily.
Fairtex is looking to get back to his feet here but Ryoko is keeping cool and he's managed to take Fairtex's back.
Fairtex is trapped and Ryoko is scoring with shots to the head and body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Fairtex is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Fairtex fending off the submission attempt from Ryoko.
Watch the back of the head! Comes the shout from the referee towards Ryoko.
Ryoko lands a couple of good shots to his opponent's body and a final shot to the head. Good little attack there by Ryoko.
Fairtex trying to get back to his feet but Ryoko is in full control for now.
Ryoko trying to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fairtex is taking damage to the body and head.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Ryoko's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Fairtex is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Ryoko.
Ryoko not allowing Fairtex to control his hands.
Ryoko slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Despite being in the dominant position, Max Ryoko just isn't active enough and the referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Fairtex dodges the punch combination from Ryoko.
Fairtex tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ryoko tries to clinch but Fairtex moves away
and Fairtex counters with an outside leg kick.
Ryoko throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Fairtex clinches.

Ryoko breaks the clinch.
Fairtex tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Fairtex avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ryoko drops his hands momentarily and Fairtex takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Fairtex lands a jab to the head.
Fairtex throws a wild body kick that Ryoko sees coming a mile off.
Ryoko steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Fairtex. That one must have hurt.
Fairtex lands a high kick!
Fairtex tries to clinch up but Ryoko circles away and keeps his distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Ryoko dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Fairtex thows a body shot but no joy.
Ryoko keeps the fight on the outside.

Ryoko looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Fairtex tries to kick Ryoko off but Ryoko keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Ryoko decides to stand up.
Nice sprawl there from Fairtex as Ryoko shoots in.
Danga de danga de dang - Fairtex scores with a four punch combination!
Fairtex shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ryoko keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ryoko throws a right hand that Fairtex ducks under and follows up with a left that Fairtex also avoids with ease.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Fairtex walks forward, straight into a front kick from Ryoko.

Ryoko takes the fight into the clinch.

Ryoko breaks from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ryoko fails with the takedown.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Ryoko crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Fairtex - the referee stops the clock and Ryoko gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Fairtex. Ryoko manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Fairtex lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Fairtex lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Fairtex throws a head kick that half lands.
Kem Fairtex is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fairtex tries a head kick but it misses.
Ryoko takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Ryoko has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Fairtex.
Fairtex misses with a body shot.
Fairtex just misses with a punch to the body.

Ryoko has managed to clinch.
Ryoko prevents Fairtex from breaking the clinch.
Ryoko lands a knee to the head.
Fairtex has had enough of the clinch but Ryoko keeps him there for the moment.

Ryoko breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ryoko keeps the fight on the outside.
Ryoko shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Fairtex but Fairtex pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Kem Fairtex has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Max Ryoko.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ryoko avoids the head kick by Fairtex.

Ryoko drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Ryoko scores with punches from side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Ryoko has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Ryoko fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Ryoko is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Fairtex pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Ryoko keeps control of Fairtex as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Ryoko drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ryoko tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Fairtex smiles and moves away.
A head kick misses from Fairtex.
Kem Fairtex seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ryoko tries to clinch but Fairtex is having none of it.
Fairtex needs to keep his hands up - Ryoko had a free shot at his head there.
Fairtex throws a lazy uppercut

so Ryoko counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Ryoko's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Fairtex pushes Ryoko off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Fairtex throws a nice inside leg kick.
Fairtex fails to land with a series of punches.
Fairtex ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Fairtex is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Ryoko.
Ryoko tries to bum rush Fairtex with a series of wild strikes but Fairtex uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Fairtex listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Ryoko gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Ryoko thows a leg kick but Fairtex checks it

and Fairtex counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Fairtex breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Fairtex gets caught flat footed, as Ryoko shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ryoko looking to pass the guard.

Fairtex manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Fairtex tries a head kick but it misses.
Ryoko misses with a double jab.
Ryoko wants to slow Fairtex down by chopping away at his legs.
Fairtex wants to clinch but Ryoko slips to the side

and Ryoko counters with a takedown into side control.
Ryoko scores with a couple of short elbows.
Fairtex wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Ryoko working the head with strikes.
Ryoko tries to advance to mount but Fairtex denies him.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ryoko staying calm.
Fairtex is not content to let Ryoko control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Ryoko showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Fairtex throws a lazy uppercut

and Ryoko counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Fairtex!
Fairtex is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Ryoko can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Fairtex is looking to escape.
Ryoko scoring with strikes but Fairtex is staying in there.
Fairtex wants to try and get back to his feet.
Ryoko trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Ryoko dominating with strikes here.
Fairtex tries to buck Ryoko off but he can't manage it.

Ryoko is standing up, even though he is in mount.
Fairtex tries to bum rush Ryoko with a series of wild strikes but Ryoko uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ryoko takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Fairtex tries a head kick but it misses.
Ryoko fails with the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fairtex throws a head kick that misses.
Fairtex fails to land the takedown.
Ryoko looks for a takedown but Fairtex sprawls well.
Fairtex fails to land with a series of punches.
Fairtex throws a wild body kick that Ryoko sees coming a mile off.
Ryoko fails with a takedown attempt.
Kem Fairtex has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Max Ryoko.
Fairtex keeps the fight on the outside.
Fairtex wants to clinch.
Ryoko pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Fairtex throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Fairtex misses with a combination
and Ryoko counters with a body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Fairtex fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ryoko, pushing him back against the cage.
Ryoko has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Fairtex is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Fairtex breaks from the clinch.
Ryoko scores with a sloppy right hand. Fairtex should have avoided that one.
Fairtex lands with a nice body kick.
Ryoko takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Fairtex looks for a takedown but Ryoko sprawls well.
Ryoko takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Fairtex is looking to slow Ryoko down with leg kicks.

Ryoko darts in and clinches Fairtex up against the cage.

Ryoko manages to pull guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fairtex is looking to work some ground and pound but Ryoko has wrist control.
Fairtex trying to control the position from guard on top but Ryoko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ryoko looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ryoko is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Good body shot from Ryoko.

Fairtex breaks the clinch.
Ryoko throws a lazy body kick
and Fairtex counters with a series of strikes. Ryoko will be more careful next time no doubt.
Fairtex with a poor takedown
and Ryoko counters with a nice kick to the body.
A punch combination from Ryoko misses.
Fairtex will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Ryoko throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Fairtex throws a left and a right that both miss
and Ryoko counters with a nice body kick.
Ryoko avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ryoko fails with the takedown.
Ryoko stuffs the takedown.

Ryoko bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Ryoko just content to control the position.
Fairtex wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ryoko wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Fairtex, who protects the arm well.
Fairtex gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Ryoko moves nicely into side control.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Ryoko stands up.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Ryoko has closed the distance and engaged Fairtex in a clinch.
Kem Fairtex has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A knee to the head by Fairtex.
Fairtex missing with knees to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Max Ryoko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Ryoko winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 27:30
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Max Ryoko!