PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Hideo Sakurai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Oleg Kravichenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sakurai's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Freestyle - Don't Stop The Rock. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Sakurai
vs
Kravichenko

173 cm
26
166 lbs
16 - 10 - 0

175 cm
24
155 lbs
12 - 2 - 1

Decent wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 16 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hideo Sakurai!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Oleg Kravichenko!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Marco Blurström and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kravichenko scores with a nice right hand.
Kravichenko throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kravichenko wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
No joy there for Kravichenko, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sakurai appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Sakurai waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kravichenko.
Sakurai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kravichenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakurai.
Kravichenko throws a counter combo.
Kravichenko thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sakurai seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Kravichenko 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.
Kravichenko misses with a looping left.
Kravichenko throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sakurai's waist but Sakurai gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kravichenko off to one side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kravichenko swings for the body but Sakurai moves out of range.
Good exchange - Sakurai coming out on top.

It looks like Oleg Kravichenko has been cut.
Kravichenko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sakurai was well out of range. Poor timing from Kravichenko.
Sakurai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kravichenko throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kravichenko tries for a takedown but Sakurai circles away easily
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kravichenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakurai moves away.
Sakurai throws out a loose jab but Kravichenko uses good head movement to avoid it.
A cross from Kravichenko lands.
Kravichenko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kravichenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Sakurai is just out of range.
Kravichenko throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Sakurai stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Kravichenko lands a two punch combo.
Kravichenko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sakurai.
Kravichenko throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Sakurai to counter with a crisp jab.
Sakurai slips a jab from Kravichenko.
Kravichenko throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
Sakurai throwing a counter right hand but Kravichenko manages to avoid it.
Kravichenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kravichenko lands a jab to Sakurai's midsection.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kravichenko throws a hook but Sakurai blocks it.
Kravichenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakurai steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kravichenko.
Sakurai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kravichenko throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kravichenko thinking.
Kravichenko throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut.
Kravichenko misses with a looping left.
Sakurai just misses with a punch to the body.
Kravichenko wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kravichenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakurai is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kravichenko misses with a shot to the body
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That has opened up Oleg Kravichenko's cut even more.
Kravichenko throws a predictable looking body shot
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Nice straight punches there by Sakurai. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Sakurai.
Kravichenko jabbing away but nothing is landing.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakurai misses the target.
Kravichenko lands a jab to Sakurai's midsection.
Kravichenko misses with a looping right.
It looked like Sakurai wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Kravichenko just misses with a punch to the body.
Kravichenko misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kravichenko connects with a good right hand that stumbles Sakurai. Sakurai circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Kravichenko misses with a looping right.
Kravichenko throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Sakurai was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Kravichenko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakurai manages to avoid it.
Sakurai is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kravichenko scores with a jab to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sakurai ducks right into an uppercut from Kravichenko.
A swing and a miss from Sakurai.
The fighters circling - Sakurai throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kravichenko doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Kravichenko misses with a body shot
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A shot to the body from Kravichenko misses
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.

The cut above Oleg Kravichenko's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Kravichenko throws a predictable looking body shot
and Sakurai connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kravichenko connects with a looping right hand.
Sakurai slips under a jab.
Kravichenko thuds a left hand into Sakurai's body.
Kravichenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakurai moves away.
Sakurai appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Sakurai blocks a jab.
Sakurai swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Kravichenko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Oleg Kravichenko dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Oleg Kravichenko's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kravichenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nice uppercut lands for Kravichenko. That snapped Sakurai's head back.
Sakurai uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kravichenko.
Kravichenko has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Kravichenko shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Sakurai's guard.
Kravichenko being controlled here momentarily.
Kravichenko advances to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Well, if Kravichenko 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.
Sakurai won't allow Kravichenko to pass to mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakurai tries to kick Kravichenko off but Kravichenko keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Sakurai is defending against the submission attempts here by Kravichenko.
Sakurai tries to roll over but Kravichenko keeps him under control.
Kravichenko works his way into full mount!
Kravichenko tries to control but Sakurai wriggling away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Kravichenko wants to finish this one by submission but Sakurai is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Kravichenko.
Kravichenko can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sakurai is looking to escape.

Kravichenko working for a guillotine from mount but Sakurai is in no mood to give up.
Kravichenko tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kravichenko trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Kravichenko throwing strikes but Sakurai bucks up and reverses the position. He's now in guard on top.
Sakurai has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Kravichenko is proving hard to escape from.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kravichenko is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Kravichenko controls Sakurai momentarily but Sakurai frees himself.
Sakurai tries to free his leg and advance position but Kravichenko is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kravichenko being controlled here, momentarily.
Kravichenko has Sakurai pulled in close to control his posture.
Sakurai looking to pass the guard.
Sakurai postures up and lands a big shot to Kravichenko's brow.
Kravichenko is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Sakurai is controlling him.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sakurai is looking to stand up but Kravichenko won't let him.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kravichenko misses with a wild body shot.
A quick step to the side and Sakurai tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kravichenko dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kravichenko throws a poor cross that misses
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Kravichenko throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakurai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakurai staying out of range there.
Sakurai keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kravichenko ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kravichenko thuds his right hand into Sakurai's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Oleg Kravichenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kravichenko connects with a body shot that sends Sakurai's belly button to the back.
Kravichenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kravichenko throws a lazy right hand but Sakurai sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sakurai is looking for a counter combo.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kravichenko throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
A little feinted left hand from Sakurai on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kravichenko. Sakurai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kravichenko misses with a wild body shot.
Sakurai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kravichenko lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakurai takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Kravichenko misses with a right hand
and Sakurai counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kravichenko thinking.
Sakurai keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kravichenko.
Sakurai throwing a counter right hand but Kravichenko manages to avoid it.
Kravichenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A big right from Kravichenko misses.
Sakurai misses with a right hand
and Kravichenko counters with a nice uppercut.
Kravichenko fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Kravichenko moved out of range.
Sakurai throws a big shot that misses.
Sakurai misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Kravichenko to counter with a crisp jab.
A jab from Sakurai does it's job there.
Sakurai staying out of range there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakurai displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kravichenko throws out the jab.
Sakurai appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Sloppy strikes from Kravichenko. Those never looked like landing.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kravichenko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kravichenko takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nice defenses there by Kravichenko.
Kravichenko looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kravichenko throws a body shot but no joy.
Kravichenko misses with a hook. Sakurai ducked under it nicely.
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Kravichenko moved out of range.
The fighters circling - Kravichenko throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kravichenko misses with an uppercut. Sakurai saw that one coming.
Sakurai throws a body punch but Kravichenko moves out of range.
Kravichenko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kravichenko misses the body punch
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kravichenko lands with a nice body punch.
Kravichenko waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakurai.
Kravichenko 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.
Kravichenko throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sakurai.
Oleg Kravichenko seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kravichenko throws a poor cross that misses
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kravichenko throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Oleg Kravichenko's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Kravichenko throws a hook to the side of Sakurai's head but Sakurai sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakurai comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kravichenko throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kravichenko connects with a looping right hand.
Sakurai takes a jab right on the kisser.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kravichenko throws a looping overhand right but Sakurai ducks down to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kravichenko misses with a body shot.
Kravichenko throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kravichenko misses with a straight left.
A jab from Sakurai misses.
Kravichenko lands a nice hook to Sakurai's body. Sakurai takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Oleg Kravichenko is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sakurai defending well as Kravichenko loads up on a big left hand.
Hideo Sakurai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kravichenko swings for the body but Sakurai moves out of range.
Kravichenko takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kravichenko missing with a left hand there. Sakurai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sakurai gets cracked there but stands up to it.
A big left from Kravichenko misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Oleg Kravichenko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kravichenko has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 27:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Oleg Kravichenko!
Oleg Kravichenko decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.