PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Joseph OByrne (ranked 3686 p4p, 340 weight class) and Toshi Hijikata (ranked 3255 p4p, 301 weight class). Toshi Hijikata is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

OByrne
vs
Hijikata

175 cm
21
160 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

178 cm
21
159 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Joseph OByrne!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Toshi Hijikata!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Tarja Halkonen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hijikata dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
An inside leg kick lands from Hijikata.
Hijikata is looking to slow OByrne down with leg kicks.
Hijikata walks into a left hand.
OByrne avoids the body shot from Hijikata.
Hijikata moves out of range of the body kick from OByrne.
OByrne backing away here, and Hijikata unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
OByrne throws a leg kick but Hijikata checks it.
Hijikata tries a quick counter leg kick but OByrne is wise to it.
OByrne throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hijikata swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hijikata takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hijikata. OByrne does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hijikata throws an ugly left hook that misses
and OByrne counters with a thumping low kick.
OByrne pushes Hijikata away with a front kick.

OByrne moves into range and clinches up with Hijikata.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
OByrne lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Hijikata.
Hijikata working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A hook to the body from OByrne.
Hijikata tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hijikata.

That's one minute gone in the round.
OByrne lands a body shot in the clinch.
OByrne works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
OByrne lands a left hand.
Hijikata looking to stall.

Hijikata breaks the clinch.
OByrne staying out of range there.
Hijikata takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hijikata has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from OByrne.
Toshi Hijikata seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hijikata shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
As Hijikata backs away, OByrne returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Hijikata throws a predictable looking body shot
and OByrne cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
OByrne throws a chopping leg kick but Hijikata manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
OByrne lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

OByrne gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for OByrne.
OByrne has Hijikata pressed against the cage, preventing Hijikata from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Hijikata wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but OByrne has him pressed against the cage.
Nice body punch from OByrne - that landed with a thud.
Hijikata looks winded!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hijikata is trying to break free.
OByrne lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hijikata has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

OByrne manages to break the clinch.
OByrne blocks the body kick.
OByrne throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hijikata is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down OByrne rather than just go for the knockout.
OByrne throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hijikata.

It looks like Toshi Hijikata has been cut.
OByrne connects with a solid leg kick.
Hijikata pivots, looking for a leg kick but OByrne is out of range and Hijikata settles back down.
OByrne attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
OByrne looks to land a body kick but Hijikata moved away.
Hijikata steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from OByrne. That one must have hurt.
OByrne lands a front kick.
OByrne looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Hijikata fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt OByrne.
Hijikata takes a body punch but keeps moving.
OByrne connects with a leg kick. Hijikata looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
A punch combination from Hijikata misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good leg kick by Hijikata there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
OByrne will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Hijikata turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Hijikata throws a chopping leg kick but OByrne manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
OByrne dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Hijikata. That did some damage!
Hijikata misses the shot to the body.
OByrne swings for the body but Hijikata moves out of range.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! OByrne crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Hijikata - the referee stops the clock and OByrne gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Hijikata. OByrne manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Hijikata.
Hijikata on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
OByrne scores with a push kick.
Hijikata looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Some bone on bone action there as Hijikata checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
OByrne connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
OByrne's jab looks to have found its range, popping Hijikata under the eye.
OByrne fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Hijikata tenderised OByrne's leg. OByrne is trying to keep his angry face on.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hijikata misses with a head kick.
Hijikata takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
OByrne works Hijikata's body with a nice hook.
OByrne moves out of range of the body kick.
OByrne moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Good work by OByrne as he checks the leg kick.
Hijikata misses with a leg kick.
Hijikata moves away from the strike by OByrne.
Hijikata takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Hijikata throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
OByrne lands a nice hook to Hijikata's body. Hijikata takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Hijikata has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from OByrne.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hijikata. OByrne does a little dance to reset his feet.
OByrne scores with a shot to the body.
Hijikata throws a leg kick
and OByrne counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
OByrne scoring well with a low kick there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joseph OByrne dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Toshi Hijikata'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.

OByrne looks to land a body kick but Hijikata moved away.
A chopping leg kick lands by Hijikata.
OByrne throws a solid leg kick but Hijikata takes the impact on his shin and smiles at OByrne.
Hijikata throws a leg kick
and OByrne counters with a nice uppercut.
Hijikata fakes high and swings low for a body shot but OByrne manages to avoid it.
Hijikata feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to OByrne's calf.
OByrne lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
OByrne takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
OByrne takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
OByrne takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Hijikata lands a nice looking body kick.
OByrne stuns Hijikata with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
OByrne lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Hijikata at a distance.
Hijikata checks a leg kick.
OByrne throws a body kick that misses.
Hijikata throws a sloppy head kick and OByrne moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hijikata dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hijikata takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
OByrne backing away here, and Hijikata unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Joseph OByrne is winning the standup battle so far.
Hijikata connects with a solid leg kick.
OByrne connects with a solid leg kick.
OByrne takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Hijikata connects with a leg kick. OByrne looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
OByrne tries to land a leg kick but Hijikata saw it coming and moves away.
A lazy body kick from Hijikata
and OByrne counters with a nice low kick that buckles Hijikata's knee momentarily.
OByrne misses with a leg kick
and Hijikata counters with a good low kick that OByrne was not able to check.
A nice leg kick lands there from OByrne.
Hijikata throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
OByrne throws a push kick but Hijikata slaps the foot to one side.
A head kick from Hijikata lands but OByrne takes it in his stride.
Hijikata throws a body shot but no joy.
OByrne checks the leg kick nicely there.

OByrne closes the distance and pushes Hijikata back into the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
OByrne doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Hijikata in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Hijikata working aggressively here.
OByrne tries to throw a body punch but Hijikata avoids it by throwing OByrne back against the cage.
Hijikata makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Hijikata pushes OByrne back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
OByrne lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Good body shot from Hijikata.
OByrne has a couple of punches blocked by Hijikata.
Hijikata looking to stall.
A short body shot lands from OByrne as the two fighters clinch.
OByrne has Hijikata pressed against the cage, preventing Hijikata from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
OByrne lands a body shot in the clinch.
OByrne pushes Hijikata back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hijikata misses with the head strike.
OByrne scores with a hook to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for OByrne.
Hijikata is breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata stalling in the clinch but OByrne improves position.

OByrne pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
OByrne misses with a double jab.
Hijikata swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from OByrne.
Hijikata tries to land a leg kick but OByrne saw it coming and moves away.
OByrne throws a head kick but Hijikata moves out of range.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but OByrne checks it.
Hijikata looks for the body kick but OByrne saw that one coming.
Hijikata throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
OByrne walks into a stiff left hand from Hijikata.
OByrne fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Hijikata has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
OByrne tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Hijikata is able to avoid easily.
OByrne swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Hijikata counters with a straight right hand.
Hijikata misses with a straight right.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but OByrne moved away.
OByrne quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
OByrne missing with a left hand there. Hijikata was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from OByrne. Hijikata does a little dance to reset his feet.
OByrne looks to score with a jab to the body but Hijikata is just out of range.
Hijikata lands with a kick to the ribs.
OByrne throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Hijikata counters with a good, hard body kick but OByrne shrugs it off.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hijikata misses with a body shot.
OByrne lands a nice leg kick that just misses Hijikata's sensitive parts.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Hijikata.
OByrne checks a low kick from Hijikata.
Hijikata checks a low kick from OByrne.
Hijikata misses with a body kick.
Hijikata's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Hijikata throws a body punch but OByrne moves out of range.
Hijikata tried to score with a low kick but OByrne checks it.
Hijikata misses with a body kick.
Hijikata misses with the body kick
and OByrne counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Hijikata misses with a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Toshi Hijikata will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Toshi Hijikata's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Hijikata dodges the punch combination from OByrne.
OByrne digs a good hook to Hijikata's body.
Good exchange - OByrne coming out on top.

OByrne clinches with his opponent.
OByrne lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Hijikata.
Hijikata misses with a punch to the body.
Stalling in the clinch from OByrne.
Hijikata trying to control the position but instead, OByrne has worked for underhooks and has pushed Hijikata into the cage.

Hijikata escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hijikata connects with a solid leg kick.
Hijikata looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
OByrne throws a quick counter head kick but Hijikata was just out of range.
OByrne scores with a leg kick.
OByrne moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
OByrne throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
OByrne throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Hijikata's head.
Hijikata throws the kick towards the body but OByrne avoids it.
Hijikata thows a body kick. OByrne tries to catch it but that hurt him.
OByrne throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Hijikata takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
OByrne cracks the inside of Hijikata's front leg.
Hijikata takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
OByrne wants to land a leg kick but Hijikata is out of range.
Hijikata misses with the body kick
and OByrne counters with a slapping leg kick.
OByrne looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Hijikata was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
OByrne blocks a head kick by Hijikata.
An inside leg kick lands from OByrne.
OByrne throws a head kick but Hijikata moves out of range.
Hijikata feints a counter leg kick.
That kick from Hijikata tenderised OByrne's leg. OByrne is trying to keep his angry face on.
OByrne connects with a solid leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hijikata tries to score with a low kick but OByrne moves his leg out of the way.
And OByrne counters with a quick kick to the body but Hijikata blocks it.
OByrne ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Hijikata misses with a low kick as OByrne jumps back.
OByrne stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
OByrne tries to work over Hijikata's front leg with a kick but Hijikata checks it.
OByrne throws a front kick aimed at Hijikata's knee but Hijikata avoids it well.
Hijikata misses with a low kick.
OByrne goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
OByrne scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
OByrne blocks the body kick.
OByrne pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Hijikata thuds his shin into the meat of OByrne's side.
OByrne buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Hijikata ducks down and throws a hook to the body but OByrne moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

OByrne gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Hijikata escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hijikata steps to the side to avoid the strikes from OByrne.
Hijikata on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by OByrne. OByrne obviously looking to wear him down.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but OByrne sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Hijikata checks a low kick from OByrne.
Hijikata follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
OByrne is looking to chop away at Hijikata's legs.
OByrne connects with an inside leg kick.
Hijikata checks a leg kick nicely.
Hijikata only half commits to the counter leg kick.
A clash of legs there as Hijikata blocks the low kick.
OByrne throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Hijikata fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and OByrne has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Hijikata moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
OByrne misses with a looping right.
Hijikata throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
OByrne is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hijikata goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
OByrne is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hijikata can do to turn this around?
Hijikata walks into a straight right hand from OByrne.
Hijikata throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
OByrne throws the kick towards the body but Hijikata avoids it.
Hijikata keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
OByrne throws a body kick that misses.
OByrne pushes Hijikata away with a front kick.
Hijikata misses with a leg kick.
Hijikata throws a low kick, looking for OByrne's leg but OByrne calmly moves out of range.
OByrne is looking to land body kicks.
OByrne throws a nice outside leg kick.
Hijikata connects with a leg kick. OByrne looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Hijikata.
OByrne throws a solid leg kick but Hijikata takes the impact on his shin and smiles at OByrne.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joseph OByrne showed his dominance in that final round.
Well OByrne 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joseph OByrne!
A victorious Joseph OByrne thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.