PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ray Malenko (ranked 853 p4p, 98 weight class) and Ryu Musashi (ranked 1085 p4p, 130 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.

Malenko
vs
Musashi

182 cm
35
164 lbs
28 - 16 - 0

179 cm
36
163 lbs
29 - 19 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

Riner Clothing and Laundry (85%)

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 28 - 16 - 0, fighting out of London, Ray Malenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 19 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ryu Musashi!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Malenko slips a straight right by Musashi.
Malenko has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Malenko works Musashi's body with a nice hook.

Malenko shoots in and bounces Musashi off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Musashi is trying to keep Malenko in close.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Musashi is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Malenko is aware though and is defending well.
Malenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Musashi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Malenko landing with the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Musashi has his foot on Malenko's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Malenko works his way back into a safe position though.
Musashi is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Musashi has his foot on Malenko's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Malenko works his way back into a safe position though.

Musashi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Musashi wants to sweep but no luck.
Malenko content to stall in guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Musashi is looking for a triangle but Malenko pushes his legs off easily.

Musashi has his foot on Malenko's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Malenko works his way back into a safe position though.
Musashi trying to keep a closed guard but Malenko is proving a slippery customer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Malenko avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Malenko controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Musashi is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Malenko dives in for a single leg takedown but Musashi sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Malenko backing away here, and Musashi unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Musashi fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Malenko avoids it really well and circles away.
Musashi lands a nice looking kick to the body. Malenko takes a step back to recover.
Musashi keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Malenko. Musashi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Malenko misses with a hook.

Malenko has Musashi up against the cage in a clinch.
Malenko misses with a punch on the inside.
Musashi struggles to land a body shot inside as Malenko controls his hands.
Malenko is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Malenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Malenko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Musashi has a couple of punches blocked by Malenko.
Musashi lands with a left to the head.
Musashi misses with the head strike.
Malenko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Musashi has a couple of punches blocked by Malenko.
Musashi tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Malenko lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Malenko throws a head punch that misses.
Malenko wants to stall.
Malenko misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malenko wants a takedown.
Musashi blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Malenko blocks a body shot from Musashi.
Musashi jumps guard but Malenko stands there with Musashi around his waist. Musashi gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Musashi misses with a punch on the inside.
Musashi lands a body shot.
Musashi lands with a short punch from the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Musashi misses with the head strike.
Malenko gets through Musashi's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Musashi working aggressively here.
A shot in the inside from Malenko.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Malenko.
Musashi lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Musashi lands a left hand that snaps the head of Malenko backwards.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Malenko.
Musashi throws a head punch that misses.
Malenko misses with a punch to the body.
Malenko's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Musashi working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Ryu Musashi will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Malenko tries to clinch up.
Musashi counters with a body kick.
Nice uppercut there from Musashi.
Ray Malenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Musashi lands a nice looking kick to the body. Malenko takes a step back to recover.
Malenko sizes up Musashi with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Musashi lands a head shot.
Musashi connects with a single shot there.
Malenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Malenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Musashi is just out of range.
Malenko lands a slapping body shot.
Malenko scores with a jab.
Musashi avoids the body shot from Malenko.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Malenko lands with a shot to the body.
Musashi lands with a nice body kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Musashi. That's going to slow Malenko down.
Jab, jab by Musashi - just one landing.
Musashi fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malenko keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Malenko scores with a sloppy right hand. Musashi should have avoided that one.
Malenko is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Malenko swings for the body but Musashi moves out of range.
Musashi was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Malenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Malenko shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Musashi but Musashi pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Musashi ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Musashi stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Malenko shoots in for a takedown but Musashi shows good takedown defense.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Musashi! But no joy.
Musashi misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Malenko counters with a nice uppercut.
Musashi misses with an uppercut. Malenko saw that one coming.
Malenko changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Malenko drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Musashi sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malenko throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Musashi looking for submissions off his back.
Malenko controlling the action here.
Musashi tries to get to full guard but Malenko has control of the leg.

Musashi is defending against the submission attempts here by Malenko.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malenko content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Malenko works his way into full mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Musashi has given up his back here. Will Malenko look for the submission or keep pounding away?

Malenko is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Musashi knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Musashi for a finish.
I really don't envy Musashi right now.
Malenko tries to keep control of the position but Musashi is staying busy.
Musashi is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Malenko off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Musashi trying to control the hands but Malenko breaks the grip.
Malenko controlling well, preventing Musashi from escaping the position.

Malenko looking for the choke from the back.
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 Ray Malenko will probably get the nod.
That's time! Malenko's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Malenko avoids the body shot from Musashi.
Malenko defending well as Musashi loads up on a big left hand.
Malenko takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Musashi looks to score with a jab to the body but Malenko is just out of range.
Malenko keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Musashi.
Musashi fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Malenko manages to avoid it.
Malenko lands a body shot.
Musashi throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Malenko misses the shot to the body.
Malenko throws a nice looking combination but Musashi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Malenko misses with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Musashi throws a hook but Malenko blocks it.
A combination from Malenko does no damage.
Malenko fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Sloppy strikes from Malenko. Those never looked like landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Musashi scores with a jab to the jaw.
Musashi waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Malenko.
Malenko throws a sloppy body shot
and Musashi counters with a stiff right hand.
Musashi swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Musashi bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Malenko's head backwards.
Malenko doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Ryu Musashi seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Musashi drives through with a takedown into guard.

Malenko has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Musashi can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Malenko tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Musashi looking to pass the guard.
Musashi must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Musashi slips nicely into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Musashi is trying to control. Malenko wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Malenko looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Malenko wants to get back to full guard.
Malenko has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Musashi is working away from the top position though.
Malenko is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Musashi wants to take a breather but Malenko is having none of it.
Musashi content to control rather than advance.

Malenko actively working from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Malenko looking for submissions off his back.

Malenko looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Musashi looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Malenko moves into full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Musashi preventing the sweep.
Musashi passes Malenko's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Musashi tries to pass the half guard into mount. Malenko knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Malenko is trying to maintain the position but Musashi is very close to passing his half guard.

Musashi seems to be looking for submissions.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Malenko is looking for a sweep. Musashi is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ryu Musashi comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Musashi has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ryu Musashi!
During a confident post fight interview, Ryu Musashi thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.