PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ryu Musashi (ranked 829 p4p, 93 weight class) and Eddie Malingo (ranked 713 p4p, 82 weight class). Malingo has chosen Disturbed - Sound of silence as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Musashi
vs
Malingo

179 cm
37
134 lbs
31 - 20 - 1

180 cm
30
151 lbs
19 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Riner Clothing and Laundry (85%)

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 31 - 20 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ryu Musashi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Eddie Malingo!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Musashi with a nice cross.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Malingo 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.
Malingo checks the leg kick nicely there.
Malingo thows a left - swing and a miss!
Musashi lands a really nice looking cross but Malingo seems unphased.
Good standup being displayed there by Malingo as he connects with a hook.
Malingo connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Musashi throws a jab when Malingo was well out of range.
Musashi fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Malingo swings widly with a right hand
and Musashi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Eddie Malingo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Malingo rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Musashi counters with a nice body shot.
Malingo connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
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!
Musashi misses with an uppercut.
Malingo throws a big shot that misses.
Malingo with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Malingo drops his hands momentarily and Musashi takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Malingo throws a jab but it's blocked by Musashi.
Musashi throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
A low kick from Malingo misses
and Musashi counters with a lovely shot to the body.
A swing and a miss from Malingo.
Malingo uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Musashi.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malingo ducks under a wild hook from Musashi.
Musashi lands with an overhand left.
Musashi misses with an uppercut
enabling Malingo to counter with a crisp jab.
Musashi slips under a jab from Malingo.
Malingo throws a poor cross that misses
and Musashi counters with a nice body shot.
Musashi throws a hook but Malingo blocks it.
Malingo fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Musashi.
Malingo misses with a hook. Musashi ducked under it nicely.
Musashi tries to move into range but Malingo moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Malingo uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Musashi.
Malingo throws a right hand that misses
and Musashi cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Malingo checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Malingo throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Malingo looks to score with a jab to the body but Musashi is just out of range.
Malingo lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Musashi moves into range and connects with a jab.
Musashi scores with a nice body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Musashi tests Malingo's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Musashi lands a nice leg kick that just misses Malingo's sensitive parts.
Malingo takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Malingo ducks under a wild hook from Musashi.
Musashi throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Musashi fakes the leg kick and cracks Malingo in the body.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Musashi.
A telegraphed right hand from Malingo misses the target.
A nice inside leg kick there by Musashi. That's going to slow Malingo down.
Musashi swings for the body but Malingo moves out of range.
Musashi throws a shot from downtown. Malingo moves away and avoids it.
Malingo let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Malingo scores with a crisp jab that stopped Musashi in his tracks.
Musashi takes a swing at Malingo's ribcage but misses.
Ryu Musashi is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Musashi takes one to the chin there.
Malingo lands a glancing blow to the side of Musashi's head.
Musashi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Musashi misses with a hook. Malingo ducked under it nicely.
Malingo uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Musashi.
Musashi moves out of range of the strikes.
A punch lands to the side of Malingo 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Malingo doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Musashi swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A low kick from Musashi is predictable there

and Malingo counters with a takedown into side control.
Musashi is trying to control Malingo's posture but Malingo avoids it.
Malingo grinds an elbow into Musashi's temple.
Malingo working away.
Malingo is chipping away with strikes.
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!
Malingo wants to lay and pray for a moment but Musashi keeps working.
Musashi is trying to control Malingo's posture but Malingo avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Musashi is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Malingo is looking to take a break and control but Musashi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Malingo tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Malingo working the ground and pound from side control.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Musashi is trying to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Malingo wants to lay and pray for a moment but Musashi keeps working.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Ryu Musashi will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Musashi is looking to chop away at Malingo's legs.
A low kick from Malingo is predictable there
and Musashi counters with a nice kick to the body.
Musashi pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Malingo feints the counter takedown.
Nice jab there from Musashi.
Musashi really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Malingo lands with a good body shot.
Musashi missing with a left hand there. Malingo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Malingo misses with a straight right.
Musashi fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Malingo.
Malingo lands an overhand right.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Musashi here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Malingo scores with a crisp jab that stopped Musashi in his tracks.
Musashi works the jab nicely.
A leg kick checked by Malingo.
Malingo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Musashi lands the left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A slow jab from Malingo misses its intended target.
Musashi misses with a straight left.
Despite the aggression on Malingo's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Musashi lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

It looks like Eddie Malingo has been cut.
Musashi is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Malingo can do to turn this around?
Musashi throws a front kick aimed at Malingo's knee but Malingo avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Musashi just misses with a punch to the body.
A swing and a miss from Musashi.
Malingo fails to land with a series of punches.
Musashi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Malingo connects with a body shot.
A swing and a miss from Malingo.
Malingo stuns Musashi with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Musashi keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Malingo.
Malingo blocks a low kick nicely.
Musashi throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Malingo sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Musashi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Malingo.
Good standup being displayed there by Musashi as he connects with a hook.
Musashi fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Musashi takes a body punch but keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Musashi takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Ryu Musashi is winning the standup battle so far.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Malingo throws a hook to the side of Musashi's head but Musashi sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Musashi misses with a left hand
enabling Malingo to counter with a crisp jab.
Musashi lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Musashi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Malingo.
Malingo throws a shot from downtown. Musashi moves away and avoids it.
Musashi just misses with a punch to the body.
Musashi lands a nice leg kick that just misses Malingo's sensitive parts.
Malingo misses with a looping left.
Malingo throws a looping overhand right but Musashi ducks down to avoid it.
And Musashi counters with a quick kick to the body but Malingo blocks it.
Musashi misses with a leg kick

and Malingo counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Musashi is pulling down on Malingo's head. It's preventing any offense from Malingo, at least for the moment.
Malingo working some strikes from top position.
Malingo has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Malingo scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malingo lands a couple of digs.

Musashi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Musashi lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Malingo working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Musashi doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Musashi manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Musashi takes a decent strike to the side of the head.

Malingo is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Musashi defends well.

Malingo looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Musashi passes into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Musashi prevents Malingo from improving his position.
Malingo is in trouble now - Musashi has advanced to mount!
Musashi moves to his opponent's back but Malingo bucks him off and ends up in guard. A bit of a disaster there for Musashi.
Musashi looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Malingo working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Malingo working some strikes from top position.
Musashi wants to sweep here but Malingo controlling him for the moment.
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 Ryu Musashi will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Eddie Malingo's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Malingo looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Musashi swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Musashi misses with an uppercut.
Malingo cracks Musashi with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Malingo's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Malingo lands a nice looking body shot.
Malingo scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Musashi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Malingo was well out of range. Poor timing from Musashi.
Musashi throws a jab but it's blocked by Malingo.
Musashi throws a big shot that misses.
Malingo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Musashi moves away.
Malingo lands a nice shot to the body.

Musashi gets caught napping as Malingo dives in and scores a takedown. Musashi manages to retain guard.
Malingo with a flurry of punches that miss.
Musashi seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Malingo landing some decent shots from guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malingo scoring with some ground and pound.
Malingo lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Malingo throws a big right hand that misses.
Malingo content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Malingo avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Malingo distracts Musashi with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Musashi preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Musashi is trying to keep Malingo in close.
Malingo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Musashi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ryu Musashi is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malingo working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Musashi's head.
Malingo works over Musashi with some ground and pound from guard.
Musashi controlling the position.
Musashi trying to control the position.
Musashi has control of Malingo's left arm, preventing Malingo from doing any damage.
Malingo throws a big right hand that misses.
Malingo is looking to work some ground and pound but Musashi has wrist control.
Malingo throwing strikes but missing.
Musashi has his hands on Malingo's head, controlling the position.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malingo lands a couple of elbows.
Musashi is trying to keep Malingo in close.
Musashi has momentary wrist control but Malingo slips an elbow through the middle.
Eddie Malingo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Musashi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Malingo is one step ahead there.
Malingo missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Musashi trying to control the position.

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.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Musashi moves out of range of the strikes.
Malingo swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Malingo lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Malingo slips under a jab from Musashi.
Malingo drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Musashi defends it well.
Malingo misses with a hook
and Musashi counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Musashi has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Musashi there as he acknowledges the shot.
Malingo looks to land a right hand but Musashi moved out of range.
Musashi uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Malingo.
A slow jab from Malingo misses its intended target.
Malingo misses with an uppercut. Musashi saw that one coming.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Malingo misses with a low kick.
Nice uppercut lands for Malingo. That snapped Musashi's head back.
Malingo's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Musashi connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Malingo scrambles back to his feet.
Malingo moves away from the strike by Musashi.

And that's the end of the fight!
Eddie Malingo comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Musashi has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 29:28
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ryu Musashi!
An out of breath Ryu Musashi thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.