PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Takeru Kubota (ranked 341 p4p, 18 weight class) and Diego Carlitto (ranked 949 p4p, 47 weight class). Kubota kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Devilman No Uta (1972). Carlitto has chosen Painkiller as his entrance music. The key to victory for Takeru Kubota has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Kubota
vs
Carlitto

170 cm
24
140 lbs
13 - 2 - 0

168 cm
23
147 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Takeru Kubota!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Diego Carlitto!
The judges for this bout are Donatello Bradman, Damien Edna and John Mangel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kubota scores with a shot to the body.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kubota.
Carlitto tries to work over Kubota's front leg with a kick but Kubota checks it.
Nice uppercut lands for Kubota. That snapped Carlitto's head back.
Carlitto wants to land a leg kick but Kubota is out of range.
Carlitto throws a body punch but Kubota moves out of range.
Carlitto has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Carlitto doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kubota scores with a head kick.
Takeru Kubota seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Carlitto avoids the head kick by Kubota.
Kubota feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Carlitto's calf.
Carlitto shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Nice cross by Carlitto.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kubota cracks Carlitto with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Carlitto misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kubota.
Kubota throws a sloppy head kick and Carlitto moves out of range easily.
Kubota gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Kubota throws a looping overhand right but Carlitto ducks down to avoid it.
Kubota throws a hook but Carlitto blocks it.
Kubota lands a body shot.
Carlitto scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Carlitto swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Carlitto ducks under a wild hook from Kubota.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A leg kick checked by Kubota.
Kubota throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Carlitto digs a good hook to Kubota's body.
Carlitto throws a lazy right hand but Kubota sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Carlitto throws a big shot that misses.
Some wild striking there from Carlitto.
Kubota uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Carlitto.
Kubota throwing a counter right hand but Carlitto manages to avoid it.
Kubota throws a body punch but Carlitto moves out of range.
Kubota bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Carlitto's head.
Kubota ducks under a wild hook from Carlitto.
Kubota dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kubota jabs at Carlitto's body.
Kubota checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Kubota listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Kubota scores with a shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Carlitto lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Kubota throws a leg kick which misses Carlitto's front leg but catches the back leg as Carlitto tries to avoid it.
Kubota scores with a jab. Carlitto acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kubota looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carlitto misses with a wild body shot.
Carlitto misses the jab.
Carlitto throws a looping overhand right but Kubota ducks down to avoid it.
Kubota lands a lovely overhand right.
Carlitto lands a nice hook to Kubota's body. Kubota takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Carlitto misses with a body kick.
Carlitto throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A jab from Carlitto finds it's way through Kubota's defenses.
Kubota catches Carlitto with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Kubota comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kubota throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Kubota throws a sloppy head kick and Carlitto moves out of range easily.
Kubota moves away from the strike by Carlitto.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kubota.
Carlitto steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kubota.
Kubota throws out a powerful jab.
Kubota sizes up Carlitto with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kubota loads up on a big right hand but Carlitto slips the punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota moves away from the strike by Carlitto.
Carlitto takes a swing at Kubota's ribcage but misses.
Carlitto throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kubota sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Carlitto chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kubota can pounce on him.
Kubota chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kubota tests Carlitto's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Carlitto takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Kubota moves out of range as Carlitto throws a body kick.
Carlitto misses with an uppercut
and Kubota counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kubota. Carlitto does a little dance to reset his feet.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Carlitto finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Carlitto ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kubota moves away.
Carlitto has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Carlitto there as he acknowledges the shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Carlitto misses the target.
Carlitto misses with a hook. Kubota ducked under it nicely.
A telegraphed right hand from Carlitto misses the target.
Carlitto tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kubota was well out of range. Poor timing from Carlitto.
A big left from Carlitto misses.
An attempted straight right counter from Kubota misses the target.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Carlitto on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Carlitto tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Carlitto throws a leg kick but Kubota sees it coming and moves out of range.
Carlitto pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Carlitto fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kubota sizes up Carlitto with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Carlitto throws a good cross that connects.
Carlitto rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kubota moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kubota feints and then cracks Carlitto's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Carlitto down.
Carlitto avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kubota ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kubota connects with an inside leg kick.
Carlitto throws a leg kick but Kubota moved away.
Kubota fails in his attempt to clinch.
Carlitto scores with a shot to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kubota connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kubota is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Kubota ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kubota works Carlitto's body with a nice hook.
Kubota bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kubota connects with a crisp jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeru Kubota dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Carlitto loads up on a big right hand but Kubota slips the punch.
Kubota connects with the punch.
Carlitto looks to throw the jab but Kubota is out of range.
Carlitto missing with a left hand there. Kubota was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Carlitto misses with a series of wild punches.
Carlitto connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Kubota scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kubota scores with a nice body kick.
Kubota is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Carlitto can do to turn this around?
Carlitto misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kubota.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Kubota - that will leave a mark!
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with eachother but Carlitto might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Kubota has got the better of the exchanges.
Kubota connects with a jab.
Carlitto tries to work over Kubota's front leg with a kick but Kubota checks it.
Kubota lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kubota throws a jab when Carlitto was well out of range.
Kubota takes one to the chin there.
Carlitto shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Kubota scores with a shot to the body.
Carlitto misses with a hook. Kubota ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kubota lands a nice shot that snaps Carlitto's head back.

Kubota has Carlitto up against the cage in a clinch.
Kubota pushes Carlitto back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kubota fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kubota lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Carlitto.
Kubota blocks an elbow strike.

Carlitto breaks the clinch.
Carlitto throws a body punch but Kubota moves out of range.
Kubota scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Carlitto doesn't seem bothered though.
Kubota with a hook.
Carlitto's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Carlitto takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
A left lands for Kubota.
Carlitto has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Carlitto takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kubota scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Carlitto doesn't seem bothered though.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kubota cracks Carlitto with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Kubota throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Carlitto takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Kubota clinches.
Kubota throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Carlittos head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carlitto blocks a body shot from Kubota.
A hook to the body from Kubota.
Kubota fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kubota softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Carlitto.
Nice body punch from Kubota.
Carlitto is breathing heavily.
Kubota lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kubota lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kubota lands an uppercut.
Carlitto trying to control the position but instead, Kubota has worked for underhooks and has pushed Carlitto into the cage.
Kubota goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Kubota escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nice jab there from Kubota.
Kubota with a nice cross.
Kubota wants to clinch up but Carlitto keeps it at a distance.
Carlitto throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kubota scores with a nice head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota ducks under a wild hook from Carlitto.
Kubota thinks about countering with a body kick.
Carlitto misses with a double jab
and Carlitto takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Good shot there by Kubota.
Kubota lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Carlitto 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.
Carlitto misses with an uppercut. Kubota saw that one coming.
Kubota looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Carlitto stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kubota.
Takeru Kubota is winning the standup battle so far.
Kubota tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kubota lands a glancing blow to the side of Carlitto's head.
Carlitto takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Kubota tries to clinch up but Carlitto circles away and keeps his distance.
Carlitto looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Carlitto on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Carlitto takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
The fighters circling - Carlitto throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A good leg kick by Kubota.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice shot by Kubota.
Carlitto throws a head kick that misses
enabling Kubota to counter with a crisp jab.
Kubota changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Carlitto swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kubota lands with a hook. Carlitto tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Kubota takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kubota.
Kubota scores with a nice body kick.
Carlitto takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kubota connects with an inside leg kick.
Kubota scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Kubota throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Carlitto throws a right hand that misses
and Kubota counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Carlitto avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kubota swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Carlitto walks into a jab.
Carlitto swings for the body but Kubota moves out of range.
Kubota throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Carlitto lunges at Kubota with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Kubota's hand.
Kubota scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kubota's corner calls for a 1-2. Kubota obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Kubota connects with an inside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeru Kubota dominated that second 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.

Kubota dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kubota works the jab nicely.
Kubota connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kubota displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Carlitto throws out the jab.
Carlitto takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kubota connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kubota scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Kubota ducks under a wild hook from Carlitto.
A quick step to the side and Kubota tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kubota slips under a jab from Carlitto.
Kubota swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Kubota staying out of range there.
Carlitto swings away with a body shot that misses
enabling Kubota to counter with a crisp jab.
Kubota tries to move into range but Carlitto moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Carlitto swats away the attempt to clinch by Kubota.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Kubota. Carlitto shrugs it off though.
Kubota fails in his attempt to clinch.
Carlitto walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Kubota turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice shot lands for Kubota.
Carlitto shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Kubota eats them both and turns towards Carlitto to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Carlitto just misses with a punch to the body.
Kubota lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Carlitto swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Carlitto takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Carlitto takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Carlitto takes a swing at Kubota's ribcage but misses.
Good standup being displayed there by Kubota as he connects with a hook.
Kubota ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kubota moves away from the strike by Carlitto.
A little feinted left hand from Kubota on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kubota lands the left hand.
Kubota checks the leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kubota lands with an uppercut that bounces Carlitto off the cage and back into range.
Kubota slips under a jab from Carlitto.
Kubota pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kubota moves out of range of the body kick.
Nice body punch from Kubota.
Kubota turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Decent striking displayed by Kubota there.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kubota, right into the meat.
Kubota 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.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kubota, right into the meat.
Carlitto lands with an uppercut that bounces Kubota off the cage and back into range.
Kubota scores with a nice strike.
Kubota staying out of range there.
Carlitto jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Carlitto misses with a straight right.
Kubota lands a head shot.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Kubota.
Kubota pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kubota smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Carlitto walks into a straight right hand from Kubota.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kubota.
Kubota ducks under a wild hook from Carlitto.
Carlitto with a nice cross.
Donk. Kubota catches Carlitto right on the button with a cross.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota connects with a body shot that sends Carlitto's belly button to the back.
Kubota thuds a left hand into Carlitto's body.
Kubota slips a straight right by Carlitto.
Kubota connects with an inside leg kick.
Kubota lands a slapping body shot.
Kubota's jab looks to have found its range, popping Carlitto under the eye.
Kubota lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Carlitto throws a jab when Kubota was well out of range.
Kubota throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Kubota with a jab.
Kubota feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Carlitto's calf.
Carlitto has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Kubota.
Kubota lands a glancing blow to the side of Carlitto's head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Carlitto moves away from the strike by Kubota.
Carlitto takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Kubota connects with a crisp jab.
Kubota tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Carlitto paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kubota scores with a crisp jab that stopped Carlitto in his tracks.
Kubota throws a lazy uppercut
and Carlitto connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kubota forces Carlitto back against the cage and clinches.
Carlitto tries a body shot but Kubota blocks it.
Carlitto working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Carlitto pushes Kubota back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Carlitto's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kubota throws a head kick but Carlitto moves out of range.
Kubota moves away from the strike by Carlitto.
Kubota changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kubota thuds his shin into the meat of Carlitto's side.
Carlitto moves out of range of the strikes.
Kubota throws a nice head kick!
Carlitto tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kubota was well out of range. Poor timing from Carlitto.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kubota, right into the meat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kubota connects with a good right hand that stumbles Carlitto. Carlitto circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Kubota lands a leg kick that knocks Carlitto off balance momentarily.
Carlitto 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.
A telegraphed right hand from Carlitto misses the target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeru Kubota clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kubota scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Carlitto drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Kubota lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Carlitto walks into a jab.
Kubota throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Carlitto fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kubota manages to avoid it.
Kubota works the jab nicely.
Kubota catches Carlitto with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Kubota lands with a nice body punch.
Kubota steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Carlitto.
Kubota ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A little feinted left hand from Kubota on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Carlitto wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Carlitto pulls out of a head kick attempt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kubota uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Carlitto.
Carlitto has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Kubota.
An inside leg kick lands from Kubota.
Carlitto stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kubota.
Kubota throws a head kick but Carlitto moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kubota is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Carlitto misses with a low kick.
Nice defenses there by Kubota.
Kubota looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Carlitto throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kubota sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kubota ducks under a wild hook from Carlitto.
Kubota appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Carlitto is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kubota. Carlitto does a little dance to reset his feet.
Carlitto missing with a left hand there. Kubota was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kubota scores with a hook to the body. Carlitto takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Carlitto doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Carlitto misses with a right hand
and Kubota cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Carlitto pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A slow jab from Carlitto misses its intended target.
Carlitto sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Carlitto takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Carlitto takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Kubota getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Carlitto throws a looping overhand right but Kubota ducks down to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kubota closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Carlitto misses with a body shot.
Carlitto throws an overhand right that lands on Kubota's shoulder, as Kubota tries to avoid the shot.
Kubota scores with a hook to the body. Carlitto takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kubota lands a head shot.

Kubota closes the distance and clinches.
Kubota stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kubota misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Kubota fails to land.
Kubota lands a shoulder strike.
Carlitto looking to stall.
Kubota lands with a right to the head.
Kubota struggles to land a body shot inside as Carlitto controls his hands.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Kubota lands a right hand that snaps the head of Carlitto backwards.
Kubota misses with some punches.
Kubota scores with a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Carlittos head.
Carlitto misses with a body punch.

Carlitto breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Carlitto with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Kubota to score with a decent uppercut.
Kubota connects with a right hand. Carlitto shakes it off.
Carlitto looks to score with a jab to the body but Kubota is just out of range.
Carlitto takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.

Carlitto tries to keep at a distance but Kubota has taken the fight into the clinch.

Kubota pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Carlitto throws a hook but Kubota avoids it easily.
Carlitto misses with a jab, cross combination.
A big left from Carlitto misses.
Kubota scores with a jab to the jaw.
Kubota changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kubota throws a body punch but Carlitto moves out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kubota lands with a nice body kick.
Carlitto takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Carlitto throws an overhand right that lands on Kubota's shoulder, as Kubota tries to avoid the shot.
Kubota cracks the inside of Carlitto's front leg.
A good leg kick by Kubota.
Kubota throws a head kick that misses.
Carlitto looks to land a right hand but Kubota moved out of range.
Kubota lands with a straight right. Carlitto didn't see that one coming.
Kubota scores with a shot to the body.
Carlitto misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kubota throws a body shot but no joy.
Carlitto misses with a straight left.
Kubota's corner calls for a 1-2. Kubota obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
A shot to the liver by Kubota. Beautiful body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Carlitto takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kubota misses the jab.
Carlitto needs to keep his hands up - Kubota had a free shot at his head there.
Kubota digs a good body shot into Carlitto's ribs.
Kubota takes a body punch but keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeru Kubota had his way with Diego Carlitto in that round.
That's time! Kubota's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kubota, right into the meat.
Carlitto moves away from the strike by Kubota.
Kubota scores with a nice right hand.
Carlitto misses with a straight left.
That kick from Kubota tenderised Carlitto's leg. Carlitto is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kubota scores with a kick to the midsection.
Kubota scores with the left hand. Carlitto knows he should have avoided that one.
That kick from Kubota tenderised Carlitto's leg. Carlitto is trying to keep his angry face on.
Carlitto ducks under a wild hook from Kubota.
Carlitto throws out a counter right but Kubota avoids it with no problem.
Kubota scores with a crisp jab that stopped Carlitto in his tracks.
Carlitto takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kubota connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A leg kick checked by Kubota.
Kubota scores with a head kick. Carlitto tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A head kick misses from Kubota.
Kubota throws an overhand right that lands on Carlitto's shoulder, as Carlitto tries to avoid the shot.
Kubota scores with a kick to the midsection.
Carlitto misses with a looping left.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kubota feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Carlitto's calf.
Carlitto misses with a wild body shot.
Kubota throws a hook but Carlitto avoids it easily.
Kubota lands a head kick. Carlitto smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Kubota chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Nice defenses there by Carlitto.
Kubota changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kubota staying out of range there.
Carlitto throws a body shot but no joy.
Kubota cracks Carlitto with an open hand slap.
Kubota is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Carlitto.
Carlitto is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kubota.
A thudding body kick lands there by Kubota!
Carlitto doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Carlitto tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kubota was well out of range. Poor timing from Carlitto.
Carlitto throws a good cross that connects.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kubota connects with a looping right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kubota forces Carlitto back against the cage and clinches.
Kubota has a couple of punches blocked by Carlitto.
Kubota scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Carlitto works on Kubota's body with a couple of short punches.
Kubota blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Carlitto's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Carlitto tries a knee to the head but Kubota blocks it.
Kubota works on Carlitto's body with a couple of short punches.
Carlitto is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Carlitto's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Carlitto misses with a hook.
Carlitto lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kubota circles away quickly and effectively.
Kubota throws a head kick that half lands.
Carlitto looks to throw the jab but Kubota is out of range.
Carlitto throws a hook but Kubota blocks it.
Carlitto throws a shot from downtown. Kubota moves away and avoids it.
Carlitto misses the shot to the body.
Kubota plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Carlitto takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kubota dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Carlitto. That did some damage!
Kubota bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Kubota lands a jab to the head.
Carlitto throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kubota sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Carlitto misses with a wild combination.
Carlitto throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jab from Kubota.
Kubota avoids the body shot from Carlitto.
Kubota appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Carlitto tries to bum rush Kubota with a series of wild strikes but Kubota uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kubota ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Carlitto moves away.
Kubota avoids the body shot from Carlitto.
Carlitto takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Nice defenses there by Kubota.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kubota moves out of range as Carlitto strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Carlitto misses with an uppercut.
It looked like Kubota wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Carlitto throws a lazy right hand but Kubota sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Carlitto throws a low kick, looking for Kubota's leg but Kubota calmly moves out of range.
Kubota checks a leg kick nicely.
Kubota checks a low kick from Carlitto.
Kubota delivers a nice body kick.
Kubota slips a straight right by Carlitto.
Kubota throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kubota feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Carlitto's calf.
Kubota 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.
Carlitto misses with a low kick as Kubota jumps back.
Carlitto jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Carlitto walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Good exchange - Kubota coming out on top.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Carlitto misses with a straight left.
Carlitto walks into a jab.
Diego Carlitto has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Donk. Carlitto catches Kubota right on the button with a cross.
Carlitto throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

And that's the end of the fight!
Takeru Kubota showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kubota 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 50:45
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 50:45
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Takeru Kubota!
Takeru Kubota retains his bantamweight title!
Takeru Kubota was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
The defeated Diego Carlitto had this to say: 'I'm crushed right now, but i have a fire in my gut. I will get my belt back. Mark my words.'.