GEMMA TBD PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Philip Negan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shaslik Styless (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Negan
vs
Styless

175 cm
19
216 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

188 cm
19
221 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Philip Negan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shaslik Styless!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Sosuke Kotani and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Negan pushes Styless up against the cage in a clinch.
Styless gets through Negan's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Styless fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Styless has Negan pressed against the cage, preventing Negan from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Styless working aggressively here.
Negan blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Negan blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Negan is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Styless can't fight it off and eventually Negan manages to take the fight to the floor. Styless looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Negan looking to pass the guard.

Styless has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Negan can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Negan might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Negan stopping the sweep attempt from Styless.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Negan wants to stand and escape but instead Styless has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Styless tries to free his leg and advance position but Negan is retaining full guard.
Styless won't allow Negan to get back to his feet.
Styless throwing strikes but missing.
Styless stopping the sweep attempt from Negan.
Styless loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Negan manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Styless.
Styless dodges the punch combination from Negan.
A solid leg kick lands there for Styless.
Negan is breathing heavily.
Styless shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Negan as he jumps to the side.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Styless looks to throw the jab but Negan is out of range.
Philip Negan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A nice inside leg kick there by Negan. That's going to slow Styless down.
A slow jab from Negan misses its intended target.
Styless blocks a head kick by Negan.
Negan throws a leg kick which misses Styless's front leg but catches the back leg as Styless tries to avoid it.
Styless throws a leg kick but Negan sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Negan tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Styless was well out of range. Poor timing from Negan.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Negan throws a nice inside leg kick.
Negan gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Negan has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Styless.
Styless dips to his left and cracks Negan with an uppercut!
Styless fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Styless.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Negan is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Styless tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Styless has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Negan is trying to buck Styless off.
Negan manages to get back to half guard.

Styless has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Negan defend it? Styless steps over the head and cranks it - Negan is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Styless!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Shaslik Styless!
A very excited looking Shaslik Styless made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
49%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Joe Macconi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Benji Tczho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tczho is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Scottish bagpipes. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Macconi
vs
Tczho

167 cm
23
154 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

169 cm
22
154 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

Go 2 Sleep Fight Gear
Brute

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 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Joe Macconi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Benji Tczho!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Yuuki Gou and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice sprawl there from Macconi as Tczho shoots in.
Macconi is trying hard to land a takedown here. Tczho sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Tczho tries to clinch but Macconi moves away

and Macconi counters with a takedown into side control.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Tczho sneaks back into half guard.
Macconi thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Macconi keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Macconi has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Tczho looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tczho wants to control but Macconi is keeping busy.
Macconi not doing much here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tczho wants to control but Macconi is keeping busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Macconi wants to free his trapped foot but Tczho is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Macconi controlling the action here.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Joe Macconi just wasn't active enough.
Macconi tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Tczho swivels and escapes.
Tczho throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Macconi has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joe Macconi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Macconi shoots in but no luck this time.
Tczho tries to score a power double leg takedown but Macconi sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tczho somewhat.

Tczho drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Tczho gets to his feet - Macconi follows without any prompting.
Tczho throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Macconi's waist but Macconi gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tczho off to one side.

Macconi closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tczho is letting Macconi control him for a moment.
Macconi wants to control but Tczho is keeping him busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tczho is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

Macconi stands up.
Tczho tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Macconi swivels and escapes.
Macconi doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Tczho to counter with a crisp jab.
A slapping body kick lands there for Tczho.
Macconi shoots for a takedown but Tczho saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tczho shoots in for a takedown but Macconi shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Tczho thumps Macconi with a low kick.

Macconi feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Macconi is breathing heavily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tczho is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Tczho pushes Macconi off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Macconi looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tczho.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tczho shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Macconi defends it nicely.
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 Joe Macconi will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Macconi checks the leg kick nicely there.

Macconi gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Tczho wants to control from the top but Macconi keeps moving.
Macconi controlling Tczho's posture.

Tczho stands up from Macconi's guard - Tczho perhaps looking for a knockout.
No luck for Macconi with that takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tczho doesn't manage to clinch there - Macconi circles away.
Tczho misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Macconi fails with a takedown attempt.
Macconi fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joe Macconi. That's going to take a lot out of him.

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

Macconi turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Tczho is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Macconi asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Macconi misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tczho wants to control but Macconi postures up.
Tczho is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Tczho is not content to let Macconi control the position.
Tczho is trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tczho tries to control but Macconi manages to take his back.
Tczho is trying to stand back up.
Macconi gets his hooks in and is throwing strikes.
Tczho controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.
Tczho is in bad spot here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Macconi scores with punches and elbows.
Macconi struggling to keep hold of the position.
Tczho wants to get back to his feet.
Macconi punches Tczho on the ear.
Macconi is not going to allow Tczho to sit and survive in this position.
Macconi has the hooks in. Tczho is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tczho trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Benji Tczho will probably get the nod - 10:9.
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!

Macconi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Tczho but Tczho pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Tczho tries to clinch up but Macconi circles away and keeps his distance.

Tczho gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Tczho wriggles free and stands up.

Macconi closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Macconi working Tczho over with strikes.
Tczho wants to get back to his feet.
Tczho is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

Tczho looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Macconi working over Tczho with some ground and pound. Tczho looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Tczho is trying to control but can't.
Tczho looks like he's trying to stand up.
Tczho takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Macconi is trying to control the action in half guard but Tczho is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Macconi takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Tczho pushes Macconi off but Macconi dives into side control.
Macconi controlling from side mount.

Macconi decides to stand back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tczho fails with the takedown.
Macconi shoots in but Tczho avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Macconi stuffs the takedown.
Tczho tries to close the distance and clinch but Macconi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Macconi gets a double leg takedown into Tczho's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Tczho pushes Macconi off and scrambles back to his feet.

Macconi fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Tczho to the ground. Macconi is now in Tczho's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Macconi gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
An inside leg kick lands from Tczho.
Tczho looks for a takedown but Macconi sprawls well.
Joe Macconi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Benji Tczho.
Macconi misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Macconi throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Tczho was covering up waiting for the punch and Macconi finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Macconi passes into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Macconi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tczho keeps working.
Tczho wants to improve his position but Macconi is controlling well.
Tczho is concentrating on defense, preventing Macconi from advancing position.
Macconi is figuring out what he wants to do next.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tczho has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Macconi is working away from the top position though.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tczho gets back to full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joe Macconi showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Macconi 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 Shirou Masuda scores the fight 29:28
Judge Yuuki Gou scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joe Macconi!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Petria McTroo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Davaanyamyn Byambadorj (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McTroo comes to the cage accompanied by Hand of Blood - Bullet For My Valentine. Byambadorj has chosen OST as his entrance music. 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.

McTroo
vs
Byambadorj

197 cm
23
274 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

200 cm
21
280 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Petria McTroo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Davaanyamyn Byambadorj!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Shigeki Fujiwara and Shirou Masuda.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Byambadorj connects with a nice looking jab.
McTroo misses with a low kick as Byambadorj jumps back.
McTroo moves out of range of the strikes.
McTroo throws a right hand that Byambadorj ducks under and follows up with a left that Byambadorj also avoids with ease.
McTroo shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Byambadorj as he avoids it easily.
McTroo loads up on a big right hand but Byambadorj slips the punch.
McTroo moves out of range of the body kick.

Byambadorj shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in McTroo's guard.
Byambadorj won't allow McTroo to sweep him here.
Byambadorj prevents McTroo from getting back to his feet.

Byambadorj stands and steps away. McTroo gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McTroo fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Byambadorj avoids it really well and circles away.
A lazy left from Byambadorj finds it's target.
The fighters circling - McTroo throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Byambadorj fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. McTroo sprawls well initially but Byambadorj persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
McTroo is looking to control Byambadorj's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can McTroo avoid being mounted?
Byambadorj wants to pass to mount but McTroo is defending the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Byambadorj passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for McTroo!
Byambadorj controlling from the full mount.
McTroo tries to hold on but Byambadorj postures up.
McTroo is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

Byambadorj gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
A head kick misses from Byambadorj.
It's a brutal combination of punches from Byambadorj! McTroo is backing up but he can't get away as Byambadorj lands with one final shot to the jaw that drops McTroo and ends the fight. Great knockout.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Davaanyamyn Byambadorj!
An out of breath Davaanyamyn Byambadorj thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Carlos Virtanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arstan Selmy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Carlos Virtanen has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Virtanen
vs
Selmy

211 cm
24
271 lbs
4 - 7 - 0

190 cm
19
236 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Experienced

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Carlos Virtanen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Arstan Selmy!
The judges for this bout are Tatsuya Matsuyama, Shigeki Fujiwara and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Selmy enables Virtanen to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Selmy manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Virtanen stays in close to Selmy's body and controls the position.

Virtanen thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Virtanen not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Virtanen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Selmy is keeping the position for now.
Virtanen throws a big elbow that misses.
Virtanen trying to control the position from guard on top but Selmy is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Selmy is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Selmy managing to control the position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Nice sprawl there from Selmy as Virtanen shoots in.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virtanen throws a jab when Selmy was well out of range.

Virtanen tries to sprawl but Selmy drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Virtanen scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Selmy manages to mount him!
Selmy putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Selmy with good strikes from the mount here!
Selmy cracks Virtanen with a big head shot that has him covering up instantly! He's rolled onto his side and the referee has seen enough - this one is aaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Arstan Selmy!
Arstan Selmy decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
73%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Russel Richards (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Richards comes to the cage accompanied by Meytal Cohen - Toxicity. Smith has chosen 2pac - Only God can Judge me as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Richards
vs
Smith

193 cm
23
276 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

185 cm
27
233 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Russel Richards!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, John Smith!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Hirohito Nitta and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

It looks like John Smith has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Richards scores with the left hand. Smith knows he should have avoided that one.
Richards displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Smith.
Smith looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Richards is fending him off so far but Smith persists. Nope, Richards circles away and we're back to standing.

Smith clinches with his opponent.
Richards stops a takedown attempt from Smith.
Russel Richards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Smith.
Richards pushes Smith back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Smith looks winded!
Richards lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

That has opened up John Smith's cut even more.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Richards.
Smith is looking for a takedown.
Richards working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A short right from Richards on the inside.
Still in the clinch, Richards scores with a nice short uppercut.

Smith is rocked!

The cut above John Smith's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Smith should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Smith blocks an uppercut.
Smith is still on wobbly legs! Can Richards finish him?
Richards dips a shoulder and cracks Smith with a mighty uppercut! Smith falls back against the cage and Richards unloads with a barrage of strikes! Smith is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Richards screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Russel Richards!
A relieved looking Russel Richards thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Shinji Tanaka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Shepard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Tanaka might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Yuudachi. John Shepard will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Tanaka
vs
Shepard

160 cm
22
130 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

180 cm
22
135 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

[WOT] DTK Designs (Laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shinji Tanaka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, John Shepard!
The judges for this bout are Sosuke Kotani, Shigeki Fujiwara and Hirohito Nitta.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shepard connects with an inside leg kick.
Tanaka walks forward, straight into a front kick from Shepard.
Tanaka gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Shepard.
Shepard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tanaka.
Shepard misses with an attempted mid kick.
Shepard throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Shepard lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Shepard misses with a body shot.

Tanaka instigates a clinch.

Tanaka has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Shepard regains guard immediately.
Tanaka throwing strikes from guard but Shepard blocks nicely.
Tanaka trying to control but Shepard is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka with a flurry of punches that miss.
Shepard is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Tanaka is controlling him.
Tanaka trying to control but Shepard is working from the bottom.
Shepard wants to sweep but no luck.
Tanaka in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tanaka postures up in Shepard's guard and throws a big left but Shepard blocks it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tanaka in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tanaka wants to control from the top but Shepard keeps moving.
Tanaka is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Tanaka is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka advances position into side control!
Tanaka laying and praying for a moment but Shepard takes advantage and regains half guard.
Shepard is refusing to be controlled, as Tanaka sits in half guard.
Tanaka throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Tanaka looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Tanaka stops Shepard from getting back to his feet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tanaka is looking to advance position but Shepard won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
The fighters are battling for position here. Shepard manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Shepard is looking to stand up but Tanaka isn't so interested in that idea.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Tanaka pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Shepard is keeping the position for now.
Tanaka trying to control but Shepard is working from the bottom.
Shepard is looking to stand up but Tanaka isn't so interested in that idea.
Tanaka wants to pass the guard but Shepard is keeping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shepard trying to control the position.
Shepard managing to control the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by John Shepard.
Shepard blocks a head kick by Tanaka.
Shepard avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Shepard is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shepard tries to land a body kick
and Tanaka counters with a two punch combo.
Shepard misses with a straight right.
Tanaka tries to clinch but fails miserably
letting Shepard counter with a right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shinji Tanaka dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Shepard throws the kick towards the body but Tanaka avoids it.

Tanaka feints and as Shepard raises his hands in defense, Tanaka changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Tanaka trying to control but Shepard is working from the bottom.
Shepard wants to stand but Tanaka is controlling the position.
Shepard wants to sweep here but Tanaka controlling him for the moment.
Shepard keeping moving, preventing Tanaka from controlling successfully.
Tanaka working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Tanaka pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Shepard is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka with a nice head shot there.
Shepard working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Tanaka.
Tanaka trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Shepard manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Tanaka has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Tanaka controls Shepard momentarily but Shepard frees himself.
Tanaka might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Tanaka has Shepard pulled in close to control his posture.

Tanaka is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Shepard is trying to break free.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shepard is trying to break the clinch but Tanaka has him pressed against the cage.
Tanaka goes for a takedown in the clinch but Shepard prevents it.
Shepard tries to break the clinch but Tanaka is controlling the position.
Shepard has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Shepard pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Tanaka shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Shepard as he jumps to the side.
Shinji Tanaka is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tanaka tries to close the distance and clinch but Shepard swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Tanaka looks to land a combination but Shepard avoids it well.
Tanaka tries to close the distance and clinch up but Shepard swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Shepard misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Shepard. That one must have hurt.
Tanaka tries to clinch up but Shepard circles away and keeps his distance.
John Shepard is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Shepard throws a hook to the side of Tanaka's head but Tanaka sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A decent looking cross lands there for Shepard.
Shepard has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Shepard scores with a body shot.

Tanaka moves into the clinch.
Shepard wants to break free but Tanaka has control.
Shepard tries to break free but Tanaka pushes him back against the cage.
Tanaka drops down looking for an ankle pick but Shepard pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shinji Tanaka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shepard misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shepard avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Shepard scores with a nice body kick.
Shepard stuffs the takedown attempt from Tanaka. Tanaka gets slowly back to his feet.
Shepard tries to land a front kick but Tanaka steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Shepard ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Tanaka fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shepard lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shepard tries a head kick but it misses.
John Shepard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Shepard throws a head kick but Tanaka moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but John Shepard will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Shepard lands with a good body shot.

Tanaka drives through with a takedown into Shepard's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Shepard avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Shepard controls Tanaka momentarily but Tanaka frees himself.
Tanaka tries to free his leg and advance position but Shepard is retaining full guard.
Tanaka trying to control but Shepard is working from the bottom.
Shepard is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

John Shepard has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Tanaka takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shepard works Tanaka's body with a nice hook.
Tanaka tries to clinch up.
Tanaka misses with a straight right.
Tanaka on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Shepard pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Shepard with a hook.
Shepard looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Shepard looks to throw a body kick

and Tanaka holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Tanaka drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tanaka has Shepard pressed against the cage, preventing Shepard from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Shepard breaks the clinch.
Tanaka closes the distance but Shepard moves to the side
and Shepard counters with an outside leg kick.
Tanaka tries to close the distance and clinch up but Shepard swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Tanaka needs to keep his hands up - Shepard had a free shot at his head there.
Tanaka wants to clinch up but Shepard keeps it at a distance.
Shepard throws a looping overhand right but Tanaka ducks down to avoid it.
Tanaka takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Tanaka gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tanaka looking for a takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shepard is looking to break free of the clinch but Tanaka has double underhooks.

Shepard breaks from the clinch.
Shepard finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

Tanaka shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Tanaka showed some decent athleticism there.
Tanaka throws a strike but Shepard avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Shepard tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Tanaka trying to control but Shepard is working from the bottom.
Shepard lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Tanaka!
Tanaka wants to hold on but Shepard pushes him away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Shepard is looking to take a break and control but Tanaka is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Shepard stands up out of the half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tanaka fails in his attempt to clinch.
Tanaka tries to clinch but Shepard is having none of it.
Tanaka walks into a left hand.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Shepard throws a big shot that misses.
Tanaka takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Tanaka avoids the head kick by Shepard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but John Shepard just about did enough to take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Tanaka has Shepard up against the cage in a clinch.
Tanaka is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Shepard gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Tanaka is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Shepard gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Tanaka is trying to drag Shepard to the mat but Shepard just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Shinji Tanaka. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tanaka prevents Shepard from breaking the clinch.
Tanaka has Shepard pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Shepard manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Shepard looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Tanaka gets a trip takedown into half guard.

Shepard has one foot on Tanaka's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Shepard throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Shepard scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Tanaka doesn't seem bothered though.
Shepard lunges at Tanaka with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Tanaka's hand.
Shepard misses with the combination.
Shepard scores with a hook.
Shepard lands an overhand right.
Tanaka shoots in and drives through. Shepard sprawls well.
Shepard throws a big shot that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka drops his hands momentarily and Shepard takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Shepard fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tanaka.
Shepard bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Shepard fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tanaka manages to avoid it.
Shepard lands a slapping body shot.
Tanaka tries to close the distance and clinch up but Shepard swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Tanaka clinches.

Shepard manages to break the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tanaka on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
John Shepard seems to be getting the better of the standup.
No luck for Tanaka with that takedown attempt.
Shepard pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka fails in his attempt to clinch.
Shepard plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Tanaka on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Tanaka blocks a leg kick.
Shepard connects with the punch.
Shepard throws a leg kick which misses Tanaka's front leg but catches the back leg as Tanaka tries to avoid it.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Shepard.

Tanaka closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Tanaka working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shepard is looking for a sweep.
Shepard is not content to let Tanaka control the position.

Tanaka is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Shepard is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Shepard takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tanaka wants to control for a moment but Shepard uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but John Shepard will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! And we move into the final round!

Tanaka tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Shepard swivels and escapes.
Tanaka fails in his attempt to clinch.
A head kick from Shepard lands but Tanaka takes it in his stride.
Shepard lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

Tanaka closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Tanaka keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Shepard's efforts to push away.

Shepard breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Shepard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tanaka.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka shoots in looking for a takedown. Shepard tries to sprawl out of it but Tanaka keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Shepard manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Shepard just misses with a punch to the body.

Tanaka darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Tanaka is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Tanaka working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Shepard's thigh. Shepard counters though and makes it back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Shepard is looking for a triangle but Tanaka pushes his legs off easily.
Tanaka working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Shepard controlling the position.
Tanaka throws a big right hand that misses.

Tanaka drops back looking for a leg! Shepard is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Shepard manages to kick Tanaka off! Tanaka jumps back into Shepard's guard.
Tanaka tries to free his leg and advance position but Shepard is retaining full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shepard keeping moving, preventing Tanaka from controlling successfully.
Shinji Tanaka overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Tanaka postures up.
Tanaka wants to pass the guard but Shepard is keeping the position.
Tanaka content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Shepard keeping moving, preventing Tanaka from controlling successfully.
Shepard avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Tanaka trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Shepard manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Tanaka has a closed guard, preventing Shepard from standing up.
Shinji Tanaka has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
John Shepard is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Shepard.

Shepard drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Tanaka manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Shepard has Tanaka in his guard.
Tanaka wants to pass the guard but Shepard is keeping the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tanaka with a flurry of punches that miss.

And that's the end of the fight!
Shinji Tanaka showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Shepard 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 47:48
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 47:48
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 48:48

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... John Shepard!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
87%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dom DeNardo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenta Yuudai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yuudai is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Know your Enemy - Yoko Kanno. Both these fighters are unbeaten, so somebody's 0 has got to go!Kenta Yuudai is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

DeNardo
vs
Yuudai

190 cm
21
240 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

195 cm
22
275 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter striker
Cardio machine

ADCC Champion
World class boxer
Good gas tank

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dom DeNardo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kenta Yuudai!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Shigeki Sano and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A looping hook to the body misses from DeNardo. Yuudai does a little dance to reset his feet.

Yuudai gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows DeNardo to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Yuudai tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Yuudai is trying to control the position but DeNardo postures up.
DeNardo trying to control the position from guard on top but Yuudai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Yuudai is trying to control the position but DeNardo postures up.
Yuudai keeping full guard, as DeNardo tries to pass.
DeNardo won't allow Yuudai to sweep him here.
DeNardo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Yuudai looking to hit a scissor sweep but DeNardo is one step ahead there.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Yuudai lands with a nice combination. DeNardo backs away looking to recover.
Yuudai moves away from the strike by DeNardo.
Yuudai lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Yuudai.
Yuudai swings for the body but DeNardo moves out of range.
DeNardo moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
DeNardo looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Yuudai looks to score with a jab to the body but DeNardo is just out of range.
A shot to the body from Yuudai misses

and DeNardo counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Yuudai!
Yuudai is looking to get to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
DeNardo throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
DeNardo lands a big shot there that rocks Yuudai but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
DeNardo breaks from Yuudai's wrist control and lands an elbow.

Yuudai has left one of his arms exposed and DeNardo doesn't need a second invitation. He's isolated it and locked on a tight armbar. Yuudai screams and taps out, obviously in a lot of pain. Hopefully there isn't permanent damage to that arm.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Dom DeNardo!
Dom DeNardo is the new heavyweight champion!