PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Keisuke Matsuzaka (ranked 981 p4p, 999 weight class) and Ryo Hamada (ranked 153 p4p, 157 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Matsuzaka
vs
Hamada

179 cm
21
181
6 - 0 - 0

180 cm
21
178
6 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Great elbows
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Conviction
Brooklyn Apothecary

Kore Fight Nutrition
Brooklyn Apothecary

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Keisuke Matsuzaka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ryo Hamada!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Alexandre Firmino and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hamada throws a leg kick
and Hamada takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hamada connects with a single shot there.
Matsuzaka lands a jab.
Matsuzaka looks to throw the jab but Hamada is out of range.
Hamada throws a sloppy head kick
and Hamada takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hamada scores with a jab.
Left hook, right uppercut from Hamada.
Hamada with a poor takedown
letting Matsuzaka counter with a right hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hamada throws a hook but Matsuzaka blocks it.
A quick step to the side and Matsuzaka tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hamada throws a poor cross that misses
letting Matsuzaka counter with a right hand.
Hamada throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hamada misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hamada swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Matsuzaka connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've been told by Matsuzaka's head coaches at GWad's Playpen that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.

Hamada fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Matsuzaka to the ground. Hamada is now in Matsuzaka's guard.
Matsuzaka keeping moving, preventing Hamada from controlling successfully.
Hamada engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsuzaka looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hamada trying to control the position from guard on top but Matsuzaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hamada throws a big elbow that misses.
Hamada trying to control the position from guard on top but Matsuzaka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hamada throwing strikes from guard but Matsuzaka blocks nicely.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Hamada throws a right hand that Matsuzaka ducks under and follows up with a left that Matsuzaka also avoids with ease.
Hamada misses the body punch
and Matsuzaka counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hamada misses with a series of wild punches.
A jab lands there for Hamada.
Hamada throws a combination that misses
and Matsuzaka counters with a nice body shot.
Hamada just misses with a punch to the body.
Matsuzaka tests Hamada's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Matsuzaka with a hook.
Hamada misses the shot to the body.
Matsuzaka lands a right hook to the body.
Hamada throws a right hand that misses
and Hamada takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

It looks like Ryo Hamada has been cut.
Matsuzaka throws a body shot but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hamada staying out of range there.
Matsuzaka swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hamada changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Matsuzaka misses with a hook.
Hamada avoids the body shot from Matsuzaka.
Keisuke Matsuzaka is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hamada throws a body shot but no joy.
Matsuzaka looks to throw the jab but Hamada is out of range.
Nice jab there from Matsuzaka.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hamada.
Hamada moves out of range of the strikes.
A head kick by Hamada misses
and Matsuzaka counters with a straight right hand.
Hamada dives in and grabs Matsuzaka's left leg, looking for a takedown. Matsuzaka pushes down on Hamada's head and hops out.
It looked like Matsuzaka wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Keisuke Matsuzaka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryo Hamada.
Hamada avoids the body shot from Matsuzaka.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hamada ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsuzaka moves away.
Matsuzaka scores with a hook to the body. Hamada takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

Matsuzaka gets caught flat footed, as Hamada shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuzaka looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hamada is one step ahead there.
Matsuzaka keeping moving, preventing Hamada from controlling successfully.
Matsuzaka on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Matsuzaka tries to get out of the position.
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 Keisuke Matsuzaka will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Ryo Hamada's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Hamada closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Matsuzaka quickly recovers to half guard.
Matsuzaka is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Hamada working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Matsuzaka's thigh. Matsuzaka counters though and makes it back to full guard.
Hamada throws a big right hand that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuzaka has his hands on Hamada's head, controlling the position.
Matsuzaka keeping moving, preventing Hamada from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsuzaka looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hamada is one step ahead there.
Matsuzaka pulls Hamada in close to his closed guard and prevents Hamada from doing any damage or advancing position.

Hamada 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.
Matsuzaka knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Hamada on the ground.
Matsuzaka pulls Hamada in close to his closed guard and prevents Hamada from doing any damage or advancing position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

That's two 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.
Hamada showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Matsuzaka.
Ryo Hamada is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Hamada takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Keisuke Matsuzaka is winning the standup battle so far.
Hamada misses with a jab, cross combination.
Hamada drops his hands momentarily and Matsuzaka takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Matsuzaka throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hamada fails with the takedown
and Matsuzaka counters with a straight right hand.
Matsuzaka lands a head shot.
Matsuzaka bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Hamada's head.
Matsuzaka connects with a crisp jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hamada lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Matsuzaka at a distance.
Matsuzaka ducks under a wild hook from Hamada.
Hamada shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Matsuzaka as he jumps to the side.
Hamada scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Matsuzaka misses with a wild body shot.
Hamada throws a shot to the body.
Matsuzaka scores with a hook.

Hamada changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Matsuzaka looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Hamada tries for a kimura but Matsuzaka is defending well.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Hamada goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Matsuzaka has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Hamada but great work by Matsuzaka.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hamada wants to control but Matsuzaka postures up.
Hamada gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Hamada wants to control but Matsuzaka is keeping busy.
Matsuzaka is looking to advance position but Hamada won't allow it.
Ryo Hamada has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hamada regains full guard. Nicely done.

Hamada looking for a guillotine here but Matsuzaka defends easily.
Matsuzaka won't allow Hamada to sweep him here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Ryo Hamada will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Ryo Hamada's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Hamada throws a head kick that misses
and Matsuzaka counters with a left to the body.
Hamada swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Hamada is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Matsuzaka rather than just go for the knockout.
Hamada rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Matsuzaka counters with a nice body shot.
Matsuzaka fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Hamada looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Matsuzaka is fending him off so far but Hamada persists. Nope, Matsuzaka circles away and we're back to standing.
Matsuzaka misses the jab.
Decent striking displayed by Hamada there.
Hamada takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Hamada displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsuzaka throws out the jab.
Hamada moves away from the strike by Matsuzaka.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hamada will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Matsuzaka cracks Hamada with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Matsuzaka misses the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsuzaka throws a body shot but no joy.
Matsuzaka throws a looping overhand right but Hamada ducks down to avoid it.
Matsuzaka cracks Hamada with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Hamada throws a right hand that Matsuzaka ducks under and follows up with a left that Matsuzaka also avoids with ease.
Hamada throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hamada misses with a wild body shot.
Hamada misses with a takedown
and Matsuzaka counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Hamada takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hamada dives in for a single leg takedown but Matsuzaka sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Keisuke Matsuzaka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryo Hamada.
Hamada on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
A slow jab from Matsuzaka misses its intended target.
Matsuzaka misses with a wild body shot.
Matsuzaka lands a jab to the nose.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsuzaka moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Hamada's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Matsuzaka connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Hamada scrambles back to his feet.

Hamada is rocked!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Matsuzaka closes the distance and lands a vicious right hand that drops Hamada! Matsuzaka dives in looking to finish! Hamada is still trying to defend himself but he's taking too many shots and the referee has no choice but to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:15 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Keisuke Matsuzaka!
Keisuke Matsuzaka decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.