PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Mengrire Krenakore (ranked 2780 p4p, 2625 weight class) and Genkei Takahashi (ranked 278 p4p, 264 weight class). Krenakore's entrance music is Krenak Nak Inhauit Borum Rerre. A fine choice. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Krenakore
vs
Takahashi

175 cm
20
154
5 - 4 - 0

183 cm
22
160
2 - 2 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Tengelü Hekite

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 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Mengrire Krenakore!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Genkei Takahashi!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and Percy O'Donnell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takahashi misses with a takedown
and Krenakore counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Takahashi tried to score with a low kick but Krenakore checks it.
Krenakore throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Takahashi.
Krenakore has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Mapinguari Guerreiro in the buildup to the fight.
Krenakore ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takahashi moves away.
Takahashi jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Takahashi scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Takahashi scores with a kick to the body.
Takahashi showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Krenakore.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Krenakore just misses with a punch to the body.
Krenakore moves out of range as Takahashi strikes.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Takahashi.
Krenakore waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Takahashi.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takahashi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Krenakore moves away.
Krenakore misses with a double jab

and Takahashi decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Krenakore's guard.
Krenakore on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Krenakore tries to get out of the position.
Krenakore bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Takahashi's guard.

Krenakore trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Krenakore is looking to stand up but Takahashi won't let him.
Takahashi utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Takahashi wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Krenakore missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Takahashi has control of Krenakore's left arm, preventing Krenakore from doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Krenakore content to stall in guard here.
Krenakore wants to control from the top but Takahashi keeps moving.
Krenakore looking to sit in guard and control but Takahashi gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Takahashi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Krenakore is keeping the position for now.
Krenakore wants to sweep here but Takahashi controlling him for the moment.
Takahashi passes into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Krenakore is trying to maintain the position but Takahashi is very close to passing his half guard.
Krenakore is staying active underneath Takahashi, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Takahashi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Takahashi is taking a breather. Krenakore says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Krenakore has hold of Takahashi's hands but Takahashi slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Krenakore wants to improve his position but Takahashi is controlling well.

Takahashi is trying to work for a kimura but Krenakore is defending well.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Takahashi is looking for a kimura but Krenakore is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Takahashi to get the leverage.
Krenakore punching from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi is keen to just control but Krenakore is a slippery customer.
Takahashi keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Takahashi seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Takahashi not doing much here.
Takahashi working Krenakore over with strikes.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Takahashi connects with a nice short shot to Krenakore's temple.
Takahashi is taking a breather. Krenakore says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Takahashi maintaining the dominant position here and is working for a kimura. He's locked it up! Krenakore could be in real trouble here! He's trying to wriggle out but Takahashi has cracked it and Krenakore is screaming in pain - he's tapped out! Great finish by Takahashi!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:52 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Genkei Takahashi!
An out of breath Genkei Takahashi thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.