PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Wanderson Machado (ranked 125 p4p, 265 weight class) and Tanaka Matsuda (ranked 13 p4p, 36 weight class). Machado comes to the cage accompanied by El Barrio. The crowd seem to be enjoying Matsuda's choice of entrance music: Avenged Sevenfold - Hail to the King. 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.

Machado
vs
Matsuda

175 cm
26
187
15 - 3 - 0

190 cm
26
200
15 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Mile High
Vegan Gains

Brooklyn Apothecary
Brooklyn Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Wanderson Machado!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Tanaka Matsuda!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Shigeki Fujiwara and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machado with a nice cross.

It looks like Tanaka Matsuda has been cut.
Matsuda misses with an uppercut
and Machado counters with a nice uppercut.
Matsuda throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Machado stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Matsuda throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Machado is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Matsuda.
A slow jab from Machado misses its intended target.
Matsuda moves out of range of the body kick.
Matsuda uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Machado.
Nice uppercut there from Matsuda.
Matsuda lands a jab.
Machado keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Matsuda jabs Machado to the body, keeping him at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Matsuda throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Matsuda has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Matsuda misses with a lunging right hand
and Machado counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Machado uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsuda.
Machado's corner calls for a 1-2. Machado obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Matsuda takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Matsuda throws a lazy right hand but Machado sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Matsuda swings and misses with a hook to the body.
It looked like Machado wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Machado jabs at Matsuda's body.
Machado throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Matsuda lands a glancing blow to the side of Machado's head.
Matsuda connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Machado's hands.
Matsuda with a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Machado keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Machado uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Machado throws a jab when Matsuda was well out of range.
Machado throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Machado uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Matsuda.
Matsuda scores with the left hand. Machado knows he should have avoided that one.
Machado takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Good shot there by Machado.
Machado throws a leg kick

and Matsuda counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Machado is controlling Matsuda's trapped leg to prevent Matsuda from advancing to side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Matsuda with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machado is doing well to control the position and prevent Matsuda from advancing to side control.
Matsuda seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Machado does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Matsuda trying to pass the guard but Machado defending well.

Matsuda seems to be working for a kimura but Machado defends the submission attempt.
Matsuda 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.
Machado is holding on to half guard well.
Matsuda working over Machado with some ground and pound. Machado looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machado is refusing to be controlled, as Matsuda sits in half guard.
Machado blocking the ground and pound attempt from Matsuda.
Matsuda not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Matsuda throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ground and pound from Matsuda.
Machado holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Machado might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Matsuda is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Machado defends it well.
Matsuda winds up and cracks Machado with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Tanaka Matsuda will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Tanaka Matsuda's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Matsuda listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Matsuda moves away from the strike by Machado.
Machado looks for the body kick but Matsuda saw that one coming.
Matsuda lands a body shot.
A nice inside leg kick there by Machado. That's going to slow Matsuda down.
Machado pivots, looking for a leg kick but Matsuda is out of range and Machado settles back down.
Machado throws a shot to the body.
Wanderson Machado is winning the standup battle so far.
Matsuda swings for the body but Machado moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuda pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Machado lands a nice hook to Matsuda's body. Matsuda takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Matsuda uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Machado.
Matsuda tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Matsuda has a takedown stuffed.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsuda keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Machado.
Machado throws a shot from downtown. Matsuda moves away and avoids it.
Machado connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Matsuda jabs at Machado's body.
Machado throws a looping overhand right but Matsuda ducks down to avoid it.
Matsuda uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Machado.
Machado throws a hook to the side of Matsuda's head but Matsuda sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Machado with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Matsuda misses with a jab to the body
and Matsuda takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That has opened up Tanaka Matsuda's cut even more.
Machado misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Matsuda counters with a single leg into guard. Machado didn't expect that.
Machado is looking to stand back up but Matsuda counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Machado.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Machado tries to get to full guard but Matsuda has control of the leg.
Matsuda lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Matsuda trying to control from half guard but Machado is working away.
Matsuda 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.
Machado pushes Matsuda off looking to stand but Matsuda dives back in and keeps control.
Machado tries to roll over but Matsuda keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Matsuda is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Machado has managed to free his arm - good work.

Machado is defending against the submission attempts here by Matsuda.
Matsuda tries to pass the half guard into mount. Machado knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Machado gets back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Matsuda throwing strikes from guard but Machado blocks nicely.
Matsuda with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Machado looking to control.
Machado wants to get back to his feet but Matsuda is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Matsuda with a flurry of punches that miss.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Matsuda forces his way into half guard.
Machado is trying to get back to full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Wanderson Machado will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Tanaka Matsuda's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Matsuda misses with an uppercut.
Nice body kick there by Machado.
Machado lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Matsuda at a distance.
Matsuda walks into a jab.
Machado on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Matsuda 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.
Matsuda avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Matsuda lands an overhand right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuda lands a lovely overhand right.
Matsuda cracks Machado with a right hand to the side of the head.
Machado lands a body shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Machado takes a jab right on the kisser.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsuda will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Machado looks to land a left hand but Matsuda moved out of range nicely.
And Matsuda tries to counter it with a takedown but Machado pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Machado swings for the body but Matsuda moves out of range.
Matsuda misses with a hook
and Machado counters with a nice uppercut.
Matsuda swings for the body but Machado moves out of range.
Tanaka Matsuda seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matsuda blocks a jab.
Machado misses with an uppercut. Matsuda saw that one coming.
Matsuda let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Matsuda swings widly with a right hand
and Machado counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Machado loads up on a big right hand but Matsuda slips the punch.
Matsuda throws a body punch but Machado moves out of range.
Matsuda displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Machado throws out the jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machado throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Matsuda has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Matsuda misses with a left hand
and Matsuda takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A low kick lands for Machado.

Matsuda gets a takedown into half guard.

Machado makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Machado tries to land a front kick but Matsuda steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Machado looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Machado moves out of range of the strikes.
An attempted straight right counter from Machado misses the target.
Machado fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Matsuda has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda misses the shot to the body.
A jab from Machado finds it's way through Matsuda's defenses.
Machado lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Matsuda scores with a crisp jab that stopped Machado in his tracks.
Machado thows a left - swing and a miss!
Machado displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsuda throws out the jab.
Machado fires out a quick counter leg kick but Matsuda just manages to avoid it.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Machado.

The cut above Tanaka Matsuda's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Machado misses with a low kick.
Machado throws a nice looking combination but Matsuda bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Matsuda scores with a punch to the head.
Machado connects with the punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda misses the shot to the body.
Matsuda takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Machado missing with a left hand there. Matsuda was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Machado defending well as Matsuda loads up on a big left hand.
Machado just misses with a punch to the body.
Machado swings for the body but Matsuda moves out of range.
Machado waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Matsuda.
Matsuda misses with a left hand
and Matsuda takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Matsuda ducks under a wild hook from Machado.
A shot to the body from Matsuda misses
and Machado counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Wanderson Machado clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Tanaka Matsuda's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Machado fails in his attempt to clinch.
Matsuda misses with a wild body shot.
Matsuda pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Machado uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsuda.
Matsuda comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Matsuda throws a poor cross that misses
and Machado counters with a slapping leg kick.
Matsuda checks a leg kick nicely.
Nice shot by Machado.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matsuda ducks under a wild hook from Machado.
Matsuda misses with a hook. Machado ducked under it nicely.
It looked like Machado wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A big left from Matsuda misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machado gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Matsuda.
Machado steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Matsuda.
Machado appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
A shot to the body from Matsuda misses
and Machado counters with a left to the body.
Matsuda on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Machado scores with a leg kick.
Machado connects with a crisp jab.
Machado throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Matsuda bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Matsuda is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Matsuda slips under a jab.

Machado lands a big head kick that sends Matsuda tumbling to the mat! Machado takes a step backwards and waves Matsuda back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Matsuda is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsuda ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Matsuda is still on wobbly legs! Can Machado finish him?
Matsuda fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsuda shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Machado pinned against the cage. Machado gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Matsuda is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Matsuda takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Matsuda seems to have recovered his senses.
Machado lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

Tanaka Matsuda's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Matsuda has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Machado fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Matsuda.
Matsuda misses with a wild body shot.
A jab from Matsuda finds it's way through Machado's defenses.
Matsuda throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsuda's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

Machado lands a big uppercut and Matsuda crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Matsuda looks OK. Machado waves Matsuda back to his feet!

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Tanaka Matsuda's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:05 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Wanderson Machado!
Wanderson Machado retains his middleweight title!
Wanderson Machado seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.