PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kohinata Minoru Ii (ranked 2271 p4p, 4234 weight class) and Jonathan Couturier (ranked 327 p4p, 533 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Minoru Ii
vs
Couturier

185 cm
26
186
4 - 2 - 0

187 cm
20
201
3 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Brooklyn Apothecary

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Kohinata Minoru Ii!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jonathan Couturier!
The judges for this bout are Steve Erwin, Ron Honeybunn and Skip Squint.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Couturier throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Couturier loads up on a big right hand but Minoru Ii slips the punch.
Minoru Ii throws a body shot but no joy.
Couturier doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Nice defenses there by Minoru Ii.
Couturier throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Couturier with a nice cross.
Couturier misses the jab.
Minoru Ii tries to close the distance and clinch but Couturier swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Couturier has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Couturier throws a lazy right hand but Minoru Ii sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Minoru Ii moves in looking to clinch but Couturier pushes him off.
Minoru Ii moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Minoru Ii gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Couturier lands a hook that snaps the head of Minoru Ii backwards.
The referee is keeping an eye on Couturier - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Couturier misses with some punches.
Couturier slowing the pace effectively.
Minoru Ii throws a head punch that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A short right from Couturier.
Minoru Ii lands an uppercut.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Couturier.
Couturier blocks a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Still in the clinch, Couturier scores with a nice short uppercut.
Couturier has a couple of punches blocked by Minoru Ii.
Couturier prevents a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Couturier misses with a punch on the inside.
Couturier stalling the fight.
Minoru Ii swings wildly with an uppercut but Couturier uses good head movement to avoid it.
Minoru Ii swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Couturier controlling the action here for a moment.
A bit of stalling here from Couturier.
Minoru Ii softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Couturier blocks a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Couturier throws a punch but it's blocked by Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Couturier blocks a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Couturier slowing the pace effectively.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Couturier dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Couturier trying to stall but Minoru Ii improves his position.
Couturier tries to stall but Minoru Ii uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Jonathan Couturier.
Couturier on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Couturier scores with a punch to the head.

Minoru Ii gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Minoru Ii can't find room to land a body shot as Couturier controls the action.
A right hook to the body lands for Minoru Ii.
Couturier tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Minoru Ii's elbow.
Minoru Ii tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A left hand lands to the body for Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii misses with a punch to the body.
Minoru Ii lands a body punch in the clinch.
Couturier looks winded!
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Minoru Ii creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Minoru Ii lands a shot to the body.
Minoru Ii can't find room to land a body shot as Couturier controls the action.
Couturier taking a breather.
Minoru Ii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Couturier tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minoru Ii digs a right hand underneath Couturier's ribcage. Couturier let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Minoru Ii misses with a body punch.
Minoru Ii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Couturier's elbow.
Couturier lands an uppercut.
Couturier tries to throw a body punch but Minoru Ii avoids it by throwing Couturier back against the cage.
Good body shot from Minoru Ii.
A short right from Couturier.
Minoru Ii lands a hook to the side of the head.
Couturier lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Minoru Ii backwards.
Minoru Ii misses with a hook to the ribs.
Good body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii struggles to land a body shot inside as Couturier controls his hands.
Couturier blocks a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii digs a right hand underneath Couturier's ribcage. Couturier let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Minoru Ii misses with a body punch.
Minoru Ii scores with a hook to the body.
Minoru Ii lands a body shot.
Minoru Ii lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Minoru Ii lands a left hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A shot in the inside from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands a left hand.
A short uppercut from Minoru Ii.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Minoru Ii lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Couturier or not.
Minoru Ii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Minoru Ii lands a shoulder strike.
Minoru Ii misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Minoru Ii tries to throw a body punch but Couturier avoids it by throwing Minoru Ii back against the cage.
Minoru Ii lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Couturier.
Minoru Ii is leaning against Couturier and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Couturier prevents a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii tries to work over Couturier's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Minoru Ii lands a left hand that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.
Minoru Ii lands a body punch in the clinch.
Couturier is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Minoru Ii lands a body shot.
Minoru Ii lands a shot to the body.
Minoru Ii misses with a punch to the body.
Minoru Ii blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Minoru Ii misses with a body punch.
Minoru Ii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Couturier's elbow.
Minoru Ii tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Minoru Ii lands a right hand that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kohinata Minoru Ii dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

A big left from Couturier misses.

Couturier clinches with his opponent.
Minoru Ii lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Couturier misses with the head strike.
Couturier prevents a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Minoru Ii lands a nice uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Minoru Ii.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Minoru Ii.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Couturier.
A body shot lands from Minoru Ii.
Couturier struggles to land a body shot inside as Minoru Ii controls his hands.
Minoru Ii struggles to land a body shot inside as Couturier controls his hands.
Minoru Ii softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Minoru Ii lands a shoulder strike.
A short body shot lands from Minoru Ii as the two fighters clinch.
Minoru Ii pushes Couturier back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Minoru Ii lands a right hand.
Minoru Ii misses with a hook to the ribs.
Couturier is breathing heavily.
Minoru Ii misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Minoru Ii lands a right hand that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.
Minoru Ii is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Couturier can do to turn this around?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minoru Ii lands a left hand.
Kohinata Minoru Ii has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Minoru Ii struggles to land a body shot inside as Couturier controls his hands.
Minoru Ii can't find room to land a body shot as Couturier controls the action.
Minoru Ii lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.
Minoru Ii tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Minoru Ii lands with a right to the head.
Couturier is looking to control Minoru Ii's arms but Minoru Ii gets an underhook and turns him. Now Couturier has his back to the cage.
Minoru Ii blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Couturier throws a head punch that misses.
Minoru Ii lands a hook that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.
Minoru Ii misses with a hook to the ribs.
Minoru Ii lands a nice shot to the body.
Couturier can't find room to land a body shot as Minoru Ii controls the action.
Minoru Ii tries a body shot but Couturier blocks it.
Minoru Ii misses with a body punch.
Minoru Ii lands a hook to the side of the head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Minoru Ii creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Minoru Ii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Minoru Ii tries to work over Couturier's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Minoru Ii blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Minoru Ii - that landed with a thud.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Couturier lands with a right to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Minoru Ii misses with some punches.
A nice right hand lands inside from Minoru Ii.
A head punch on the inside from Couturier fails to land.
Minoru Ii lands with a left to the head.

It looks like Jonathan Couturier has been cut.
Couturier's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Minoru Ii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Couturier misses with a hook from the clinch.
Minoru Ii tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Couturier looking to slow down the pace here.
Minoru Ii throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Couturiers head.
Couturier is trying to stall.
Minoru Ii tries to throw a body punch but Couturier avoids it by throwing Minoru Ii back against the cage.
Minoru Ii misses with a punch to the body.
Minoru Ii lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Minoru Ii misses with a body punch.
Couturier prevents a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Couturier is trying to maintain a safe position but Minoru Ii gets an underhook and turns Couturier into the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minoru Ii misses with a body punch.
Minoru Ii digs a right hand into Couturier's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Couturier's gas tank.
Couturier throws a head punch that misses.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Minoru Ii can't find room to land a body shot as Couturier controls the action.
Minoru Ii struggles to land a body shot inside as Couturier controls his hands.
A body shot lands from Minoru Ii.
A hook to the body from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Minoru Ii lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Minoru Ii scores with an uppercut up the middle.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Minoru Ii creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Minoru Ii makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Minoru Ii digs a right hand underneath Couturier's ribcage. Couturier let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A short right from Minoru Ii.
Good body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii can't find room to land a body shot as Couturier controls the action.
Minoru Ii lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Minoru Ii scores with a nice hook to the head.
Minoru Ii lands a left hand that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Minoru Ii - that landed with a thud.
Minoru Ii lands a body punch.
Minoru Ii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Minoru Ii presses Couturier against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Minoru Ii tries to throw a body punch but Couturier avoids it by throwing Minoru Ii back against the cage.
Nice body punch from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii cracks Couturier with a nice body shot.
Minoru Ii tries to work over Couturier's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Minoru Ii lands with a left to the head.
Minoru Ii makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Minoru Ii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Couturier's elbow.
Minoru Ii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Couturier's elbow.
Minoru Ii working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Minoru Ii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Minoru Ii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A right hand to the body from Minoru Ii.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Couturier prevents a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii struggles to land a body shot inside as Couturier controls his hands.
Couturier misses with a hook from the clinch.
Minoru Ii tries to throw a body punch but Couturier avoids it by throwing Minoru Ii back against the cage.
Minoru Ii misses with a body punch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kohinata Minoru Ii dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jonathan Couturier's cut.
That's time! Minoru Ii's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Minoru Ii is looking to clinch but Couturier is avoiding it.
Couturier circles away from the clinch attempt.
Couturier scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Minoru Ii doesn't seem bothered though.
Couturier throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Minoru Ii is looking to counter the offense by Couturier and move into the clinch.
Minoru Ii fails in his attempt to clinch.
Minoru Ii uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Couturier.
Minoru Ii tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Minoru Ii has managed to clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands a left hand that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Minoru Ii lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Couturier throws a head punch that misses.
Couturier stalling in the clinch but Minoru Ii improves position.
Couturier is trying to maintain a safe position but Minoru Ii gets an underhook and turns Couturier into the cage.
Couturier seems frustrated at his inability to get double underhooks.
Couturier is looking to control Minoru Ii's arms but Minoru Ii gets an underhook and turns him. Now Couturier has his back to the cage.
Couturier takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Couturier is trying to maintain a safe position but Minoru Ii gets an underhook and turns Couturier into the cage.
Minoru Ii softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minoru Ii scores with a nice hook to the head.
Minoru Ii tries a body shot but Couturier blocks it.
A body shot lands from Minoru Ii.
Couturier misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Minoru Ii misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Minoru Ii misses with a hook to the ribs.
Minoru Ii tries to work over Couturier's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Couturier is trying to maintain a safe position but Minoru Ii gets an underhook and turns Couturier into the cage.
Minoru Ii lands a body punch in the clinch.
Couturier fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Minoru Ii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Couturier's elbow.
Minoru Ii tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Minoru Ii can't find room to land a body shot as Couturier controls the action.
Nice body punch from Minoru Ii - that landed with a thud.
Minoru Ii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Couturier's elbow.
Minoru Ii lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short right from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii blocking some punches.
Couturier swings wildly with an uppercut but Minoru Ii uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Couturier wants to stall.
Minoru Ii misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Minoru Ii struggles to land a body shot inside as Couturier controls his hands.
Couturier trying to stall but Minoru Ii improves his position.
Minoru Ii working some nice short punches in the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Couturier blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Come on Couturier - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Minoru Ii pushes Couturier back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Couturier lands a body shot.
Minoru Ii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Minoru Ii lands a body punch.
Minoru Ii digs a right hand underneath Couturier's ribcage. Couturier let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Minoru Ii misses with a hook to the ribs.
Minoru Ii digs a right hand into Couturier's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Couturier's gas tank.
Minoru Ii working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Minoru Ii lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.
Minoru Ii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Minoru Ii - that landed with a thud.
Minoru Ii tries to throw a body punch but Couturier avoids it by throwing Minoru Ii back against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii tries a body shot but Couturier blocks it.
Minoru Ii lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Couturier.
A short uppercut from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Couturier's elbow.
Good body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Minoru Ii lands a body shot.
Jonathan Couturier has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A body shot lands from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Couturiers head.
Minoru Ii lands an uppercut.
Minoru Ii tries a body shot but Couturier blocks it.
A body shot lands from Minoru Ii.
A short left from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands a body shot in the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Minoru Ii is leaning against Couturier and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Minoru Ii misses with a hook to the ribs.
A nice left hand lands by Minoru Ii.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A body shot lands from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Couturier backwards.
Couturier prevents a body shot from Minoru Ii.
A short left from Minoru Ii.
Nice body punch from Minoru Ii - that landed with a thud.
Minoru Ii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Couturier's elbow.
Minoru Ii lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Minoru Ii lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Minoru Ii blocks a body shot from Couturier.
Minoru Ii misses with a hook to the ribs.
Couturier blocks a body shot from Minoru Ii.
Minoru Ii lands with a right to the head.
Minoru Ii lands with a short shot to the head.

Couturier is rocked!
A nice right hand lands inside from Minoru Ii.
Couturier is still on wobbly legs! Can Minoru Ii finish him?
A head punch on the inside from Couturier fails to land.
Couturier lands a left hand.
Minoru Ii cracks Couturier with a nice body shot.
Minoru Ii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kohinata Minoru Ii is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Minoru Ii lands with a right to the head.
Nice body punch from Minoru Ii - that landed with a thud.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kohinata Minoru Ii showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Minoru Ii, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Steve Erwin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ron Honeybunn scores the fight 30:27
Judge Skip Squint scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kohinata Minoru Ii!
Kohinata Minoru Ii seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.