PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Xigua Tou (ranked 3409 p4p, 2349 weight class) and Ryu Akutagawa (ranked 410 p4p, 310 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Tou might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Gwen Stacy - Gone Fishing. See You In A Year.. Ryu Akutagawa will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Tou
vs
Akutagawa

170 cm
28
162
10 - 5 - 1

190 cm
22
164
8 - 5 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Xigua Tou!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ryu Akutagawa!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Fedor Mirinova and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

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

It looks like Xigua Tou has been cut.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Akutagawa.
Xigua Tou seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Tou shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Akutagawa is trying to defend but Tou finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Akutagawa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Tou.
Tou throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Tou is trying to control. Akutagawa wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Akutagawa keeping hold of Tou's head, controlling as best he can.
Tou missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Akutagawa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Tou.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tou prevents Akutagawa from improving his position.
Tou sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Akutagawa defending well though.
Akutagawa is trying to maintain the position but Tou is very close to passing his half guard.
Tou throwing shots but Akutagawa is blocking nicely.
Tou seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Akutagawa does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Tou seems to be working for a kimura but Akutagawa defends the submission attempt.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Akutagawa keeping hold of Tou's head, controlling as best he can.

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.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Akutagawa bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Tou's head.
Akutagawa moves out of range of the strikes.
Akutagawa follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Nice uppercut there from Akutagawa.
Akutagawa scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Tou has his takedown stuffed

and Akutagawa counters with a nice right hand that sends Tou toppling to the canvas! Tou scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Akutagawa finish him?!

Xigua Tou's cut is getting worse.
Akutagawa's corner calls for a 1-2. Akutagawa obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

Tou is rocked!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akutagawa is stalking Tou. Tou circles to his left. Keeps circling left. Bam! Straight right from Akutagawa, and it's lights out! Tou really payed the price for that rookie mistake.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:07 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Ryu Akutagawa!
A relieved looking Ryu Akutagawa thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.