PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tomomi Tsuruta (ranked 2119 p4p, 1560 weight class) and Cole Steel (ranked 327 p4p, 245 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Tsuruta
vs
Steel

192 cm
22
209
6 - 5 - 0

193 cm
21
218
2 - 2 - 1

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

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Savage Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Tomomi Tsuruta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 1, fighting out of London, Cole Steel!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Tarja Halkonen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Steel cracks Tsuruta with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Steel waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tsuruta.
Tsuruta appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Steel takes a swing at Tsuruta's ribcage but misses.
Cole Steel seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tsuruta misses with a hook. Steel ducked under it nicely.
Steel throws a right hand that misses
and Tsuruta counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Tsuruta needs to keep his hands up - Steel had a free shot at his head there.
Steel jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Tsuruta shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Tsuruta blocks a jab.
Tsuruta misses with a straight right.
Steel getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Tsuruta fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Tsuruta fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Steel avoids it really well and circles away.
Steel appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
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!
Steel throws a looping overhand right but Tsuruta ducks down to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steel uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Tsuruta.
Tsuruta displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Steel throws out the jab.
We've been hearing reports that Tsuruta has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Tsuruta bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Tsuruta fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Steel looks like he wants to counter punch here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tomomi Tsuruta. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tsuruta lands a lovely overhand right.
Steel dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Steel drops his hands momentarily and Tsuruta takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Tsuruta avoids the body shot from Steel.
Steel scores with a body shot.
Steel swings for the body but Tsuruta moves out of range.
Steel missing with a left hand there. Tsuruta was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tsuruta just misses with a punch to the body.
Tsuruta steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Steel.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Steel fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tsuruta. Steel does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tsuruta avoids the body shot from Steel.
Tsuruta takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tsuruta shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Steel sprawls well. Steel wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Tsuruta gets slowly back to his feet.
Steel smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Steel misses with a body shot.
Steel looks to score with a jab to the body but Tsuruta is just out of range.
Tsuruta dodges the punch combination from Steel.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steel tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Tsuruta paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Tsuruta checks a leg kick.
Tsuruta on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Steel lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
The fighters circling - Steel throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Steel jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Steel looks to land a combination but Tsuruta avoids it well.
Tsuruta attempts a counter takedown but Steel avoids it well and moves away.
Steel dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Tsuruta takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Steel fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tsuruta manages to avoid it.
Tsuruta attempts a counter takedown but Steel avoids it well and moves away.
Steel displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Steel moves out of range of the strikes.

Tsuruta gets tackled into the cage by Steel. Steel maintains the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tsuruta.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta tries for a takedown but Steel manages to get underhooks.

Tsuruta breaks from the clinch.
Steel misses with an uppercut. Tsuruta saw that one coming.
Tsuruta on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Steel tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tsuruta was well out of range. Poor timing from Steel.
Tsuruta uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Steel.
Steel misses with a jab to the body

and Tsuruta counters with a single leg into guard. Steel didn't expect that.
Tsuruta trying to control the position from guard on top but Steel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tsuruta postures up in Steel's guard and throws a big left but Steel blocks it.
Steel looking for a sweep. Not yet Steel, not yet.
Our spies down at at BKC Gym inform us that Steel has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Steel seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Steel tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Steel holds on and takes a little breather.
Tsuruta connects with a couple of short punches.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Cole Steel dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Steel misses with an uppercut. Tsuruta saw that one coming.
Tsuruta walks into a straight right hand from Steel.
Tsuruta moves out of range as Steel strikes.
Tsuruta tries to score a power double leg takedown but Steel sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tsuruta somewhat.
Steel has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Steel throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

so Tsuruta counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Tsuruta stands up over Steel, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Steel is pulling down on Tsuruta's head. It's preventing any offense from Tsuruta, at least for the moment.
Tsuruta wants to control from the top but Steel keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Steel seems keen to control Tsuruta's posture.
Tsuruta showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Steel seems keen to control Tsuruta's posture.
Tsuruta makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Steel pulls Tsuruta in close to prevent any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tsuruta lands a couple of elbows.
Steel pulls Tsuruta in close to his closed guard and prevents Tsuruta from doing any damage or advancing position.
Steel wants to sweep here but Tsuruta controlling him for the moment.
Steel is still trying to improve position.

Tsuruta avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Tsuruta is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta trying to control the position from guard on top but Steel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Steel looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Steel is controlling Tsuruta's posture.
Tsuruta stopping the sweep attempt from Steel.
Tsuruta is working Steel over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Steel utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Tsuruta being controlled here momentarily.
Tsuruta trying to control but Steel is working from the bottom.
Steel managing to control the position.
Tsuruta is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steel seems keen to control Tsuruta's posture.
Tsuruta in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tsuruta not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Tsuruta misses with a straight right.
Tsuruta scores with a three punch combo!
Tsuruta uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Steel.
Tsuruta half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Steel looks to land a combination but Tsuruta avoids it well.
Steel misses with a few strikes there.
Steel lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Tsuruta at a distance.
Nice body punch from Tsuruta.

Tsuruta gets a takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Steel controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Tsuruta throwing shots but Steel is blocking nicely.
Steel is looking to improve his position.
Steel pushes Tsuruta off looking to stand but Tsuruta dives back in and keeps control.
Steel moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Tsuruta stopping the sweep attempt from Steel.
Tsuruta seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Tomomi Tsuruta overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Steel looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tomomi Tsuruta dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Steel lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Steel ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Tsuruta looks for a takedown but Steel sprawls well.
Tsuruta dives in for a single leg takedown but Steel sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Steel.
Steel tries to work over Tsuruta's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Steel working aggressively here.
Steel misses with a punch on the inside.
Steel lands a body shot in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Steel looking to stall.
Steel lands a hook that snaps the head of Tsuruta backwards.

Tsuruta turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Tsuruta manages to end up in side control.
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!
Steel is trying to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Check out the look on Tsuruta's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Tsuruta working the ground and pound.
Tsuruta working away.
Tsuruta trying to control the action but Steel is working from the bottom.
Tsuruta working the ground and pound but Steel is defending the strikes.
Steel tries to improve position but can't.
Tsuruta working away.
Steel tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Tsuruta wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Tsuruta wants to control but Steel is keeping him busy.
Steel tries to bench press Tsuruta off him but Tsuruta keeps the position.
You can see the frustration on Steel's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Tsuruta trying to control the position but Steel is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsuruta in side control lands a decent elbow.
Steel is looking to reverse the position.
Steel wants to control but Tsuruta postures up.
Steel is working to avoid the ground and pound but Tsuruta connects with a decent elbow.
Tsuruta creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Tsuruta scoring with punches from side control.
Steel prevents Tsuruta from moving into mount.
Tsuruta working the ground and pound.
Steel is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Steel is trying to maintain the position but Tsuruta is very close to passing his half guard.
Tsuruta prevents Steel from improving his position.
Steel is pressing down on Tsuruta's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Steel wants to sweep but no luck.
Tsuruta has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Steel has Tsuruta pulled in close to control his posture.
Tsuruta postures up in Steel's guard and throws a big left but Steel blocks it.
Tsuruta connects with a couple of short punches.
Steel looking to hit a scissor sweep but Tsuruta is one step ahead there.
Tsuruta wants to control from the top but Steel keeps moving.
Tsuruta lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Tsuruta trying to control but Steel is working from the bottom.

That's four 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.
Tsuruta working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Steel bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Tsuruta's guard.

Tsuruta is trying to keep Steel in close.
Steel looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Steel's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Tsuruta wants to sweep here but Steel controlling him for the moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Tomomi Tsuruta.
I think Tsuruta has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tomomi Tsuruta!
Tomomi Tsuruta really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that Shadow Realm Apparel logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.