PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ryoto Takahashi (ranked 36 p4p, 398 weight class) and Sultanbek Akhtankhanov (ranked 7 p4p, 51 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Takahashi
vs
Akhtankhanov

175 cm
35
158
33 - 10 - 0

176 cm
31
155
20 - 9 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Conviction
Conquer

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Shadow Realm Apparel

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 33 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ryoto Takahashi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Sultanbek Akhtankhanov!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Ren Mimura and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takahashi wants to clinch up but Akhtankhanov keeps it at a distance.
Takahashi takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Akhtankhanov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Takahashi throws out the jab.
Akhtankhanov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Akhtankhanov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Takahashi.
Takahashi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Takahashi was well out of range. Poor timing from Akhtankhanov.
Takahashi slips under a jab from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov 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.
Akhtankhanov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Akhtankhanov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sloppy strikes from Takahashi. Those never looked like landing.
Takahashi misses with a hook to the body
and Akhtankhanov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Akhtankhanov attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Akhtankhanov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Good shot there by Akhtankhanov.
Takahashi seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Akhtankhanov ducks under a wild hook from Takahashi.
Akhtankhanov misses with a low kick.
Takahashi throwing a counter right hand but Akhtankhanov manages to avoid it.
Takahashi tries to clinch up.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Takahashi turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Akhtankhanov moves out of range of the body kick.
Takahashi misses with a kick to the body.
A jab from Takahashi misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov throws a low kick, looking for Takahashi's leg but Takahashi calmly moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Sultanbek Akhtankhanov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body shot.
The fighters circling - Akhtankhanov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Akhtankhanov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Takahashi manages to avoid it.
Akhtankhanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Takahashi.
Akhtankhanov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Akhtankhanov keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Takahashi lands with a thumping leg kick.
Akhtankhanov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Takahashi.
It seemed like Akhtankhanov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Nice defenses there by Takahashi.
Akhtankhanov avoids the body shot from Takahashi.
Takahashi throws a push kick but Akhtankhanov slaps the foot to one side.
Takahashi lands with a thumping leg kick.
Takahashi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Akhtankhanov throws out the jab.
Takahashi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Akhtankhanov misses with a low kick.
Akhtankhanov moves out of range as Takahashi strikes.
Takahashi jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Takahashi scores with a jab. Akhtankhanov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi takes one to the side of the head.
Akhtankhanov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takahashi moves away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Akhtankhanov cracks Takahashi with a good jab.
Akhtankhanov slips a straight right by Takahashi.
Takahashi staying out of range there.
Takahashi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Akhtankhanov avoids the body shot from Takahashi.
A looping hook to the body misses from Akhtankhanov. Takahashi does a little dance to reset his feet.
An attempted straight right counter from Takahashi misses the target.
Takahashi ducks under a wild hook from Akhtankhanov.
Takahashi misses with a hook
and Akhtankhanov counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.

Takahashi moves into range and clinches up with Akhtankhanov.
Takahashi tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Akhtankhanov's elbow.
Takahashi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Takahashi blocking some punches.
A nice right hand lands inside from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Takahashi tries a body shot but Akhtankhanov blocks it.
Takahashi lands a right hand.
Takahashi tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Akhtankhanov.
Takahashi takes a shot to the head.
Takahashi working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Takahashi misses with a punch to the body.
Akhtankhanov lands with a light punch inside.
Takahashi blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Akhtankhanov throws a punch but it's blocked by Takahashi.
Akhtankhanov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Takahashi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Takahashi misses with the head strike.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Takahashi.
Akhtankhanov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Akhtankhanov tries to work over Takahashi's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Akhtankhanov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Takahashi backwards.
Takahashi misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Akhtankhanov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Takahashis head.
Takahashi misses with a punch to the body.
A shot in the inside from Akhtankhanov.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Akhtankhanov swings wildly with an uppercut but Takahashi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Takahashi blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Takahashi.

Takahashi drags the fight down to the ground.

Akhtankhanov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Takahashi looking to control but Akhtankhanov passes into half guard.
Akhtankhanov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Akhtankhanov is thwarting Takahashi's attempts to control the position.

Takahashi looking for submissions off his back.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sultanbek Akhtankhanov dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Takahashi misses the shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov jabs Takahashi right on the nose. Takahashi blinks but takes it well.
Takahashi throws a push kick but Akhtankhanov slaps the foot to one side.
Akhtankhanov blocks a low kick nicely.
Nice body punch from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Takahashi can pounce on him.
Takahashi attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Takahashi ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Akhtankhanov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Takahashi.
Sultanbek Akhtankhanov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Akhtankhanov throws an off balance right hand
and Takahashi counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov throws out a loose jab but Takahashi uses good head movement to avoid it.
Takahashi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Akhtankhanov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Takahashi takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Takahashi misses with a wild body shot.
Akhtankhanov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Takahashi's hands.
Takahashi lands a leg kick that knocks Akhtankhanov off balance momentarily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Takahashi dodges the punch combination from Akhtankhanov.
A big right from Akhtankhanov misses.
Takahashi blocks a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov misses with a straight left.
Takahashi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Akhtankhanov moves away.
Takahashi avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Takahashi misses the target.
Takahashi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Takahashi.
Akhtankhanov throws the left hand but Takahashi avoids the punch easily.
Takahashi throws a hook but Akhtankhanov blocks it.
Akhtankhanov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Akhtankhanov misses with a wild combination.
Takahashi is looking to counter punch.
A jab from Akhtankhanov misses.
Akhtankhanov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Takahashi manages to avoid it.
And Takahashi counters with a quick kick to the body but Akhtankhanov blocks it.
Akhtankhanov slips a jab and a cross from Takahashi.
Takahashi throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Akhtankhanov scores with a nice right hand.
Akhtankhanov misses the shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov with a nice calf kick.
Akhtankhanov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Akhtankhanov misses with a looping left.
Takahashi throws a jab when Akhtankhanov was well out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi throws a front kick that sends Akhtankhanov stumbling back into the cage.
Takahashi blocks a leg kick.
Takahashi fires out a quick counter leg kick but Akhtankhanov just manages to avoid it.
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!
Akhtankhanov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Takahashi counters with a nice low kick that buckles Akhtankhanov's knee momentarily.
Takahashi defending well as Akhtankhanov loads up on a big left hand.
Akhtankhanov clobbers Takahashi with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Akhtankhanov throws a shot from downtown. Takahashi moves away and avoids it.
A big left from Akhtankhanov misses.
Takahashi connects with a looping right hand.
Takahashi just misses with a punch to the body.
Good work by Akhtankhanov as he checks the leg kick.
Takahashi dips to his left and cracks Akhtankhanov with an uppercut!
Takahashi throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Akhtankhanov throws out a counter right but Takahashi avoids it with no problem.
Takahashi moves out of range as Akhtankhanov strikes.
Akhtankhanov misses with a wild body shot.
An attempted straight right counter from Takahashi misses the target.
Akhtankhanov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Takahashi scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Akhtankhanov doesn't seem bothered though.
Takahashi throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Takahashi moves out of range of the strikes.
Akhtankhanov takes a swing at Takahashi's ribcage but misses.
Akhtankhanov swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi lands a slapping body shot.
Akhtankhanov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Akhtankhanov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body punch
and Takahashi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Takahashi misses with a looping right.
Takahashi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Akhtankhanov.
Takahashi misses with a straight right.
A big right from Akhtankhanov misses.
Takahashi lands a head shot.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body shot.
Takahashi misses with an uppercut. Akhtankhanov saw that one coming.
Takahashi cracks a nice hook into Akhtankhanov's ribs.
Takahashi displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Akhtankhanov throws out the jab.
Akhtankhanov misses with a straight left.
A looping hook to the body misses from Akhtankhanov. Takahashi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Akhtankhanov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Takahashi looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A telegraphed right hand from Takahashi misses the target.
Akhtankhanov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Takahashi with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Takahashi throws a hook but Akhtankhanov blocks it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Akhtankhanov fails to land with a series of punches.
Takahashi throws a leg kick which misses Akhtankhanov's front leg but catches the back leg as Akhtankhanov tries to avoid it.
Takahashi slips under a jab.
A jab from Takahashi does it's job there.
The fighters circling - Takahashi throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Takahashi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Akhtankhanov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Takahashi tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Akhtankhanov is able to avoid easily.
Takahashi chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Akhtankhanov slips under a jab.
Takahashi tries to land a leg kick but Akhtankhanov saw it coming and moves away.
Takahashi is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Akhtankhanov.
Takahashi avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Takahashi blocks a jab.
Takahashi throws a push kick but Akhtankhanov slaps the foot to one side.
Akhtankhanov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Takahashi.
Takahashi's jab looks to have found its range, popping Akhtankhanov under the eye.
Takahashi pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Takahashi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ryoto Takahashi dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Akhtankhanov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Takahashi.
Takahashi connects with a crisp jab.
Takahashi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Akhtankhanov moves away.
Akhtankhanov misses the shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov staying out of range there.
Akhtankhanov swings widly with a right hand
enabling Takahashi to counter with a crisp jab.
Akhtankhanov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Takahashi stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
A slow jab from Takahashi misses its intended target.
Takahashi throws a body punch but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov misses with an uppercut. Takahashi saw that one coming.
Akhtankhanov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Akhtankhanov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Akhtankhanov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A slow jab from Takahashi misses its intended target.
Takahashi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov looks to throw the jab but Takahashi is out of range.
Akhtankhanov looks to land a left hand but Takahashi moved out of range nicely.
Takahashi thuds a left hand into Akhtankhanov's body.

Takahashi clinches up with Akhtankhanov and pushes him back against the cage.
Akhtankhanov lands with a short shot to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takahashi tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Akhtankhanov's elbow.
Takahashi takes a shot to the head.
Akhtankhanov trying to stall but Takahashi improves his position.
Takahashi struggles to land a body shot inside as Akhtankhanov controls his hands.
Akhtankhanov blocking some punches.
Akhtankhanov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Akhtankhanov lands with a right to the head.
Akhtankhanov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Takahashi can't find room to land a body shot as Akhtankhanov controls the action.
Takahashi misses with a body punch.
Takahashi pushes Akhtankhanov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Takahashi lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Akhtankhanov backwards.
Akhtankhanov working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Akhtankhanov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Takahashi.
Akhtankhanov working aggressively here.
Akhtankhanov pushes Takahashi back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Takahashi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Akhtankhanov scores with a shoulder strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Takahashi swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A nice right hand lands inside from Takahashi.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Takahashi.
Akhtankhanov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Akhtankhanov can't find room to land a body shot as Takahashi controls the action.
Akhtankhanov blocking some punches.
Takahashi is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Akhtankhanov to keep the fight standing.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Takahashi.
Takahashi lands an uppercut.
Takahashi can't find room to land a body shot as Akhtankhanov controls the action.
Takahashi lands a right hand.
Takahashi misses with a hook to the ribs.
Takahashi misses with a hook to the ribs.
Takahashi tries to pull guard but Akhtankhanov won't allow it.
Takahashi misses with a short punch on the inside.
A body shot lands from Akhtankhanov.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Takahashi throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi tries to work over Akhtankhanov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Akhtankhanov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Takahashis head.
Akhtankhanov misses with some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Takahashi fails to land.
Takahashi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body punch.
Akhtankhanov misses with some punches.
Akhtankhanov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Takahashi working aggressively here.
Takahashi misses with a punch on the inside.
Takahashi tries a body shot but Akhtankhanov blocks it.
Akhtankhanov misses with some punches.
A short body shot lands from Akhtankhanov as the two fighters clinch.
Takahashi blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Takahashi struggles to land a body shot inside as Akhtankhanov controls his hands.
Akhtankhanov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Takahashi backwards.
Akhtankhanov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Akhtankhanov tries to throw a body punch but Takahashi avoids it by throwing Akhtankhanov back against the cage.
Sultanbek Akhtankhanov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Akhtankhanov misses with the head strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takahashi fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Akhtankhanov struggles to land a body shot inside as Takahashi controls his hands.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Akhtankhanov.
Takahashi tries a body shot but Akhtankhanov blocks it.
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!
Akhtankhanov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Takahashi backwards.
Akhtankhanov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Takahashi backwards.
Takahashi throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Akhtankhanovs head.
Takahashi fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Takahashi misses with a body punch.
A short body shot lands from Takahashi as the two fighters clinch.
Takahashi tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Akhtankhanov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Takahashi backwards.
Takahashi is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Akhtankhanov to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryoto Takahashi. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Takahashi blocks a body shot from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Akhtankhanov lands with a right to the head.
Takahashi swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Takahashi tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Akhtankhanov just stands there and leans against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Akhtankhanov.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Sultanbek Akhtankhanov.
I think Akhtankhanov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 28:29
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Sultanbek Akhtankhanov!
Sultanbek Akhtankhanov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.