PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Saguro Takada (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Brooks Staal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Takada
vs
Staal

165 cm
28
155 lbs
14 - 4 - 0

175 cm
25
160 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Saguro Takada!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Brooks Staal!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Chris Downing and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Takada closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Staal did well to prevent Takada getting side control.
Takada not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Staal blocking the ground and pound attempt from Takada.
Takada stalling.
Takada throwing shots but Staal is blocking nicely.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Staal is trying to stand back up but Takada is controlling him
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Takada throws a strike but Staal avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Takada content to stall in guard here.
Takada missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takada works over Staal with some ground and pound from guard.
Staal keeping full guard, as Takada tries to pass.
Takada has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Staal working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Takada.
Takada tries to free his leg and advance position but Staal is retaining full guard.
Staal keeping moving, preventing Takada from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Takada accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Takada throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Staal works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Takada controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Staal preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Takada throws a big right hand that misses.
Takada postures up in Staal's guard and throws a big left but Staal blocks it.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Takada accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Takada sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Staal's guard.
Takada working Staal over with strikes.
Staal keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Staal is refusing to be controlled, as Takada sits in half guard.
Takada thows a huge punch but Staal dodges it nicely.

Takada is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Takada not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Staal is not content to let Takada control the position.
Takada throwing shots but Staal is blocking nicely.
Takada is pressing down on Staal's thigh, looking to free his foot. Staal is holding on for now.
Takada throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Takada stops Staal from getting back to his feet.
Well, if Takada is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Takada trying to pass the guard but Staal defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Takada throwing shots but Staal is blocking nicely.
Staal blocking the ground and pound attempt from Takada.
Takada looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Takada is just content to waste time from the top position. Staal takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Staal wants to stand and escape but Takada is having none of it.

Takada drops back looking for a submission - "I'm sorry sir, but I'm gunna break your leg" says Takada as he cranks on the unfortunate limb! Staal screams and taps out before any major damage is done! Don't mess with Takada! Nice submission victory there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Saguro Takada!
Saguro Takada retains his lightweight title!