PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kazushi Sakuraba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kazushi Sakuraba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Sakuraba
vs
Sakuraba

182 cm
23
183 lbs
13 - 9 - 0

183 cm
22
183 lbs
11 - 6 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Valhalla Q160 Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazushi Sakuraba!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kazushi Sakuraba!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Shigeki Fujiwara and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots in but no luck this time.
Kazushi Sakuraba feints and then cracks Kazushi Sakuraba's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kazushi Sakuraba down.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kazushi Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Good leg kick by Kazushi Sakuraba there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kazushi Sakuraba misses with a head kick.
Nice takedown defense from Kazushi Sakuraba. No joy for Kazushi Sakuraba on that attempt.
Kazushi Sakuraba has his takedown stuffed

and Kazushi Sakuraba counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Kazushi Sakuraba's guard now.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Kazushi Sakuraba is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Kazushi Sakuraba is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kazushi Sakuraba is aware though and is defending well.
Kazushi Sakuraba looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kazushi Sakuraba is one step ahead there.
Kazushi Sakuraba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kazushi Sakuraba is keeping the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kazushi Sakuraba is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kazushi Sakuraba is on top in guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kazushi Sakuraba's guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Kazushi Sakuraba keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Poor strikes thrown by Kazushi Sakuraba there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Kazushi Sakuraba trying to control but Kazushi Sakuraba is having none of it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to reverse the position but Kazushi Sakuraba maintains control.
Kazushi Sakuraba gets back to half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking for a sweep. Kazushi Sakuraba is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kazushi Sakuraba is staying active underneath Kazushi Sakuraba, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Kazushi Sakuraba is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kazushi Sakuraba trying to pass the guard but Kazushi Sakuraba defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba moves into full mount! Kazushi Sakuraba won't be happy about that!
Kazushi Sakuraba with a couple of short strikes.
Kazushi Sakuraba is squirming around, avoiding Kazushi Sakuraba's attempts to control the action.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Kazushi Sakuraba is landing with some decent strikes but Kazushi Sakuraba is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Kazushi Sakuraba dominating with strikes here.
Kazushi Sakuraba misses with a head shot.
Kazushi Sakuraba landing strikes from the mount and Kazushi Sakuraba is in trouble!
Kazushi Sakuraba trying to control but he's not successful this time.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kazushi Sakuraba regains half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to advance position but Kazushi Sakuraba won't allow it.

Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kazushi Sakuraba pulls his head out easily.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to get to full guard but Kazushi Sakuraba has control of the leg.

Kazushi Sakuraba is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Kazushi Sakuraba is trying to get back to full guard.

Kazushi Sakuraba seems to be looking for submissions.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Kazushi Sakuraba is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Kazushi Sakuraba is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kazushi Sakuraba's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kazushi Sakuraba's back!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kazushi Sakuraba dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Kazushi Sakuraba displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kazushi Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kazushi Sakuraba fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kazushi Sakuraba manages to avoid it.
Sloppy strikes from Kazushi Sakuraba. Those never looked like landing.
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Kazushi Sakuraba decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Kazushi Sakuraba's guard.

Kazushi Sakuraba stands up and waves to Kazushi Sakuraba to follow him.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a nice looking combination but Kazushi Sakuraba bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kazushi Sakuraba has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kazushi Sakuraba.

Kazushi Sakuraba bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Kazushi Sakuraba wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Kazushi Sakuraba, who protects the arm well.

Kazushi Sakuraba tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Kazushi Sakuraba has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Kazushi Sakuraba is trying to get an arm triangle but Kazushi Sakuraba is defending well.
Kazushi Sakuraba has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba sneaks back into half guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to improve his position.
Kazushi Sakuraba has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kazushi Sakuraba makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Kazushi Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Kazushi Sakuraba has his foot on Kazushi Sakuraba's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kazushi Sakuraba works his way back into a safe position though.
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Kazushi Sakuraba keeps moving.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kazushi Sakuraba stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kazushi Sakuraba swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to get up but he can't break Kazushi Sakuraba's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Kazushi Sakuraba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kazushi Sakuraba is keeping the position for now.
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to sweep here but Kazushi Sakuraba controlling him for the moment.
Kazushi Sakuraba looking to pass the guard.
Kazushi Sakuraba looking for a sweep. Not yet Kazushi Sakuraba, not yet.

Kazushi Sakuraba escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kazushi Sakuraba gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Kazushi Sakuraba has his foot on Kazushi Sakuraba's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kazushi Sakuraba works his way back into a safe position though.
Kazushi Sakuraba keeping moving, preventing Kazushi Sakuraba from controlling successfully.
Kazushi Sakuraba tries to stand but Kazushi Sakuraba is controlling from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kazushi Sakuraba pushing down on Kazushi Sakuraba's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to improve his position.

Kazushi Sakuraba stands up out of the half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kazushi Sakuraba avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kazushi Sakuraba misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Horrible takedown by Kazushi Sakuraba or perhaps it was just good defense by Kazushi Sakuraba which made him look bad.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kazushi Sakuraba showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Kazushi Sakuraba's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Nice shot lands for Kazushi Sakuraba.
Kazushi Sakuraba takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a series of punches but Kazushi Sakuraba avoids them all with ease.
Kazushi Sakuraba is looking to chop away at Kazushi Sakuraba's legs.
Kazushi Sakuraba misses with a series of wild punches.
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown but Kazushi Sakuraba sprawls well. He's pushed Kazushi Sakuraba's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kazushi Sakuraba plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Kazushi Sakuraba rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kazushi Sakuraba moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots in looking for a takedown but Kazushi Sakuraba manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kazushi Sakuraba's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a head kick but Kazushi Sakuraba moves out of range.
Kazushi Sakuraba attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a left and a right that both miss

and Kazushi Sakuraba counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Kazushi Sakuraba.

Kazushi Sakuraba working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kazushi Sakuraba doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kazushi Sakuraba manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Kazushi Sakuraba trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Kazushi Sakuraba drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Kazushi Sakuraba dives on top into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to pass the guard but Kazushi Sakuraba is keeping the position.
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to sweep but no luck.
Kazushi Sakuraba wants to control from the top but Kazushi Sakuraba keeps moving.

Kazushi Sakuraba gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a series of strikes that have Kazushi Sakuraba backpedaling.
Kazushi Sakuraba misses with a takedown attempt - Kazushi Sakuraba sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kazushi Sakuraba shoots in looking for a takedown. Kazushi Sakuraba tries to sprawl out of it but Kazushi Sakuraba keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kazushi Sakuraba manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Kazushi Sakuraba shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Kazushi Sakuraba showed some decent athleticism there.

Kazushi Sakuraba is defending against the submission attempts here by Kazushi Sakuraba.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kazushi Sakuraba moves into full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kazushi Sakuraba pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kazushi Sakuraba is keeping the position for now.
Kazushi Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kazushi Sakuraba preventing the sweep.
Kazushi Sakuraba with a flurry of punches that miss.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kazushi Sakuraba looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kazushi Sakuraba is one step ahead there.
Kazushi Sakuraba throws a big right hand that misses.

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 Kazushi Sakuraba.
Well Kazushi Sakuraba has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 28:29
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 28:29
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kazushi Sakuraba!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Kazushi Sakuraba waved his t-shirt featuring Valhalla Fight Wear's logo in front of the cameras.