PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Tokugawa Kazunari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and AL Lickertwat (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kazunari kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is The Seeker. Tokugawa Kazunari has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kazunari
vs
Lickertwat

160 cm
29
143 lbs
18 - 5 - 0

175 cm
27
147 lbs
14 - 7 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

TWGC Champion
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Hellbent

Milwaukee's Best 160 SALE $140

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Tokugawa Kazunari!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, AL Lickertwat!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, John Mangel and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lickertwat listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Lickertwat fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Lickertwat pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A big left from Lickertwat misses.
Kazunari swings for the body but Lickertwat moves out of range.
Lickertwat looks to throw the jab but Kazunari is out of range.
AL Lickertwat seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lickertwat looks to throw the jab but Kazunari is out of range.
Lickertwat bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kazunari's head.
Lickertwat throws a push kick but Kazunari slaps the foot to one side.
Kazunari takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Jab, jab by Lickertwat - just one landing.
Lickertwat misses with a kick to the body.
Lickertwat jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
A slow jab from Lickertwat misses its intended target.
Kazunari misses with a low kick.
Lickertwat ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Lickertwat keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kazunari is looking to chop away at Lickertwat's legs.
Lickertwat keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Lickertwat blocks a low kick nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lickertwat explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Lickertwat.
Lickertwat lands a jab to the nose.
Kazunari throws a front kick aimed at Lickertwat's knee but Lickertwat avoids it well.
Kazunari dodges the punch combination from Lickertwat.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Lickertwat.
Kazunari throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Lickertwat misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kazunari.
Lickertwat will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Lickertwat slips a straight right by Kazunari.
Lickertwat misses with a few strikes there.
Kazunari tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Lickertwat is able to avoid easily.
Lickertwat loads up on a big right hand but Kazunari slips the punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Lickertwat misses with an uppercut.
Lickertwat scores with a jab to the head.
Lickertwat lands a jab to the head.
Kazunari with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kazunari connects with a body shot.
Lickertwat has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice defenses there by Kazunari.
Lickertwat lands a glancing blow to the side of Kazunari's head.
Lickertwat shoots in for a takedown but Kazunari shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Tokugawa Kazunari has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of AL Lickertwat.
Lickertwat misses with a series of wild punches.
Kazunari keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kazunari.
Nice sprawl there from Kazunari as Lickertwat shoots in.
Kazunari throws a low kick but Lickertwat moves out of range easily.
Kazunari shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Lickertwat slips under a jab from Kazunari.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Lickertwat misses with an uppercut

so Kazunari counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

Lickertwat had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kazunari defends it easily.
Kazunari won't allow Lickertwat to sweep him here.
Kazunari working some strikes from top position.
Kazunari tries to free his leg and advance position but Lickertwat is retaining full guard.
Kazunari throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lickertwat works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Lickertwat seems keen to control Kazunari's posture.
Lickertwat wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kazunari tries to free his leg and advance position but Lickertwat is retaining full guard.
Lickertwat wants to sweep here but Kazunari controlling him for the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lickertwat looking to control.
Kazunari controlling from the top position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
A slow jab from Lickertwat misses its intended target.
Lickertwat plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Kazunari fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Lickertwat checks it well.
Kazunari takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kazunari fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lickertwat manages to avoid it.
Lickertwat misses with a hook. Kazunari ducked under it nicely.

Kazunari shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Lickertwat is trying to control but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but AL Lickertwat will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Lickertwat misses the jab.
Kazunari throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lickertwat swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kazunari throws a nice looking combination but Lickertwat bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kazunari shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Lickertwat, right into the meat.
Kazunari fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Lickertwat.
Kazunari takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Lickertwat throws a half hearted mid kick.
Lickertwat scores with a nice head shot.
Lickertwat fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kazunari manages to avoid it.
Lickertwat scores with a sloppy right hand. Kazunari should have avoided that one.
Kazunari motions for Lickertwat to come forward. Kazunari throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

Lickertwat shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Lickertwat showed some decent athleticism there.
Lickertwat prevents Kazunari from improving his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lickertwat thows a huge punch but Kazunari dodges it nicely.
Lickertwat not doing much here.
Lickertwat lands strikes from half guard.
Lickertwat not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Lickertwat is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Lickertwat passes to full mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat looking to land elbow strikes but Kazunari uses the position to regain half guard.
Lickertwat missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Lickertwat not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Lickertwat wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kazunari keeps working.
Kazunari wants to improve his position but Lickertwat is controlling well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Kazunari actively working from the bottom here.
Lickertwat takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari trying to hold on to Lickertwat's head to control him but Lickertwat postures up.
Kazunari is not content to let Lickertwat control the position.
Lickertwat throwing shots but Kazunari is blocking nicely.
Kazunari is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Lickertwat scores with a couple of nice shots.
Kazunari regains full guard. Nicely done.
Lickertwat throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kazunari works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Lickertwat passes into half guard.
Lickertwat is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Lickertwat thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kazunari's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari is trying to control but can't.
Lickertwat lands strikes from half guard.
Lickertwat has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Lickertwat throwing shots but Kazunari is blocking nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kazunari is trying to get back to full guard.
Lickertwat slips a nice elbow through Kazunari's hands, connecting with Kazunari's forehead.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Lickertwat connects with a nice short shot to Kazunari's temple.
Kazunari tries to get to full guard but Lickertwat has control of the leg.
Lickertwat lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
AL Lickertwat has got the better of the ground game so far.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lickertwat wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kazunari keeps working.
Kazunari might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Lickertwat sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Kazunari defending well though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

AL Lickertwat showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Lickertwat feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kazunari's calf.
Kazunari uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lickertwat.
Lickertwat throws the left hand but Kazunari avoids the punch easily.
A clash of legs there as Lickertwat blocks the low kick.
Lickertwat swings for the body but Kazunari moves out of range.
Kazunari misses with a series of wild punches.
Jab by Lickertwat.
Kazunari finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
AL Lickertwat seems to be getting the better of the standup.
An inside leg kick lands from Kazunari.
Kazunari ducks under a wild hook from Lickertwat.
Lickertwat throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Lickertwat misses with a lunging right hand

and Kazunari counters with a takedown into side control.
Lickertwat is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Kazunari off and has taken his back!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Even with his hooks in, Lickertwat manages to miss with strikes from the back.
Kazunari tries to escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lickertwat controls the action.
Lickertwat scores with punches and elbows.
Lickertwat loading up with punches from the back mount - how long can Kazunari hold on?

Lickertwat tightening his grip on Kazunari, looking for the choke.

Lickertwat goes for a risky armbar from back mount and it's not paid off. Kazunari escapes and is now in half guard on top.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari prevents Lickertwat from improving his position.
Lickertwat is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Lickertwat moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lickertwat controls Kazunari momentarily but Kazunari frees himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari throws a big right hand that misses.
Kazunari throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kazunari lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Kazunari trying to control the position from guard on top but Lickertwat is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lickertwat is trying to keep Kazunari in close.
Lickertwat is trying to hold Kazunari in close to prevent damage but Kazunari has managed to pass into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari is trying to control. Lickertwat wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kazunari thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Lickertwat's head.
Lickertwat is trying to get back to full guard.
Kazunari throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Lickertwat controlling the position well.
Lickertwat is not content to let Kazunari control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lickertwat punching from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

AL Lickertwat really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kazunari throws a hook but Lickertwat blocks it.
Lickertwat throws a lazy right hand but Kazunari sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Lickertwat throws a lazy head kick

and Kazunari counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Lickertwat's guard now.
Kazunari stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lickertwat swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kazunari is working hard here to advance position.
Lickertwat is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Lickertwat looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lickertwat keeping moving, preventing Kazunari from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kazunari in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kazunari wants to control from the top but Lickertwat keeps moving.
Kazunari with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kazunari trying to control but Lickertwat is working from the bottom.

Lickertwat is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kazunari defends well.
Kazunari postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Kazunari's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat 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.

Lickertwat is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kazunari is aware though and is defending well.
Kazunari throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lickertwat works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Lickertwat not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Lickertwat can't keep his opponent in guard - Kazunari advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Lickertwat looking for submissions off his back.
Kazunari missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat wants to improve his position but Kazunari is controlling well.
Kazunari thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Kazunari working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Lickertwat wants to improve his position but Kazunari is controlling well.
Lickertwat makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Lickertwat.
Kazunari controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Lickertwat working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Lickertwat working a defensive guard here.
Kazunari throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Lickertwat is pulling down on Kazunari's head to control his posture.
Lickertwat looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kazunari is one step ahead there.
Lickertwat seems keen to control Kazunari's posture.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kazunari postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tokugawa Kazunari had his way with AL Lickertwat in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Kazunari will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
A big right from Kazunari misses.
Lickertwat looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Lickertwat looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Kazunari is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Lickertwat's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Lickertwat's back!
Lickertwat trying to control but not successfully.
Lickertwat is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Kazunari connects with a big shot to the side of Lickertwat's head.
Lickertwat rolls, trying to escape but Kazunari keeps control of the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kazunari lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Lickertwat.
Kazunari struggling to keep hold of the position.
Kazunari keeps control of the position as Lickertwat tries to break free.
Kazunari throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Lickertwat rolls, trying to escape but Kazunari keeps control of the position.
Lickertwat just trying to survive but Kazunari is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Lickertwat tries to escape the position.
Lickertwat wants to control his opponent's hands but Kazunari gets his hands free.
Tokugawa Kazunari has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari punches Lickertwat on the ear.
Kazunari is hanging on to Lickertwat's back as he tries to escape.
Kazunari looking to soften up his opponent with punches.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Lickertwat trying to control the position but Kazunari manages to sink in the hooks.
Kazunari missing with strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kazunari is trying to stick to Lickertwat's back but Lickertwat is turning into Kazunari. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Kazunari's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Lickertwat.

Kazunari is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Lickertwat defends well.

Kazunari looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lickertwat is in close to Kazunari's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Lickertwat trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Lickertwat trying to control but Kazunari is working from the bottom.
Kazunari looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Lickertwat throws a big right hand that misses.
Lickertwat is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Kazunari keeping moving, preventing Lickertwat from controlling successfully.
Kazunari looking to hit a scissor sweep but Lickertwat is one step ahead there.
AL Lickertwat is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kazunari working a defensive guard here.
Lickertwat showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Lickertwat lands a couple of elbows.
Lickertwat trying to control the position from guard on top but Kazunari is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lickertwat is working Kazunari over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Kazunari working for a triangle but Lickertwat defends it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to AL Lickertwat.
Well Lickertwat 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Winston Howard scores the fight 46:49
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 46:49
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... AL Lickertwat!
AL Lickertwat is the new bantamweight champion!
A very excited looking AL Lickertwat made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.