PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kupal Kupalogs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Janathan Ho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ho is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by War Music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Kupalogs
vs
Ho

190 cm
27
220 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

185 cm
26
205 lbs
7 - 9 - 1

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent knees
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kupal Kupalogs!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Janathan Ho!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Tatsuya Matsuyama and Yukihiro Shimada.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ho tries to clinch but Kupalogs is having none of it.

Kupalogs fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Ho to the ground. Kupalogs is now in Ho's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Kupalogs trying to control the position from guard on top but Ho is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kupalogs is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Kupalogs trying to control the position from guard on top but Ho is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Kupal Kupalogs has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Kupalogs fails with the takedown.

Kupalogs shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Ho is trying to defend but Kupalogs finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Ho is not content to let Kupalogs control the position.
Kupalogs stalling away here and it's allowed Ho to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kupalogs prevents Ho from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kupalogs distracts Ho with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Ho had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kupalogs defends it easily.
Kupalogs trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Kupalogs 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.
Kupalogs stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ho swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kupalogs throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kupalogs is working Ho over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Ho throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Ho being controlled here, momentarily.
Kupalogs throws a big right hand that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs trying to control the position from guard on top but Ho is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kupalogs postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ho not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Ho escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kupalogs gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kupalogs landing with the ground and pound.
Kupalogs works over Ho with some ground and pound from guard.
Kupalogs scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kupalogs working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Ho wants to stand and escape but Kupalogs is having none of it.
Kupalogs in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ho keeping moving, preventing Kupalogs from controlling successfully.
Kupalogs forces his way into half guard.
Kupalogs throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kupalogs is trying to control. Ho wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Ho makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Ho.
Kupalogs tries to free his leg and advance position but Ho is retaining full guard.
Kupalogs in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ho can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kupalogs controls the pace.
Ho wants to stand up but Kupalogs is controlling him.
Kupalogs trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Ho keeping moving, preventing Kupalogs from controlling successfully.
Kupalogs works over Ho with some ground and pound from guard.
Kupalogs passes Ho's left leg - he's now in half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kupalogs prevents Ho from improving his position.
We've been hearing that Kupalogs has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Ho keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kupalogs wants to control but Ho is keeping him busy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kupalogs moves nicely into side control.
Kupalogs trying to control the action but Ho is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kupal Kupalogs dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kupalogs fails with the takedown.
Ho throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kupalogs's waist but Kupalogs gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ho off to one side.
Kupalogs will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ho looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ho misses with a head kick.
Ho scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.

It looks like Kupal Kupalogs has been cut.
Ho lands a head kick. Kupalogs smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Kupalogs looks for a takedown but Ho sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kupal Kupalogs. That's going to take a lot out of him.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ho throws a nice inside leg kick.
Ho keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kupalogs.
Kupalogs takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ho wants to clinch.

Ho fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kupalogs to the ground. Ho is now in Kupalogs's guard.
Ho trying to control but Kupalogs is working from the bottom.
Ho slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Kupalogs keeping moving, preventing Ho from controlling successfully.
Kupal Kupalogs overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Ho missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kupalogs 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 two minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Janathan Ho wasn't active enough on the ground.
Kupalogs fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Ho avoids it really well and circles away.
Ho shoots in for a double leg but Kupalogs sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kupalogs has his takedown stuffed
and Ho cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Ho pushes Kupalogs up against the cage in a clinch.
Kupalogs gets underhooks to prevent Ho's takedown attempt.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kupalogs has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ho after a bit of a struggle.
Ho is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

Ho jumps guard.
Kupalogs trying to control but Ho is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Ho trying to control the position.

Kupalogs avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kupalogs trying to control the position from guard on top but Ho is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Ho throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Kupalogs trying to control the position from guard on top but Ho is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've been informed that Ho has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Ho is trying to stand back up but Kupalogs is controlling him
Ho is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kupalogs scores with a couple of nice shots.
Ho is staying active underneath Kupalogs, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Ho blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kupalogs.
Kupalogs slips a nice elbow through Ho's hands, connecting with Ho's forehead.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ho tries to roll over but Kupalogs keeps him under control.
Kupalogs wants to control but Ho is keeping him busy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kupalogs working Ho over with strikes.
Kupalogs trying to control from Ho's half guard. Ho has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Janathan Ho showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Kupal Kupalogs's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Ho fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kupalogs misses with a takedown attempt - Ho sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Kupal Kupalogs is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Ho scores with a takedown into Kupalogs's guard.
Ho trying to control the position from guard on top but Kupalogs is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kupalogs is looking to stand up but Ho isn't so interested in that idea.
Ho trying to control the position from guard on top but Kupalogs is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ho stays in close to Kupalogs's body and controls the position.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Janathan Ho hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Ho wants to clinch up but Kupalogs keeps it at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horrible takedown by Ho or perhaps it was just good defense by Kupalogs which made him look bad.
Kupalogs throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ho's waist but Ho gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kupalogs off to one side.
Ho explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kupalogs.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kupal Kupalogs. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ho throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kupalogs's waist but Kupalogs gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ho off to one side.
Ho slaps away a takedown attempt from Kupalogs, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kupalogs keeps the fight on the outside.
Kupalogs is trying hard to land a takedown here. Ho sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Kupalogs avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nice sprawl there from Ho as Kupalogs shoots in.
Kupalogs keeps the fight on the outside.
Ho doesn't manage to clinch there - Kupalogs circles away.
Ho slaps away a takedown attempt from Kupalogs, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ho misses with a takedown attempt - Kupalogs sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Ho forces Kupalogs back against the cage and clinches.
Ho slowing the pace effectively.
Ho is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Kupalogs is defending well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kupalogs is looking to take this one to the mat.
Ho controlling the action here for a moment.

Ho ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Ho no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Ho is looking to stand up but Kupalogs isn't so interested in that idea.
Kupalogs works a leg free and moves into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ho keeps working.
Kupalogs working over Ho with some ground and pound. Ho looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Kupalogs seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Ho does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Ho gets full guard.
Ho working a defensive guard here.
Kupalogs preventing the sweep.
Ho has momentary wrist control but Kupalogs slips an elbow through the middle.
Kupalogs working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Ho's head.
Kupalogs wants to control from the top but Ho keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs throws a big elbow that misses.
Kupalogs passes into half guard.
Kupalogs is keen to just control but Ho is a slippery customer.
Kupalogs not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kupalogs stops Ho from getting back to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kupalogs wants to free his trapped foot but Ho is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kupalogs trying to control from half guard but Ho is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Janathan Ho just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Kupal Kupalogs's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kupalogs tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Ho swivels and escapes.
Kupalogs tries to score a power double leg takedown but Ho sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kupalogs somewhat.
Kupalogs has his takedown stuffed

so Ho counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kupal Kupalogs. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ho loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Ho decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Kupalogs tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Ho defends well and Kupalogs ends up having to push Ho into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

Ho breaks from the clinch.

Ho has closed the distance and engaged Kupalogs in a clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Ho breaks the clinch.
Kupalogs fails with the takedown.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Ho darts in looking for a takedown but Kupalogs gets double underhooks and turns Ho into the cage.

Ho has clasped his hands together around Kupalogs's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kupalogs tries to buck Ho off but Ho is having none of it.

Ho decides to stand back up.
Ho fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Ho fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kupalogs, pushing him back against the cage.
Kupalogs goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ho prevents it.

Ho turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Ho manages to end up in side control.
Kupalogs is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
You can see the frustration on Kupalogs's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs trying to remain calm as Ho controls from the top position.
Kupalogs is trying to improve his position.

Ho thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ho trying to control the position but Kupalogs is working away.
Kupalogs tries to improve position but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ho scores with punches from side control.
Kupalogs manages to get back to half guard.
Kupalogs is staying active underneath Ho, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kupalogs works his way to full guard. Good work.
Ho trying to stand up but can't free himself from Kupalogs's guard.
Kupalogs on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Kupalogs tries to get out of the position.
Kupalogs keeping moving, preventing Ho from controlling successfully.
Kupalogs looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Janathan Ho was stalling too much, according to the referee.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ho is defended easily by Kupalogs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kupalogs gets tackled into the cage by Ho. Ho maintains the clinch.
Ho unloads a knee to the mid-section. Kupalogs lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Ho can't break the clinch.

Ho is fighting off a takedown attempt but Kupalogs is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Ho to the mat. Ho regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kupalogs postures up in Ho's guard and throws a big left but Ho blocks it.
Kupalogs is working Ho over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ho avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ho wants to stand but Kupalogs is controlling the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kupalogs scoring with some ground and pound.
Ho not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Janathan Ho dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Kupal Kupalogs's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Ho tries for a takedown but Kupalogs sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kupalogs blocks a head kick by Ho.
No luck for Kupalogs with that takedown attempt.
Kupalogs shoots in looking for a takedown but Ho manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kupalogs's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Ho doesn't manage to clinch there - Kupalogs circles away.
Kupal Kupalogs seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kupalogs tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Ho swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kupal Kupalogs. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ho scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Kupalogs has a takedown stuffed.
Kupalogs takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Kupalogs stuffs the takedown.

Ho fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kupalogs to the ground. Ho is now in Kupalogs's guard.
Ho controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kupalogs keeping moving, preventing Ho from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kupalogs is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Kupalogs bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ho's guard.
Ho keeping full guard, as Kupalogs tries to pass.
Kupalogs stands up over Ho, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Kupalogs scoring with some ground and pound.
Kupalogs keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Ho's head.
Kupalogs working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kupalogs wants to control from the top but Ho keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ho throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Kupalogs throwing strikes but missing.
Kupalogs trying to control the position from guard on top but Ho is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kupalogs won't allow Ho to sweep him here.
Kupalogs throwing strikes from guard but Ho blocks nicely.

Kupalogs avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kupalogs forces his way into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs working the head and body with strikes.
Kupalogs is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Ho is looking to control Kupalogs's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Ho avoid being mounted?
Ho on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Kupalogs uses his free foot to push down on Ho's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Ho.
Ho tries to hold on but Kupalogs pushes him away.
Kupalogs postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Ho looks a forlorn figure.
Ho wants to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kupalogs looking to finish Ho with some ground and pound. This is bad for Ho!
Kupalogs working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ho wants to control but Kupalogs is having none of it.
A nice elbow there by Kupalogs.
Ho can't escape the position.
Kupalogs wants to control the pace but Ho is squirming around nicely.
Kupalogs pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kupalogs connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Kupal Kupalogs has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Janathan Ho is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kupalogs with shots to the head and body - Ho looks very uncomfortable down there.
Kupalogs lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Ho hang on?

And that's the end of the fight!
Kupal Kupalogs showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Ho 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 47:48
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 47:48
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Janathan Ho!
Janathan Ho bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.