PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Juji Gatame (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Xantos Aremis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gatame comes to the cage accompanied by Storm. The crowd seem to be enjoying Aremis's choice of entrance music: Infected Mushroom - Merlin. Xantos Aremis has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Gatame
vs
Aremis

186 cm
34
174 lbs
26 - 11 - 1

178 cm
30
178 lbs
18 - 8 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Pitt Nutrition 160Q@$199
Pearson Specter Litt

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Juji Gatame!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Xantos Aremis!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Paul Tew and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Aremis misses with a left hand

so Gatame counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Aremis is adopting a defensive guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Gatame's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Gatame content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gatame accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Aremis pulls Gatame in close to prevent any damage.
Gatame sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Aremis's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gatame thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Aremis's head.
Aremis keeps control of the position for the meantime.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gatame tries to pass the half guard into mount. Aremis knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Aremis avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gatame.
Gatame wants to control but Aremis is keeping him busy.
Aremis has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gatame is working away from the top position though.
Gatame passes to full mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Gatame with the ground and pound from mount.
Gatame lands a big elbow.
Aremis tries to lock up and control but Gatame gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Aremis is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Gatame throws a sloppy strike and Aremis uses the opportunity to reverse the position! A bit of a scramble here and Aremis has ended up in Gatame's guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Aremis trying to control but Gatame is working from the bottom.
Gatame is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Gatame has his foot on Aremis's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Aremis works his way back into a safe position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Aremis accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Gatame is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Aremis throws a big elbow that misses.
Gatame 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.
Gatame has Aremis pulled in close to control his posture.
Aremis must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Gatame is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Aremis is aware though and is defending well.
Aremis throws a big elbow that misses.
Aremis wants to control from the top but Gatame keeps moving.
Gatame wants to sweep here but Aremis controlling him for the moment.
Aremis trying to control but Gatame is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Aremis working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Aremis trying to control but Gatame is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Aremis misses with a hook.
Gatame uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Aremis.
Aremis misses with a body shot.
Aremis comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Gatame lands with a thumping leg kick.
Aremis's coach down at Cartel Muerte was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Aremis's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Gatame misses the jab.
It seemed like Aremis was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Xantos Aremis is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Gatame dives in and scores a takedown into Aremis's guard.
Gatame sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Aremis's guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Aremis regains full guard. Nicely done.
Aremis looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Aremis throws a hook to the side of Gatame's head but Gatame sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Gatame blocks a jab.
Gatame scores with a kick to the midsection.
Aremis throws a lazy right hand but Gatame sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Aremis throws a body shot but no joy.
Gatame lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Aremis throws a big shot that misses.
Aremis throws a right hand that misses
and Gatame counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Gatame takes one on the button.
Aremis uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Gatame.
Nice defenses there by Gatame.
A leg kick checked by Gatame.
Gatame avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Aremis has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Aremis there as he acknowledges the shot.
Aremis lands a leg kick that knocks Gatame off balance momentarily.
Aremis misses with an attempted mid kick.
Nice jab there from Gatame.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gatame misses with a looping right.
Aremis fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Gatame looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Gatame slips under a jab from Aremis.

Aremis gets caught napping as Gatame dives in and scores a takedown. Aremis manages to retain guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gatame postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Gatame content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Gatame is looking to advance position but Aremis has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Aremis looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Gatame is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Aremis can do to turn this around?
Aremis with the ground and pound from mount.
Gatame is working to get back to half guard.
Gatame is bucking up trying to escape but Aremis cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Gatame wants to control but Aremis is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gatame is looking to get to half guard.
Gatame is in a horrible position here. Aremis smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Gatame really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Aremis is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Gatame can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Gatame bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Aremis controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aremis keeping moving, preventing Gatame from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gatame trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Aremis is trying to keep Gatame in close.
Aremis keeping moving, preventing Gatame from controlling successfully.
Gatame passes into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Gatame is stalling here. Aremis is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Gatame seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Aremis has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Gatame is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Aremis lands a decent elbow from side control.
Gatame tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Aremis wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Aremis tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Gatame is not content to let Aremis control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Xantos Aremis will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action!

Gatame blocks a low kick nicely.
Aremis throws a big shot that misses.
Gatame slips a jab from Aremis.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Gatame.
Gatame looks for a takedown but Aremis sprawls well.
Gatame misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Aremis.
Aremis looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

Gatame closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Aremis's guard.
Aremis bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Gatame's guard.

Aremis postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Aremis working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Aremis throws a big right hand that misses.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gatame is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Gatame thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Aremis keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Gatame wants to take a breather but Aremis is having none of it.
Gatame thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Aremis's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gatame is trying to control. Aremis wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Gatame trying to pass the guard but Aremis defending well.
Aremis has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Gatame is working away from the top position though.
Gatame thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Gatame wants to pass to mount but Aremis is defending the position.
Gatame is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Aremis reverses the position - he's now on top in Gatame's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Aremis accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aremis not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Aremis got a little sloppy there for a moment and Gatame has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Aremis has managed to get both his arms back between Gatame's legs - danger averted.
Gatame is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Aremis scoring with some ground and pound.
Aremis throwing strikes from guard but Gatame blocks nicely.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

Gatame working for a triangle but Aremis defends it easily.
Aremis with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Aremis wants to control from the top but Gatame keeps moving.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
A chopping leg kick lands by Gatame.
A big right from Aremis misses.
Aremis fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Gatame.
Aremis pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Aremis's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Gatame connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Aremis scrambles back to his feet.
Aremis lands with a right hand.
Aremis is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Good leg kick by Gatame there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Gatame scoring well with a low kick there.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Gatame.
Gatame takes a body punch but keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Juji Gatame did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Aremis misses with a kick to the body
and Gatame counters with a straight right hand.
Gatame lands a nice leg kick that just misses Aremis's sensitive parts.
Aremis throws a nice inside leg kick.
A good leg kick by Gatame.
Gatame looks for the body kick but Aremis saw that one coming.
Aremis throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Gatame on the side of the head.
A head kick misses from Aremis.
Gatame throws a leg kick but Aremis moved away.
Aremis throws a jab but it's blocked by Gatame.
Aremis checks a low kick from Gatame.
Aremis throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Aremis looks to land a right hand but Gatame moved out of range.
Gatame pushes Aremis away with a front kick.
Xantos Aremis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Aremis waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Gatame.
Aremis looks to throw the jab but Gatame is out of range.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Aremis - that will leave a mark!
Gatame tests Aremis's chin there with a solid looking shot.
It looks like Gatame has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gatame blocks a leg kick.
Aremis misses with a hook
and Gatame counters with a straight right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gatame throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Aremis's waist but Aremis gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Gatame off to one side.
Aremis uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Gatame.
Gatame checks the leg kick.
Gatame tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Gatame steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Aremis.
Gatame avoids the head kick by Aremis.
Gatame does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Aremis throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Aremis drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Aremis looks to land a body kick but Gatame moved away.
Aremis takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A big left from Gatame misses.
Gatame is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Gatame fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Aremis checks it well.
And Aremis responds with a good body kick, but Gatame manages to step out the way in time.
Gatame lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Aremis is looking to slow Gatame down with leg kicks.
Gatame connects with a solid leg kick.

Gatame shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aremis pulls Gatame in close to prevent any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gatame trying to control the position from guard on top but Aremis is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gatame pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Aremis is keeping the position for now.
Gatame postures up.
Aremis tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Aremis keeping moving, preventing Gatame from controlling successfully.
Gatame is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aremis trying to keep a closed guard but Gatame is proving a slippery customer.
Gatame postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Gatame walks into a straight right hand from Aremis.
A good leg kick by Aremis.
Gatame staying out of range there.
Aremis on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Aremis swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Aremis keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nice uppercut lands for Gatame. That snapped Aremis's head back.
Aremis pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Gatame checks a leg kick.
Xantos Aremis seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Aremis throws a jab but it's blocked by Gatame.
Aremis scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gatame uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Aremis.
Gatame misses with a two punch combination.
Aremis's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Gatame pushes Aremis away with a front kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Aremis.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Aremis wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Aremis gets caught napping as Gatame dives in and scores a takedown. Aremis manages to retain guard.
Gatame throws an elbow that misses. Aremis uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Gatame's guard. Nice move by Aremis!

Gatame is trying to control the position but Aremis postures up.
Gatame is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Gatame prevents Aremis from improving his position.
Aremis holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Juji Gatame will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Gatame ducks under a wild hook from Aremis.
Aremis scores with a jab to the jaw.
Gatame shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Aremis defends it nicely.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Aremis! But no joy.
Gatame blocks the body kick.
Gatame moves out of range as Aremis strikes.
Gatame takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A slow jab from Aremis misses its intended target.
Gatame misses with a low kick.
Aremis connects with a crisp jab.
Aremis takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Aremis misses the shot to the body.
A shot to the liver by Gatame. Beautiful body shot.
Crunch! Aremis slams his shin into Gatame's torso.
Aremis swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Gatame drops his hands momentarily and Aremis takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gatame does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aremis moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Gatame avoids the body shot from Aremis.
Gatame uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Aremis.
Gatame throws a series of punches but Aremis moves out of range.
Aremis stuffs the takedown attempt from Gatame. Gatame gets slowly back to his feet.
Aremis moves out of range of the leg kick from Gatame.
Gatame lands with a kick to the ribs.
Aremis lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Gatame at a distance.
Gatame is looking to chop away at Aremis's legs.
Gatame moves out of range as Aremis throws a body kick.
Good exchange - Gatame coming out on top.
Aremis scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Aremis scores with a jab.
Aremis takes a swing at Gatame's ribcage but misses.
Aremis attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Gatame looks to throw the jab but Aremis is out of range.
Gatame uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Aremis.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aremis lands with a nice body punch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gatame moves away from the strike by Aremis.
Gatame throws a body punch but Aremis moves out of range.
Aremis uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Aremis lands with an uppercut that bounces Gatame off the cage and back into range.
Gatame tries to score a power double leg takedown but Aremis sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Gatame somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Juji Gatame. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Aremis looks to score with a jab to the body but Gatame is just out of range.
Gatame lands the left hand.
Gatame darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Aremis moves forwards but Gatame connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A nice inside leg kick there by Gatame. That's going to slow Aremis down.
Gatame shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Aremis stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Gatame.
Gatame throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Gatame takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aremis throws a looping overhand right but Gatame ducks down to avoid it.
Nice shot by Aremis.
Gatame avoids the body shot from Aremis.
Gatame feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Aremis's calf.
Aremis misses with a wild body shot.
Gatame throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Aremis sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Aremis ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gatame moves away.
Aremis throws a shot to the body.
Xantos Aremis has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Aremis takes one to the side of the head.
Gatame thows a left - swing and a miss!
Gatame misses with a takedown attempt - Aremis sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Aremis checks the leg kick nicely there.
Aremis misses with a body shot.
Gatame misses with a body kick.
Aremis takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Aremis swings for the body but Gatame moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gatame dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Aremis jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Gatame's corner calls for a 1-2. Gatame obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Aremis tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gatame bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Aremis takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Gatame shoots in for a takedown but Aremis shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A telegraphed right hand from Aremis misses the target.
Aremis throws a push kick but Gatame slaps the foot to one side.
Gatame misses with a low kick.
Aremis is looking to slow Gatame down with leg kicks.
Gatame takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Aremis stuffs the takedown attempt from Gatame. Gatame gets slowly back to his feet.
Good work by Gatame as he checks the leg kick.
Nice straight punches there by Gatame. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Gatame.
Gatame ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Aremis keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Xantos Aremis comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Gatame has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 48:47
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 48:47
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Juji Gatame!
Juji Gatame retains his welterweight title!
Juji Gatame bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.