Post by The Sandmen on Oct 4, 2015 17:20:58 GMT -5
Miku Matsumoto is beating herself up in the corner before the fight begins, smacking herself in the face, body and legs to get ready for her scrap.
Katja Kankaanpää looks like she's feeling the pressure.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
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Round 1
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The bell announces the first round!
Kankaanpää tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Kankaanpää is clinching with Matsumoto.
Miku Matsumoto pushes away Kankaanpää trying to keep the fight at striking range
Kankaanpää doesn't want to break the clinch as she still is grappling with Miku Matsumoto
The fighters are clinching.
Katja Kankaanpää pushes away Matsumoto trying to keep the fight at striking range
Matsumoto doesn't want to break the clinch as she still is grappling with Katja Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Miku Matsumoto pushes away Kankaanpää trying to keep the fight at striking range
Kankaanpää stumbles backwards and Miku Matsumoto circles to get the center of the cage
Katja Kankaanpää circles around Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Matsumoto may be in trouble!
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto shows great balance while pushing away Katja Kankaanpää
Nice punches from Katja Kankaanpää.
Matsumoto staggers backwards. Kankaanpää wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
Miku Matsumoto launches a body shot
Kankaanpää dodges and catches her with a hard cross.
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää looks to pass to mount...
Kankaanpää slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Miku Matsumoto.
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Miku Matsumoto
Matsumoto tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Katja Kankaanpää doesn't want to lose her adventageous position and she struggles to mantain the full mount.
Miku Matsumoto gets sloppy and Katja Kankaanpää tries to take advantage...
Kankaanpää fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle she catches Miku Matsumoto's arm and tries an armbar!
Matsumoto holds her own hand and with pure strength she breaks Matsumoto's lock. She rolls over herself and launches over Katja Kankaanpää.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto looks to mount Katja Kankaanpää...
Katja Kankaanpää sees an opening and locks her opponent in half guard.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to close the guard.
Kankaanpää put Miku Matsumoto in closed guard.
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to escape from closed guard...
Kankaanpää waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Miku Matsumoto! She is reversed and nor Katja Kankaanpää is on half guard!
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää isolates Miku Matsumoto's left arm looking for an armbar...
Kankaanpää is locking that armbar...
Miku Matsumoto manages to sit up and pull her arm out of danger! Katja Kankaanpää lost her dominant position.
The clock says 2:25 in the 1 round
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to move to full mount
Matsumoto succeeds
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää is using some of her ground skills to escape from this...
Miku Matsumoto pushes Katja Kankaanpää down and prevents her attempts to escape
Matsumoto is trying to counter now!
Matsumoto fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle she catches Katja Kankaanpää's arm and tries an armbar!
Kankaanpää holds her own hand and with pure strength she breaks Kankaanpää's lock. She rolls over herself and launches over Miku Matsumoto.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
Miku Matsumoto attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Miku Matsumoto manages to switch to half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Kankaanpää is countered by Miku Matsumoto.
Kankaanpää misses a step and Miku Matsumoto sees an opportunity to counter her!
Matsumoto switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Kankaanpää struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Bone shattering straight right hand from Katja Kankaanpää!
Matsumoto is going to have a big headache after that blow!
The clock says 3:15 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
Katja Kankaanpää circles around Matsumoto
Kankaanpää studies her opponent looking for a hole in her defense.
Katja Kankaanpää takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Terrible one sided match... Matsumoto was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto goes down.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto
Matsumoto throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Katja Kankaanpää realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Kankaanpää decides to go after her opponent and jumps inside Matsumoto's guard.
Matsumoto did not see that coming! Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto now.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää tries to pass to half guard...
Miku Matsumoto can't prevent her opponent from passing. Kankaanpää looks to work from half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää tries to get a side mount...
She frees her leg and is now controlling Matsumoto from the side mount!
The clock says 4:45 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Katja Kankaanpää looks to pass to mount...
Matsumoto creates space and scrambles back to her feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Tremendous strikes from Kankaanpää!
Some big punches are landing!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 2
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The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Kankaanpää moves backwards and Miku Matsumoto is asking her if she came today for fighting or running.
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto has a high cardio that helps her make great performances.
Matsumoto tries to jump to side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää jumps and show some wrestling skills as she positions herself for continuing the fight in side control.
The clock says 0:40 in the 2 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Matsumoto tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Matsumoto misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Katja Kankaanpää looks to posture up and open Miku Matsumoto's guard...
Miku Matsumoto has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää tries to improve her position on the ground as she sits on her knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Matsumoto leans and gets Katja Kankaanpää's arms as she brings her to the ground again.
Kankaanpää misses a step and Miku Matsumoto sees an opportunity to counter her!
Miku Matsumoto overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Kankaanpää pulls her arm out of danger.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää tries to improve her position on the ground as she sits on her knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Matsumoto leans and gets Katja Kankaanpää's arms as she brings her to the ground again.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Matsumoto is holding Katja Kankaanpää's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Katja Kankaanpää loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Deep breaths from Katja Kankaanpää who tries a hammer punch to Matsumoto's ribs.
That hit Matsumoto who moves on the ground in order to protect herself
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Matsumoto pulls her arm out of danger.
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to jump to side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää closed her guard around Miku Matsumoto.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto looks to mount Katja Kankaanpää...
Katja Kankaanpää takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Matsumoto
She is not able to do it
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto moves on the ground
Matsumoto cannot take advantage in the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto tries to finish with a leg lock!
Kankaanpää is able to break the lock.
Matsumoto clumsily fails here and it's time for Katja Kankaanpää to fight back!
Kankaanpää reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Matsumoto blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto isolates Katja Kankaanpää's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Katja Kankaanpää is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
Kankaanpää is trying to counter now!
Katja Kankaanpää throws up a triangle attempt!
Miku Matsumoto postures up and breaks the triangle.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Quick hook by Katja Kankaanpää
Good shot! Matsumoto has reasons to be worried.
Miku Matsumoto is measuring Kankaanpää with her jab.
Good accuracy on her part.
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää breaths deeply while on the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää... she fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Kankaanpää rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of her own she escapes.
Matsumoto misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Kankaanpää throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Miku Matsumoto realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Miku Matsumoto. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Katja Kankaanpää is measuring Matsumoto with her jab.
Good accuracy on her part.
The clock says 4:10 in the 2 round
Miku Matsumoto fires an unorthodox punch to Kankaanpää's torso
that goes wide.
Kankaanpää decides to launch some tentative punches
Katja Kankaanpää takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Hard blow to Matsumoto's mid-section, she seems hurt
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 4:40 in the 2 round
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää... she fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Kankaanpää rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of her own she escapes.
Back to the beginning! Katja Kankaanpää is standing now.
The clock says 4:50 in the 2 round
Kankaanpää is standing while Matsumoto is on the ground on her back
Katja Kankaanpää creates space and allows Miku Matsumoto to stand up.
Matsumoto climbs to her feet and is standing now.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Kankaanpää is the winner of this round.
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Round 3
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The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Kankaanpää wants to take the fight to her advantage and tries to clinch.
Kankaanpää moves forward and holds Matsumoto
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kankaanpää gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Kankaanpää blocks Miku Matsumoto's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Matsumoto tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää tries to better her position on the ground...
Matsumoto holds Katja Kankaanpää's head against her chin in the closed guard.
Matsumoto tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Miku Matsumoto isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Kankaanpää blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Matsumoto's guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää tries to free her leg...
She moves to side mount!
The clock says 1:05 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
Miku Matsumoto attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Miku Matsumoto manages to switch to half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää pushes Matsumoto's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Matsumoto rolls and she's now on half guard over Katja Kankaanpää. Nice reversal.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries an armbar from the bottom!
Miku Matsumoto breaks the lock and moves herself to side control.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää is cooling the fight on the ground
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto won't budge, forcing Kankaanpää to pull guard.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Kankaanpää clumsily fails here and it's time for Miku Matsumoto to fight back!
Miku Matsumoto tries to pass Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Miku Matsumoto manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
BJJ! That is what must be passing through Matsumoto's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää sits up and gets an arm around Matsumoto's neck!
Matsumoto pushes Katja Kankaanpää back to the ground.
The clock says 2:20 in the 3 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 2:25 in the 3 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Miku Matsumoto!
The clock says 2:30 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Miku Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Matsumoto breaks the lock showing some skills...
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto goes down.
The clock says 2:45 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto
Matsumoto tries to close her guard around Kankaanpää
She succeeds!
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Matsumoto tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää!
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Nice beating Katja Kankaanpää has received.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Katja Kankaanpää gets her hip out and moves to full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Kankaanpää struggles and pushes her opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Kankaanpää tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
She successfully moves to half guard!
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Kankaanpää pushes Miku Matsumoto forward against her back and breaks the lock!
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Matsumoto tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää!
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did she do that intentionally?
Herb Dean didn't see that!
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Matsumoto catch Katja Kankaanpää's left arm and tries a kimura
Katja Kankaanpää holds her own arm and struggles until she gets free
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 4:45 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto won't budge, forcing Kankaanpää to pull guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Matsumoto blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Kankaanpää's guard.
Matsumoto is trying to counter now!
Matsumoto tries to escape from the closed guard
Matsumoto succeeds and she's now in open guard... she takes a second to breathe
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
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Round 4
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The clock says 0:10 in the 4 round
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto won't budge, forcing Kankaanpää to pull guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto breaths deeply while on the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries an armbar from the bottom!
Miku Matsumoto breaks the lock and moves herself to side control.
Matsumoto is trying to counter now!
Matsumoto launches a kick to Kankaanpää's thigh
Loud pop!
The clock says 0:40 in the 4 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to escape from the closed guard
Miku Matsumoto any adventage in the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Matsumoto seems hesitant as if she would give the initiative to her opponent.
Miku Matsumoto jabs at Kankaanpää
to no visible effect.
Kankaanpää tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Nice punches from Katja Kankaanpää.
Even nicer blocks from Matsumoto.
Katja Kankaanpää fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Low kick by Miku Matsumoto to maintain her distance.
That hits Katja Kankaanpää's ankle
Kankaanpää moves backwards and Miku Matsumoto is asking her if she came today for fighting or running.
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 1:40 in the 4 round
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Matsumoto struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Matsumoto is trying to counter now!
Miku Matsumoto pushes Katja Kankaanpää against the fence and then tries to improve her position.
Matsumoto jumps and tries to free her leg! Kankaanpää doesn't allow this but Miku Matsumoto is able to get half guard here.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to move to full guard
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto tries to free her leg
Miku Matsumoto uses some of her skill by jumping out of Kankaanpää's guard. She moves quickly to side mount!
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Nice beating Miku Matsumoto has received.
Miku Matsumoto goes for an americana!
Kankaanpää breaks free.
Matsumoto misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto moves on the ground
Matsumoto cannot take advantage in the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Matsumoto
She succeeds!
The clock says 2:45 in the 4 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Matsumoto blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Kankaanpää's guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Stand up! This is what Matsumoto's cornermen are shouting. Katja Kankaanpää is a submission master and she can finish the fight if you mess with her on the ground.
Deep breaths from Katja Kankaanpää who tries a hammer punch to Matsumoto's ribs.
Matsumoto blocks those punches
Matsumoto tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Matsumoto launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Kankaanpää is covering herself! Matsumoto tries to force the situation and Kankaanpää clumsily gives her back!
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kankaanpää and Matsumoto circle around the center of the cage.
Kankaanpää pushes Miku Matsumoto and moves away from her. She seems to be recovering her breath.
Miku Matsumoto paws at Kankaanpää.
Kankaanpää swings ineffectively.
Crisp uppercut by Matsumoto followed by a hard jab
Kankaanpää deflects the blows.
Kankaanpää launches a furious low kick!
Matsumoto blocks.
Kankaanpää grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Matsumoto struggles... Katja Kankaanpää is unable to take her down
Poorly executed technique. Miku Matsumoto looks to counter!
Tremendous strikes from Matsumoto!
Some big punches are landing!
There is a small laceration on Katja Kankaanpää's Chin
Kankaanpää grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Matsumoto struggles... Katja Kankaanpää is unable to take her down
Matsumoto wants to take the fight to her advantage and tries to clinch.
Matsumoto moves forward and holds Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to shrug her way out of the clinch.
Matsumoto is determined to work from the clinch. She pummeled through and managed to retain her position.
The fighters are clinching.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to holds Miku Matsumoto in a clinch against the fence
Matsumoto escapes from the clinch before Katja Kankaanpää could keep her in place
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 4:50 in the 4 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää looks to mount Miku Matsumoto...
Katja Kankaanpää slides her knee across and gets to mount.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That round was a toss up.
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Round 5
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The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The two exchange wildly
Matsumoto is connecting with a few punches
Katja Kankaanpää goes with a looping right hand while Miku Matsumoto jumps back and jabs
Kankaanpää only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
The clock says 0:45 in the 5 round
Good leg kicks from Katja Kankaanpää.
Matsumoto winces a bit.
Shovel hook by Miku Matsumoto
tags Kankaanpää.
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto shows great balance while pushing away Katja Kankaanpää
Poorly executed technique. Miku Matsumoto looks to counter!
Solid shot from Miku Matsumoto to the body.
Kankaanpää didn't like that.
The clock says 1:25 in the 5 round
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto breaths deeply while on the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to jump to side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää closed her guard around Miku Matsumoto.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto hooks Kankaanpää's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Katja Kankaanpää manages to kick Matsumoto away and scrambles on top!
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto
Miku Matsumoto gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Kankaanpää spins out, but Miku Matsumoto was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Kankaanpää is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Miku Matsumoto. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Matsumoto launches a hook to the body
Bang! Kankaanpää stops that one with her ribs!
A left hook from Kankaanpää
grazes the chin of Matsumoto.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Miku Matsumoto jumps backwards and frees her leg.
Kankaanpää clumsily fails here and it's time for Miku Matsumoto to fight back!
Low kick by Miku Matsumoto to maintain her distance.
That hits Katja Kankaanpää's ankle
Katja Kankaanpää fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Matsumoto blocks that. It was easy!
Katja Kankaanpää fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Matsumoto blocks and pushes her opponent.
Kankaanpää clumsily fails here and it's time for Miku Matsumoto to fight back!
Matsumoto is holding Katja Kankaanpää's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Katja Kankaanpää loses balance and goes to the ground.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Stand up! This is what Matsumoto's cornermen are shouting. Katja Kankaanpää is a submission master and she can finish the fight if you mess with her on the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard.
Miku Matsumoto keeps control and remains in side mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to show some ground skills
Matsumoto uses her strength to keep Matsumoto at a disadvantage
The clock says 3:20 in the 5 round
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to show some ground skills
Matsumoto uses her strength to keep Matsumoto at a disadvantage
Matsumoto tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Miku Matsumoto looks to pass to mount...
Matsumoto slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Katja Kankaanpää.
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kankaanpää pushes Miku Matsumoto and moves away from her. She seems to be recovering her breath.
The clock says 4:05 in the 5 round
Kankaanpää steps backwards and lowers her arms while breathing heavily... She seems tired.
Kankaanpää moves forward looking for some action
She surprises Matsumoto with a double overhooks!
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Kankaanpää pushes Miku Matsumoto and moves away from her. She seems to be recovering her breath.
Solid low kick from Miku Matsumoto.
For sure, that had to hurt!
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto loses balance and goes to the ground.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
Winner is Katja Kankaanpää by Split decision
Statistics: Miku Matsumoto
Punches 20/27 (74%)
Kicks 4/4 (100%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 7/7 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 14/14 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 805 s
Statistics: Katja Kankaanpää
Punches 25/47 (53%)
Kicks 3/5 (60%)
Clinch strikes 0/3 (0%)
Takedowns 6/14 (43%)
GnP strikes 1/2 (50%)
Submissions 13/13 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 795 s
A tale of 2 fights. Fight 1 – Katja dominated. Fight 2 – Miku dominated. Apparently the judges think Gojira, I mean Katja dominated longer, better, or more effectively. I think it was almost exactly dead even. And I think the reason the fight spun around so dramatically was Katja became notably more fatigued as the fight fought on.
Katja Kankaanpää looks like she's feeling the pressure.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Herb Dean.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
Kankaanpää tries some clinching in order to control the fight...
Well done. Kankaanpää is clinching with Matsumoto.
Miku Matsumoto pushes away Kankaanpää trying to keep the fight at striking range
Kankaanpää doesn't want to break the clinch as she still is grappling with Miku Matsumoto
The fighters are clinching.
Katja Kankaanpää pushes away Matsumoto trying to keep the fight at striking range
Matsumoto doesn't want to break the clinch as she still is grappling with Katja Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Miku Matsumoto pushes away Kankaanpää trying to keep the fight at striking range
Kankaanpää stumbles backwards and Miku Matsumoto circles to get the center of the cage
Katja Kankaanpää circles around Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää just won't stop and continues to rain punches
Matsumoto may be in trouble!
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto shows great balance while pushing away Katja Kankaanpää
Nice punches from Katja Kankaanpää.
Matsumoto staggers backwards. Kankaanpää wants to finish this and continues launching bombs!
Miku Matsumoto launches a body shot
Kankaanpää dodges and catches her with a hard cross.
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto loses balance and goes to the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää looks to pass to mount...
Kankaanpää slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Miku Matsumoto.
The clock says 1:30 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Miku Matsumoto
Matsumoto tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Katja Kankaanpää doesn't want to lose her adventageous position and she struggles to mantain the full mount.
Miku Matsumoto gets sloppy and Katja Kankaanpää tries to take advantage...
Kankaanpää fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle she catches Miku Matsumoto's arm and tries an armbar!
Matsumoto holds her own hand and with pure strength she breaks Matsumoto's lock. She rolls over herself and launches over Katja Kankaanpää.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto looks to mount Katja Kankaanpää...
Katja Kankaanpää sees an opening and locks her opponent in half guard.
The clock says 1:50 in the 1 round
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to close the guard.
Kankaanpää put Miku Matsumoto in closed guard.
The clock says 2:00 in the 1 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to escape from closed guard...
Kankaanpää waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Miku Matsumoto! She is reversed and nor Katja Kankaanpää is on half guard!
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää isolates Miku Matsumoto's left arm looking for an armbar...
Kankaanpää is locking that armbar...
Miku Matsumoto manages to sit up and pull her arm out of danger! Katja Kankaanpää lost her dominant position.
The clock says 2:25 in the 1 round
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to move to full mount
Matsumoto succeeds
The clock says 2:35 in the 1 round
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää is using some of her ground skills to escape from this...
Miku Matsumoto pushes Katja Kankaanpää down and prevents her attempts to escape
Matsumoto is trying to counter now!
Matsumoto fakes a few punches and after a brief struggle she catches Katja Kankaanpää's arm and tries an armbar!
Kankaanpää holds her own hand and with pure strength she breaks Kankaanpää's lock. She rolls over herself and launches over Miku Matsumoto.
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
Miku Matsumoto attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Miku Matsumoto manages to switch to half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Kankaanpää is countered by Miku Matsumoto.
Kankaanpää misses a step and Miku Matsumoto sees an opportunity to counter her!
Matsumoto switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Kankaanpää struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
The clock says 3:05 in the 1 round
Bone shattering straight right hand from Katja Kankaanpää!
Matsumoto is going to have a big headache after that blow!
The clock says 3:15 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
Katja Kankaanpää circles around Matsumoto
Kankaanpää studies her opponent looking for a hole in her defense.
Katja Kankaanpää takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
Terrible one sided match... Matsumoto was not ready to fight a fighter of Katja Kankaanpää caliber.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto goes down.
The clock says 4:15 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto
Matsumoto throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Katja Kankaanpää realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Kankaanpää decides to go after her opponent and jumps inside Matsumoto's guard.
Matsumoto did not see that coming! Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto now.
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää tries to pass to half guard...
Miku Matsumoto can't prevent her opponent from passing. Kankaanpää looks to work from half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää tries to get a side mount...
She frees her leg and is now controlling Matsumoto from the side mount!
The clock says 4:45 in the 1 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
The fight was awfully one sided. Matchmakers should take this into account for future fights.
Katja Kankaanpää looks to pass to mount...
Matsumoto creates space and scrambles back to her feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Tremendous strikes from Kankaanpää!
Some big punches are landing!
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 2 round
Kankaanpää moves backwards and Miku Matsumoto is asking her if she came today for fighting or running.
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto has a high cardio that helps her make great performances.
Matsumoto tries to jump to side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää jumps and show some wrestling skills as she positions herself for continuing the fight in side control.
The clock says 0:40 in the 2 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Matsumoto tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Matsumoto misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Katja Kankaanpää looks to posture up and open Miku Matsumoto's guard...
Miku Matsumoto has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää tries to improve her position on the ground as she sits on her knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Matsumoto leans and gets Katja Kankaanpää's arms as she brings her to the ground again.
Kankaanpää misses a step and Miku Matsumoto sees an opportunity to counter her!
Miku Matsumoto overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Kankaanpää pulls her arm out of danger.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää tries to improve her position on the ground as she sits on her knees and tries to break the closed guard.
Matsumoto leans and gets Katja Kankaanpää's arms as she brings her to the ground again.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Matsumoto is holding Katja Kankaanpää's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Katja Kankaanpää loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 1:25 in the 2 round
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Deep breaths from Katja Kankaanpää who tries a hammer punch to Matsumoto's ribs.
That hit Matsumoto who moves on the ground in order to protect herself
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
Matsumoto pulls her arm out of danger.
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to jump to side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää closed her guard around Miku Matsumoto.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto looks to mount Katja Kankaanpää...
Katja Kankaanpää takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Matsumoto
She is not able to do it
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto moves on the ground
Matsumoto cannot take advantage in the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto tries to finish with a leg lock!
Kankaanpää is able to break the lock.
Matsumoto clumsily fails here and it's time for Katja Kankaanpää to fight back!
Kankaanpää reaches under and rolls for a kneebar!
Matsumoto blocks the attempt and uses the opportunity to seize half guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto isolates Katja Kankaanpää's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
Katja Kankaanpää is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
Kankaanpää is trying to counter now!
Katja Kankaanpää throws up a triangle attempt!
Miku Matsumoto postures up and breaks the triangle.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:00 in the 2 round
Quick hook by Katja Kankaanpää
Good shot! Matsumoto has reasons to be worried.
Miku Matsumoto is measuring Kankaanpää with her jab.
Good accuracy on her part.
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää breaths deeply while on the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää... she fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Kankaanpää rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of her own she escapes.
Matsumoto misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Kankaanpää throws her legs up in a triangle attempt!
Miku Matsumoto realizes the danger and stands up to avoid the attack.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Miku Matsumoto. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Katja Kankaanpää is measuring Matsumoto with her jab.
Good accuracy on her part.
The clock says 4:10 in the 2 round
Miku Matsumoto fires an unorthodox punch to Kankaanpää's torso
that goes wide.
Kankaanpää decides to launch some tentative punches
Katja Kankaanpää takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Hard blow to Matsumoto's mid-section, she seems hurt
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 4:40 in the 2 round
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää... she fakes a move and then tries a kneebar!
Kankaanpää rolls on the ground trying to get free and after a few kicks of her own she escapes.
Back to the beginning! Katja Kankaanpää is standing now.
The clock says 4:50 in the 2 round
Kankaanpää is standing while Matsumoto is on the ground on her back
Katja Kankaanpää creates space and allows Miku Matsumoto to stand up.
Matsumoto climbs to her feet and is standing now.
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
Kankaanpää is the winner of this round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 3 round
Kankaanpää wants to take the fight to her advantage and tries to clinch.
Kankaanpää moves forward and holds Matsumoto
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
Kankaanpää gets double underhooks and looks for the takedown...
Kankaanpää blocks Miku Matsumoto's knee and hits a perfectly executed knee tap! Nice move.
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Matsumoto tries to roll on the ground!
Katja Kankaanpää uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää tries to better her position on the ground...
Matsumoto holds Katja Kankaanpää's head against her chin in the closed guard.
Matsumoto tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Miku Matsumoto isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Kankaanpää blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Matsumoto's guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää tries to free her leg...
She moves to side mount!
The clock says 1:05 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
Miku Matsumoto attempts to trap Katja Kankaanpää in her guard.
Miku Matsumoto manages to switch to half guard.
Katja Kankaanpää is in half guard over Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää pushes Matsumoto's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Matsumoto rolls and she's now on half guard over Katja Kankaanpää. Nice reversal.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries an armbar from the bottom!
Miku Matsumoto breaks the lock and moves herself to side control.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää is cooling the fight on the ground
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto won't budge, forcing Kankaanpää to pull guard.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Kankaanpää clumsily fails here and it's time for Miku Matsumoto to fight back!
Miku Matsumoto tries to pass Katja Kankaanpää's guard...
Miku Matsumoto manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to move to full guard
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
BJJ! That is what must be passing through Matsumoto's mind right now. Nobody wants to stay long in that position with a submission artist like Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää sits up and gets an arm around Matsumoto's neck!
Matsumoto pushes Katja Kankaanpää back to the ground.
The clock says 2:20 in the 3 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää is taking this opportunity to rest.
The clock says 2:25 in the 3 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is in closed guard... Kankaanpää tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Miku Matsumoto!
The clock says 2:30 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in full mount over Miku Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Matsumoto breaks the lock showing some skills...
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto goes down.
The clock says 2:45 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto
Matsumoto tries to close her guard around Kankaanpää
She succeeds!
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Matsumoto tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää!
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Nice beating Katja Kankaanpää has received.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Katja Kankaanpää gets her hip out and moves to full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to keep hs position while looking to maybe begin a pounding session...
Kankaanpää struggles and pushes her opponent maybe a bit anxiously
Poorly executed technique. Katja Kankaanpää looks to counter!
Kankaanpää tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
She successfully moves to half guard!
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto shifts to north-south position and tries to finish with a lock!
Kankaanpää pushes Miku Matsumoto forward against her back and breaks the lock!
Katja Kankaanpää is in closed guard over Matsumoto
Kankaanpää is in closed guard... Matsumoto tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää!
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Matsumoto is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did she do that intentionally?
Herb Dean didn't see that!
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Matsumoto catch Katja Kankaanpää's left arm and tries a kimura
Katja Kankaanpää holds her own arm and struggles until she gets free
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Herb Dean stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 4:45 in the 3 round
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto won't budge, forcing Kankaanpää to pull guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Matsumoto blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Kankaanpää's guard.
Matsumoto is trying to counter now!
Matsumoto tries to escape from the closed guard
Matsumoto succeeds and she's now in open guard... she takes a second to breathe
Herb Dean tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
Close round. It could go to either fighter.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
The clock says 0:10 in the 4 round
Katja Kankaanpää tries to bring the fight to the ground
Matsumoto won't budge, forcing Kankaanpää to pull guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto breaths deeply while on the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries an armbar from the bottom!
Miku Matsumoto breaks the lock and moves herself to side control.
Matsumoto is trying to counter now!
Matsumoto launches a kick to Kankaanpää's thigh
Loud pop!
The clock says 0:40 in the 4 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to escape from the closed guard
Miku Matsumoto any adventage in the ground.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio) are cheering for the fighters.
Matsumoto seems hesitant as if she would give the initiative to her opponent.
Miku Matsumoto jabs at Kankaanpää
to no visible effect.
Kankaanpää tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Nice punches from Katja Kankaanpää.
Even nicer blocks from Matsumoto.
Katja Kankaanpää fakes a punch and shows some footwork moving aside.
Low kick by Miku Matsumoto to maintain her distance.
That hits Katja Kankaanpää's ankle
Kankaanpää moves backwards and Miku Matsumoto is asking her if she came today for fighting or running.
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
The clock says 1:40 in the 4 round
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää switches to high guard just before trying to sink a triangle!
Matsumoto struggles and her head turns red from the choke, but she manages to slip her head of the lock!
Matsumoto is trying to counter now!
Miku Matsumoto pushes Katja Kankaanpää against the fence and then tries to improve her position.
Matsumoto jumps and tries to free her leg! Kankaanpää doesn't allow this but Miku Matsumoto is able to get half guard here.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to move to full guard
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in half guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto tries to free her leg
Miku Matsumoto uses some of her skill by jumping out of Kankaanpää's guard. She moves quickly to side mount!
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Nice beating Miku Matsumoto has received.
Miku Matsumoto goes for an americana!
Kankaanpää breaks free.
Matsumoto misses a step and Katja Kankaanpää sees an opportunity to counter her!
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard.
Katja Kankaanpää manages to switch to full guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto moves on the ground
Matsumoto cannot take advantage in the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to close her guard around Matsumoto
She succeeds!
The clock says 2:45 in the 4 round
Miku Matsumoto is in closed guard over Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää isolates an arm in a kimura attempt!
Matsumoto blocks the hold and uses the opportunity to pass Kankaanpää's guard.
Miku Matsumoto is in half guard over Kankaanpää
Stand up! This is what Matsumoto's cornermen are shouting. Katja Kankaanpää is a submission master and she can finish the fight if you mess with her on the ground.
Deep breaths from Katja Kankaanpää who tries a hammer punch to Matsumoto's ribs.
Matsumoto blocks those punches
Matsumoto tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Matsumoto launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Kankaanpää is covering herself! Matsumoto tries to force the situation and Kankaanpää clumsily gives her back!
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kankaanpää and Matsumoto circle around the center of the cage.
Kankaanpää pushes Miku Matsumoto and moves away from her. She seems to be recovering her breath.
Miku Matsumoto paws at Kankaanpää.
Kankaanpää swings ineffectively.
Crisp uppercut by Matsumoto followed by a hard jab
Kankaanpää deflects the blows.
Kankaanpää launches a furious low kick!
Matsumoto blocks.
Kankaanpää grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Matsumoto struggles... Katja Kankaanpää is unable to take her down
Poorly executed technique. Miku Matsumoto looks to counter!
Tremendous strikes from Matsumoto!
Some big punches are landing!
There is a small laceration on Katja Kankaanpää's Chin
Kankaanpää grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Matsumoto struggles... Katja Kankaanpää is unable to take her down
Matsumoto wants to take the fight to her advantage and tries to clinch.
Matsumoto moves forward and holds Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to shrug her way out of the clinch.
Matsumoto is determined to work from the clinch. She pummeled through and managed to retain her position.
The fighters are clinching.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to holds Miku Matsumoto in a clinch against the fence
Matsumoto escapes from the clinch before Katja Kankaanpää could keep her in place
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto loses balance and goes to the ground.
The clock says 4:50 in the 4 round
Katja Kankaanpää is in side mount over Miku Matsumoto
Katja Kankaanpää looks to mount Miku Matsumoto...
Katja Kankaanpää slides her knee across and gets to mount.
The ref stops the action. The round is over.
That round was a toss up.
=========================================
Round 5
=========================================
The two exchange wildly
both landing but without much steam behind the shots.
The two exchange wildly
Matsumoto is connecting with a few punches
Katja Kankaanpää goes with a looping right hand while Miku Matsumoto jumps back and jabs
Kankaanpää only hits air and the subsequent exchange is fruitless.
The clock says 0:45 in the 5 round
Good leg kicks from Katja Kankaanpää.
Matsumoto winces a bit.
Shovel hook by Miku Matsumoto
tags Kankaanpää.
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto shows great balance while pushing away Katja Kankaanpää
Poorly executed technique. Miku Matsumoto looks to counter!
Solid shot from Miku Matsumoto to the body.
Kankaanpää didn't like that.
The clock says 1:25 in the 5 round
Matsumoto fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Katja Kankaanpää didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto breaths deeply while on the ground
Miku Matsumoto is in open guard over Kankaanpää
Matsumoto tries to jump to side mount.
Katja Kankaanpää closed her guard around Miku Matsumoto.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Miku Matsumoto hooks Kankaanpää's left leg and sits back for a kneebar!
Katja Kankaanpää manages to kick Matsumoto away and scrambles on top!
Katja Kankaanpää is in open guard over Matsumoto
Miku Matsumoto gets an arm and tries to apply an armbar. Kankaanpää spins out, but Miku Matsumoto was ready for that and quickly switches to a triangle choke!
Kankaanpää is too good and managed to back out of danger.
Herb Dean halts the fight to stand up Miku Matsumoto. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Matsumoto launches a hook to the body
Bang! Kankaanpää stops that one with her ribs!
A left hook from Kankaanpää
grazes the chin of Matsumoto.
Katja Kankaanpää tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
Miku Matsumoto jumps backwards and frees her leg.
Kankaanpää clumsily fails here and it's time for Miku Matsumoto to fight back!
Low kick by Miku Matsumoto to maintain her distance.
That hits Katja Kankaanpää's ankle
Katja Kankaanpää fakes a move and launches a nice uppercut
Matsumoto blocks that. It was easy!
Katja Kankaanpää fakes a move and launches a liver kick!
Matsumoto blocks and pushes her opponent.
Kankaanpää clumsily fails here and it's time for Miku Matsumoto to fight back!
Matsumoto is holding Katja Kankaanpää's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Katja Kankaanpää loses balance and goes to the ground.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Stand up! This is what Matsumoto's cornermen are shouting. Katja Kankaanpää is a submission master and she can finish the fight if you mess with her on the ground.
Katja Kankaanpää attempts to trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard.
Miku Matsumoto keeps control and remains in side mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to show some ground skills
Matsumoto uses her strength to keep Matsumoto at a disadvantage
The clock says 3:20 in the 5 round
Miku Matsumoto is in side mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Kankaanpää tries to show some ground skills
Matsumoto uses her strength to keep Matsumoto at a disadvantage
Matsumoto tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Miku Matsumoto looks to pass to mount...
Matsumoto slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Katja Kankaanpää.
The clock says 3:30 in the 5 round
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Miku Matsumoto is in full mount over Katja Kankaanpää
Katja Kankaanpää tries to roll to her side and trap Miku Matsumoto in her guard...
Miku Matsumoto keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Herb Dean has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Kankaanpää pushes Miku Matsumoto and moves away from her. She seems to be recovering her breath.
The clock says 4:05 in the 5 round
Kankaanpää steps backwards and lowers her arms while breathing heavily... She seems tired.
Kankaanpää moves forward looking for some action
She surprises Matsumoto with a double overhooks!
The fighters size each other up in the center of the cage.
Kankaanpää pushes Miku Matsumoto and moves away from her. She seems to be recovering her breath.
Solid low kick from Miku Matsumoto.
For sure, that had to hurt!
These two fighters are showing each other a ton of respect.
Kankaanpää is holding Miku Matsumoto's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Miku Matsumoto loses balance and goes to the ground.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
Winner is Katja Kankaanpää by Split decision
Statistics: Miku Matsumoto
Punches 20/27 (74%)
Kicks 4/4 (100%)
Clinch strikes 1/1 (100%)
Takedowns 7/7 (100%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 14/14 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 805 s
Statistics: Katja Kankaanpää
Punches 25/47 (53%)
Kicks 3/5 (60%)
Clinch strikes 0/3 (0%)
Takedowns 6/14 (43%)
GnP strikes 1/2 (50%)
Submissions 13/13 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 795 s
A tale of 2 fights. Fight 1 – Katja dominated. Fight 2 – Miku dominated. Apparently the judges think Gojira, I mean Katja dominated longer, better, or more effectively. I think it was almost exactly dead even. And I think the reason the fight spun around so dramatically was Katja became notably more fatigued as the fight fought on.